There may be many players on your cancer team helping to bring you the best of care. Here are some descriptions to help you understand the role they may play in your journey.

Family Practitioner—For initial diagnosis and future follow-ups as well as any medical issues that may arise separate from cancer treatments. It includes nurse practitioners and physicians in family practice, internal medicine, or pediatrics.

Breast Center and/or other Radiology/Nuclear Medicine therapists and staff—The breast center may complete the initial mammogram that may detect the disease, while radiology/nuclear medicine may use clarifying imaging such as PET scans, MRIs, or CT scans.

Medical Oncologist—Primary doctor throughout the cancer journey responsible for determining the type of treatment required, regimen, and course of chemotherapy as well as any additional procedures, tests, or medications needed. Responsible for referring patients to other multi-disciplinary team members as needed, following patients while under treatment and managing their care for an extended period of time afterwards.

Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner—Works closely with, and is an extension of, the medical oncologist in managing patients’ treatment regimens, side effects, pain, etc. in order to maintain continuity of care. Will continue to be involved in a patient’s care for an extended period of time following treatment.

Medical Oncology RN—Primarily responsible for caring for patients during administration of chemotherapy and addressing issues related to the infusion under the direction of the medical oncologist and nurse practitioner.

Radiation Oncologist—Primary doctor during radiation therapy. Typically referred by surgeon, specialist, or medical oncologist. Follows the patient throughout the treatment course and from one to three years afterwards on a periodic basis.

Radiation Oncology Nurse Practitioner—Works closely with, and is an extension of, the radiation oncologist in managing patients’ treatment courses, side effects, pain, etc. in order to maintain continuity of care. Will continue to be involved in a patient’s care on a follow-up basis for approximately one to three years afterwards.

Radiation Therapist—Responsible for the delivery of radiation to the patient on a daily basis.

Surgeon—Responsible for the surgical removal of the tumor and its surrounding area (margin). Will refer to medical or radiation oncologists or both following the outcome of the surgery. May also follow the patient for up to 1+ years afterwards.

Urologist—Doctor specializing in genitourinary diseases and issues, i.e., prostate, urinary incontinence, testicular, etc. Will act as the referring doctor to medical/radiation oncology for treatment.

OB/GYN—Doctor specializing in female reproductive issues. Will act as the referring doctor to medical/radiation oncology for treatment.

Pulmonologist—Doctor specializing in lung and/or respiratory issues. Referring MD to medical/radiation oncology for treatment to these areas.

Gastroenterologist/GI Specialists—Doctor specializing in the medical management of diseases/issues involving the stomach/intestines, colon, liver, pancreas, lower and upper GI areas, etc. Will act as the referring doctor to medical/radiation oncology for treatment to these areas.

Neurologist and/or Neurosurgeon—Doctor specializing in the medical management involving any neurological issue/disease of the central nervous system, the brain, etc. Based on signs and symptoms presented and results of subsequent testing, patient will undergo surgery and/or be referred to medical/radiation oncology for further consultation/treatment.

Dermatologist—Doctor specializing in the medical management for any issue relating to the skin.

Otolaryngologist/ENT—Doctor specializing in the medical management of diseases/issues involving the ears, nose, or throat, inclusive of the mouth and tongue. Will act as the referring doctor to medical/radiation oncology for treatment to this area based on presenting signs and symptoms, results of testing and/or surgery.

Social Worker—Assists with financial needs, insurance issues (inclusive of disability), case management, and alternative placement planning in addition to assisting with exploring options related to support services for the patient and/or family.

Cancer Navigator—Helps to assist the patient after the initial cancer diagnosis to acclimate, understand, and transition through their treatment course as smoothly as possible.

Case Management—Assigned, if needed, at the time of an admission to the inpatient floor to assist with navigating the care, initiation of discharge planning, and any short-term or long-term care afterwards inclusive of palliative care and hospice. You may be assigned two of these—one case manager through your insurer who will then work with the hospital case manager to check for coverage and help ensure you stay within your preferred provider group, if there is one.

Genetic Counselor—Specialized counselor who, if requested or referred, will evaluate the patient’s family health history and identify those at increased risk of cancer for the purpose of promoting awareness, early detection, and prevention.

Nutritionist/Dietician—Works with a patient to maintain an appropriate diet and fluid intake as well the prevention of abnormal weight loss.

Lymphedema Therapist—Physical therapist who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of lymphedema related to breast cancer.

PT/OT—Specialized team of individuals the patient may request or be referred to during or following treatment to retain the patient’s strength and activity tolerance with the mutual goal of improving the patient’s quality of life.

Integrative Medicine—Focuses on a holistic treatment plan, including evidence-based complementary therapies in addition to conventional care to help address symptoms related to cancer or side effects from treatment, especially pain, stress, fatigue, and nausea. This may include massage therapy, mind-body therapies like yoga and meditation, acupuncture, aromatherapy, and nutrition.

Palliative Care/Pain Management—Specialized team of individuals (MD’s, NP’s, RN’s, etc.) who help to alleviate symptoms and/or pain in anyone with a chronic illness.

Most important players on your team—family, friends, and your support system!

Open to Options™ supports you as you identify important questions about your cancer treatment options and concerns based upon your personal needs. Available at no cost, this service will help you generate a list of questions for your doctor, organize your questions to take with you to your appointment, and communicate clearly with your medical team. Contact Kirsten Norslien, Program Director at Gilda’s Club Madison, for a phone consultation at 608-828-8873.

Visit our resources by diagnosis for more information by cancer type.