Cancer treatment team

Treating cancer is complex and requires a number of specialists who form a healthcare team. Each specialist helps a patient with specific problems related to the cancer and its treatment.

The treatment team may include:

• a medical oncologist
• a radiation oncologist
• the patient's healthcare provider
• a surgeon
• oncology or cancer nurses
• social worker
• nutritionist
• physical therapist
• pharmacist and
• psychologist

A medical oncologist is a doctor who has received special training in the treatment of cancer. He or she sees patients after they have been diagnosed with cancer and often takes the role of team leader, who monitors all treatments and therapies and makes referrals to other specialists, as necessary.

Radiation oncologists are doctors who have additional training in the use of radiation therapy. When radiation therapy is required, the radiation oncologist determines the dosage and scheduling of treatments, manages side effects, and all other aspects of radiation therapy. A radiation technologist performs the radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy rays that cause tumors to shrink or be destroyed.

Surgeons are doctors who perform surgery to remove as much cancerous tissue as they can. Some surgeons specialize in operating on different areas of the body. For example, some surgeons only operate on the lungs. Brain surgeons usually only operate on the brain.

Oncology nurses are registered nurses specially trained and skilled in giving chemotherapy and nursing care to cancer patients. They monitor patients who receive cancer treatment in a hospital, or outpatient clinic, or at home.

Social workers help patients cope with the stress of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They provide information to the patient and family, help coordinate a patient's hospital discharge, and provide counseling services.

Nutritionists evaluate a patient's dietary needs and make special recommendations to meet those needs. Often, patients need the help of a nutritionist to learn how to get the calories and nutrients needed to maintain a healthy weight and fortify their immune system to fight the cancer, as well as, fight the side effects of the treatment and any infections that might develop.

Physical therapists help patients maintain muscle tone and adapt to any physical changes that occur because of cancer treatment. A physical therapist designs and supervises an appropriate exercise program for a cancer patient, and will perform passive exercises on a bedridden patient, when necessary.

Pharmacists prepare the medications used in cancer treatment. These medications include the drugs used in chemotherapy, as well as any other prescription drugs needed.

Psychologists help patients with any emotional problems that develop as a result of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Other specialists are consulted when problems occur as a result of cancer treatment. For example, a dermatologist might be needed when certain skin problems develop and a dentist might be needed for urgent dental care.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File CANC4285.RF2 VRS# 4285 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 2000, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.