Patient & Caregiver

The Cancer Care Team

The Cancer Care Team

It takes a team to better understand which treatment approach is best for which patient, as well as the type of follow-up care that is needed during and after treatment, and someone to help guide patients through it all.1

In addition to the oncologist who oversees care throughout the cancer course, several other oncologists specializing in different areas may also be involved, such as a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and/or surgical oncologist, to manage treatment.1,2 Other members of the cancer care team may include an oncology nurse, genetic counselor, dietician, social worker, mental health professional, financial counselor, and primary care physician.1-8

In recent years, institutions have also added oncology nurse navigators to the cancer care team to help guide you through the health care system and provide timely access to quality health and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer journey.9 These nurses are your advocate for care — they are available to answer any questions and address your concerns.9

References

  1. Fox Chase Cancer Center. Temple Health. Multidisciplinary Cancer Care: What it Means and Why it Matters. April 16, 2020. https://www.foxchase.org/blog/multidisciplinary-cancer-care-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters
  2. net. The Oncology Team. August 2020. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/cancer-basics/cancer-care-team/oncology-team
  3. Your Health Care Team: Understanding Their Roles. Last updated January 7, 2021. https://www.cancercare.org/publications/59-your_health_care_team_understanding_their_roles
  4. American Cancer Society. Health Professionals Associated with Cancer Care. Last reviewed August 7, 2019. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/choosing-your-treatment-team/health-professionals-associated-with-cancer-care.html
  5. National Cancer Institute. People in Health Care. Updated November 12, 2021. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/services/providers
  6. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Your Cancer Care Team. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/your-care-team
  7. net. How Your Primary Care Provider Can Help You Throughout Your Cancer Experience. <Arch 5, 2021. https://www.cancer.net/blog/2021-03/how-your-primary-care-provider-can-help-you-throughout-your-cancer-experience
  8. STAT News. Financial Counselors Help Patients Navigate Costly Care. June 7, 2017. https://www.statnews.com/2017/06/07/financial-counselors-hospitals/
  9. Oncology Nursing Society. Role of the Oncology Nurse Navigator Throughout the Cancer Trajectory. https://www.ons.org/make-difference/advocacy-and-policy/position-statements/ONN

All URLs accessed February 28, 2023.

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