Who is involved in your treatment?

Your treatment for cancer will require you to meet a number of doctors and other health professionals from different fields of medicine. They may include some of the following:

• a surgeon, who does breast surgery
• a medical oncologist, is a doctor who specialises in chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, as well as management of pain and other symptoms
• a radiation oncologist, is a doctor who specialises in radiotherapy management
• a radiation therapist, who is trained to deliver the radiotherapy prescribed by the radiation oncologist
• a breast care nurse, who specialises in caring for people after a breast cancer diagnosis and can provide information and support during treatment and recovery
• an oncology nurse, who specialises in administering chemotherapy and assists with radiotherapy
• a general practitioner
• a palliative care consultant, palliative care nurse and palliative care volunteers who specialises in providing support and symptom relief
• a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist, who specialise in providing support. They are also trained in treating anxiety and depression, and helping cope with pain
• a social worker, who specialises in providing support and helping organise practical and financial assistance
• a family cancer specialist, who can advise about genetic testing and cancer risk for your relatives. (If you have a strong family history)
• a dietitian, who specialises in providing information about diet
• an occupational therapist, who specialises in providing practical assistance
• a physiotherapist, who specialises in pain management and providing exercise programs
• a pastoral care/religious representative, who offers emotional and spiritual support (most hospitals have a Chaplaincy service).

Many patients find the large range of specialists to whom they may be referred confusing. Ask the members of your treatment team about their role in your care. You can also ensure that there is open communication between the members of your treatment team by asking them to send your medical information to relevant clinicians in your treatment team, including your general practitioner. At different times in the treatment of the cancer, different treatment team members may be the main co-ordinator of your care. This person may be your general practitioner, surgeon or oncologist or another member of your treatment team. This role will change over time, so it is important to ask, if you are unsure, about who to contact regarding any concerns.

If you live outside a major city, your general practitioner or surgeon may discuss your treatment on your behalf with a medical or radiation oncologist to avoid unnecessary travel. You may meet the oncologist if your region provides an outreach service. Travel to a major centre will be necessary for radiotherapy. Chemotherapy can commonly be provided where you live.

Useful questions

Below are some questions that you might find useful to ask your treatment team in order to establish the role of each member involved in your care:

• Who shall I call if I have a problem?
• Who should I contact out of regular hours if needed?
• Who will regularly review my health and any symptoms I have, such as pain?
• How often will I need to have follow-up?
• Does information about test results and treatment go to all treatment team members?
• Do my treatment team members regularly meet or discuss my progress via telephone calls or letters?
• Who can organise financial and practical support, should I need them?
• Who can advise me on practical issues related to sick leave etc?

Feeling comfortable with your treatment team

It is important that you feel comfortable with your treatment team and that you are getting the information and support you need. It may take some time to establish a good relationship with your treatment team members, and for them to understand your needs. It is important to let your treatment team know of any particular concerns and priorities. 

Obtaining a second opinion

You have the right to get a second opinion at any time. Having a second opinion can help clear up any questions, can help you decide which doctor you prefer to manage your treatment, and help you decide which course of treatment to follow.

Print this page