Your multidisciplinary team
Each individual is unique; each person's cancer is different. You are the expert in your cancer experience. You and your healthcare team should work together to get the best possible care. Knowing who is on your team will make it easier to manage your treatment and find resources.
Medical oncologist
A physician trained to diagnose and treat cancer; specializing in the use of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy and other drugs; managing your care throughout course of disease in collaboration with other medical professionals.
Radiation oncologist
A physician specially trained to treat certain cancers using radiation therapies in collaboration with other medical professionals.
Primary care physician
A physician who co-manages your medical needs throughout your cancer journey and manages chronic conditions.
Surgeon
A physician who performs biopsies and surgeries.
Advanced-level practitioners
Advanced practical nurses and physician assistants who have additional education and training to diagnose and treat medical problems and prescribe medicine; may see you independently and help manage symptoms from treatment.
Nurse navigator
A nurse who advocates for you, helping translate medical information and making the overwhelming experience more manageable.
Nurses
A registered nurse cares for, educates and assesses you during each visit; completing specific training to administer systemic treatments.
Radiation therapist
An allied health professional trained to deliver radiation therapy with specialized equipment to a tumor.
Dosimetrist
A health professional certified to calculate doses of radiation and develop radiation treatment plans in coordination with the radiation oncologist.
Medical physicist
A medical professional who makes sure that the radiation machine delivers the right amount of radiation to the correct site in the body.
Financial counselor
A team member who reviews your insurance benefits and deductibles, identifies financial challenges, assists in applying for free medication and financial assistance, and in answering questions regarding billing.
Lab technician
An allied health professional who collects and analyzes blood specimens as directed by your physician.
Pharmacist
A professional responsible for preparing systemic treatments for on-site infusion clinic.
Registered dietitian
A team member who will help you develop a nutritional plan to optimize health and minimize side effects caused by cancer and cancer treatments.
Social worker
A social worker evaluates needs and connects you with resources within the community; acts as an advocate, providing information about lodging, transportation, home care services, financial assistance and referrals for additional care needs; helps with applications for Social Security disability, Medicaid, veteran’s benefits and other community benefits; support group information available from social work; provides emotional support.
Genetic counselor
A health professional who evaluates your family health history, talks about risk for inherited for cancer(s), as well as screening and management for those at increased risk. If genetic testing is indicated, the counselor tells you about the tests and helps you decide if testing would be useful.
Occupational/physical therapist
Allied health professionals who help you maximize physical performance and manage lymphedema side effects.
Palliative care provider
An advanced practice nurse who assesses and treats symptoms caused by a life threatening illness. The focus is physical comfort, pain reduction and emotional or spiritual support.
Clergy
A chaplain offering spiritual guidance and pastoral care to you and your family as requested.
Patient representative
A team member who obtains demographic and insurance information and schedules appointments for diagnostic testing, treatment and follow-up; routes phone calls and messages to the appropriate discipline.
Oncology data specialist
A health professional who collects cancer data to report to state and national cancer database.