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What type of healthcare professionals will you meet in your breast cancer journey?

The list below describes the roles of the different healthcare professionals you may encounter in your cancer journey. Not all breast cancer patients will need the services of every specialist listed here.

Doctors

Medical Oncologists

Mainly responsible for diagnosing and staging cancer, discussing treatment options, and overseeing the use of systemic treatments, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Your medical oncologist will typically work closely with a team of other healthcare professionals to provide personalized care and support throughout your treatment journey.
Thoracic Surgeons

Specialize in surgical procedures involving the chest. They work closely with other specialists in your cancer care team, evaluate if surgical intervention is appropriate for you, and surgically remove the tumor and affected lung tissues.
Interventional Pulmonologists

Often help diagnose and stage lung cancer, and are sometimes consulted for interventions that can help relieve symptoms, such as fluid build-up around the lungs.
Pathologists

Often work “behind the scenes”, examining tissues, fluid, or blood to provide valuable information about the type of lung cancer you might have, its stage, grade, and molecular features. This information helps guide treatment decisions.
Radiation Oncologists

Specialize in the use of radiation therapy, a targeted treatment that uses high-energy beams to destroy or shrink cancer tumors. They work closely with other doctors in your cancer care team to develop a personalized treatment plan, minimize side effects, and ensure the best possible outcomes for you.
Radiologists

Interpret imaging studies, such as chest X-rays, CT scans, PET scans and MRIs, and thus play a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and monitoring your response to treatment. Their expertise in interpreting your imaging studies helps guide your oncologist and other specialists with their treatment decisions.
Palliative Care Doctors

Focus on providing relief from symptoms, managing pain, addressing treatment side effects, and improving the quality of life not just for patients, but also for their families and caregivers. They can also help you when making difficult treatment decisions and can ensure that your own treatment goals and preferences are considered.
Psychiatrists (and Psychologists)

Help patients cope with the emotional impact of having lung cancer. They can provide counseling, therapy, and mental health support. For example, they can offer strategies to help you manage stress or address concerns related to body image, self-esteem, and relationships.

Allied Health Professionals

Oncology Nurse or Clinical Nurse Specialist

A clinical nurse specialist is a key member of the cancer care team, and provides support, information and advice during investigations, diagnosis and treatment.
Radiation Technologist

A technician who prepares patients for radiation therapy and operates the radiation equipment.
Dietitian or Nutritionist

A specialist that advises patients on what to eat to meet their dietary needs.
Rehabilitation Specialist (Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and Speech Therapist)

A specialist who can teach techniques that help address symptoms and treatment side effects, and improve quality of life.
Pharmacist

A person trained to prepare and dispense medications.
Medical Social Worker

A counsellor who helps people access practical resources, e.g. financial assistance, patient support groups and community programs.

Treatment of Lung Cancer

Treatment
of Lung Cancer

Treatment of Lung Cancer

Treatmentof Lung Cancer

Treatment
of Lung Cancer