Your healthcare team

Treating cancer is a team effort

You are the most important member of the team, along with your family and friends.

Your healthcare team is a group of healthcare professionals who work to treat your cancer. They help you and your family:

manage the physical effects of cancer treatment
cope with the emotional effects of cancer treatment
find your way through the healthcare system

Together, you can work with your team to get the best care possible.

Getting to know your healthcare team

Dosimetrist

Uses the radiation oncologist’s instructions to plan the amount (dose) of radiation you will receive during radiation treatment. This is done using computer-based planning to make the treatment plan specific to you.

Medical oncologist

A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and supportive therapy.

Medical physicist

Checks the radiation therapy treatment plans for accuracy and makes sure the radiation equipment and radiation levels are safe.

Nurse

A nurse gives care in the hospital or at your home. Nurses often have the most contact with you and will answer questions, give medicine and provide emotional support.

Oncology nurses, radiation therapy nurses and oncology nurse practitioners have special training in caring for people with cancer.

Pathologist

A pathologist looks at samples of tissue taken from the body under a microscope to diagnose illness or see how cancer is being affected by the treatment.

Plastic surgeon

A plastic surgeon specializes in reconstructive surgery to reduce scarring or disfigurement or to improve appearance.

Pharmacist

A pharmacist prepares cancer drugs and other medications and explains how they work.

Physiotherapist or occupational therapist

A physiotherapist works with you to restore or maintain physical fitness. They can help when you have a hard time moving around or carrying out daily activities.

An occupational therapist may also help you return to work or modify your work activities while you have treatment or deal with side effects.

Psychiatrists and psychologists

Psychiatrists and psychologists are mental health specialists. They can help you and your family understand, manage and cope with feelings, thoughts, worries and behaviours.

Radiation oncologist

Specializes in the treatment of cancer using radiation. This member of your team develops your treatment plan.

Radiation therapist

Helps plan and deliver your treatment, as well as helping you manage your side effects.

Radiologist

A radiologist reads and interprets x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs and other imaging tests. This member of your team may also perform biopsies during special x-rays or ultrasounds.

Registered dietitian

A registered dietitian can answer your questions on diet and nutrition throughout your treatment and recovery.

Social worker

A social worker helps you and your family cope with the illness and its treatment. Social workers can provide or refer you to counselling, support groups, financial assistance and other resources.

Spiritual care worker

A spiritual care worker offers spiritual care, support and prayer according to your spiritual and religious needs.

Surgeon

A surgeon performs any biopsies (cells or tissues are removed from the body and examined to help with a diagnosis) or surgery that you may need.

Surgical oncologist

A surgical oncologist performs operations relating to cancer. For example, this doctor may take a biopsy, remove a tumour or put in a central line.

Your family doctor or general practitioner (GP) provides general, primary healthcare to you and your family. They play an important part in continuing your care, especially after your cancer treatments are over.

Last modified on: 26 October 2011