Our Team Approach
A cancer care team is made up of many different health care professionals who work together to meet your needs. They are experienced in diagnosing and treating your type of cancer and include specialists in chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Members of your cancer care team are explained below.
Radiation Oncologists
As radiation oncologists, we are the physicians who plan and supervise radiation therapy treatments. We work with other members of a medical team to develop and customize a treatment plan specific to each patient's diagnosis. Radiation oncologists will also monitor the patient's progress during treatment. Other members of your cancer care team are defined below.
Medical Oncologists
The medical oncologist is often the lead member of your cancer care team. This physician is responsible for reviewing your medical history, conducting physical examinations, ordering lab tests, scans, and any other diagnostic tests that may be needed. This physician has knowledge of all aspects of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy and biological therapy. This physician may refer you to a radiation oncologist or a surgeon or any other specialist.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists administer the daily radiation treatment under the physician's prescription and supervision.
Surgeons
If you are having surgery, it will be highly individualized, depending on your type of cancer and its stage. You will have an office visit and physical exam with your surgeon before the day of surgery. Your surgeon will review your medical records, speak with you about your options, and may perform additional tests.
Hospitalists
If you are admitted as a patient to the hospital, you may be cared for by one or more hospitalists during your stay. A hospitalist is a board-certified physician who specializes in caring for patients while they are in the hospital. In addition to physicians, the hospitalist team includes physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). They are available around-the-clock to provide care to patients in the hospital.
Nurses
Nurses are trained to administer your medication and monitor side effects. It is important to know that whether you are staying in the hospital for care or receive it on an outpatient basis, you will benefit from seeking assistance, asking questions, or getting advice from your nurse. They will assess progress throughout treatment, explain how to manage side effects, provide continuous support during treatment, and can usually provide you with educational materials and support groups within the community.
Patient Navigator
The patient navigator provides social and emotional support to individuals who recently received a cancer diagnosis and their families. The patient navigator helps patients along their cancer journey by providing them, when necessary, with a wig, transportation and educational materials regarding their cancer.
Social Worker
Social workers offer a variety of support services to cancer patients and their families. They can provide counseling to help individuals cope with the diagnosis of cancer and the necessary treatment. They may also assist in arranging for home health care and other services.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists or dietitians work with patients to help them maintain their diet during cancer treatments. They help patients modify their eating plan if the side effects of treatment are affecting their appetite; and, will determine what the patient can eat, and can provide recipes, menu suggestions and information on ready-to-use nutritional supplements. Nutritionists address dietary issues and current developments that may affect cancer treatment outcomes.