noscript

Treatment of TNBC

Treatment
of TNBC

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.

Consultation & Diagnosis

TNBC Healthcare
  • Primary Care Physician1
    Breast cancer is often detected during an examination or a screening mammogram with your primary care physician, who may then refer you to a breast surgeon or medical oncologist. You may encounter them again later in your cancer journey, to help you in monitoring and managing your health, including any psychosocial issues you may have.
  • Radiologist1
    Radiologists and imaging technicians conduct tests to detect breast cancer, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or biopsies. They inform your referring physician of the results and recommended next steps.
  • Pathologist1
    You may not meet a pathologist in person, but this type of doctor examines breast tissue samples under a microscope and determine if the sample is cancerous.
    If cancer is detected, pathologists examine further to determine the type of cancer, stage, hormone receptor status, growth rate, and any other information that can help guide doctors in making decisions and mapping out your treatment plan.

Treatment Care

TNBC Healthcare
  • Surgical Oncologist2
    This doctor removes the breast tumour and any lymph nodes that may be involved. Sometimes, it may be necessary to remove all of the breast tissue.
  • Medical Oncologist2
    Medical oncologists focus on treating cancer systemically through chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. Typically, your medical oncologist will be your main guide throughout your cancer treatment journey. They will prescribe and administer your medications and help you cope with their side effects.
  • Radiation Oncologist2
    This doctor uses high-energy x-rays or other particles to treat breast cancer. Radiotherapy is often administered daily over a few weeks and can pose several side effects depending on where the radiation is directed. Your radiation oncologist or radiation technician can help you manage these side effects.
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon2
    A breast reconstruction specialist restores the shape of the breast after the cancer is surgically removed. If you are considering reconstructive surgery, discuss it with your doctor before your surgery to explore options that are appropriate for you.
  • Genetic Counsellor2
    In a small number of patients, breast cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations. The genetic counsellor evaluates a patient’s risks for a genetic link to cancer, how it relates to your treatment plan, and what it means for the other members of your family.
  • Oncology nurse1
    Oncology nurses serve as your companion in your cancer care journey, providing you support, information and advice as needed. They also help coordinate your needs with the different doctors taking care of you.

Supportive Care

TNBC Healthcare
  • Palliative Care Specialist1
    Palliative care specialists help manage side effects that you may be experiencing due to your treatment and optimize your quality of life.
  • Medical social worker1
    The medical social worker provides counselling and guidance on concerns such as financial matters and emotional distress and may help you find patient support groups and community resources.

1 WebMD. Breast Cancer Doctors and Specialists. https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/doctors-treat-breast-cancer [Accessed May 2023].
2 National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Understanding Your Breast Cancer Treatment Team. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/understanding-your-breast-cancer-treatment-team [Accessed April 2023].

SG-KEY-00667 MAY/2023
Icons 40+