Learn The BasicsPatients with breast cancer require a multidisciplinary care team.
This team may include a clinical oncologist, a medical oncologist, a pathologist, a radiologist, a surgeon, a therapeutic radiographer, a breast cancer nurse, a chemotherapy nurse and a research nurse.
Breast cancer patients may also need to see other specialists such as a fertility specialist, a geneticist, an oncoplastic surgeon, a physiotherapist, a pharmacist and a psychologist.
The clinical oncologist
Clinical oncologists are doctors who specialise in treating cancer with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. They play a key role in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
The medical oncologist
Medical oncologists are doctors who specialise in cancer drugs and also play a key role in the treatment of breast cancer, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. They can decide which chemotherapy drugs or drug combinations would be best in the treatment of a particular patient.
Medical oncologists can also help diagnose breast cancer and figure out whether amtreatment is working. They coordinate a patient’s care with other specialists, such as surgeons or oncology nurses.
The pathologist
A pathologist is a doctor who examines the tissue and cells removed during a biopsy or surgery and can help diagnose breast cancer as well as its type and stage.
The radiologist
A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in the use of X-rays, ultrasound and scans to diagnose as well as to treat breast cancer.
The surgeon
The primary approach in the treatment of breast cancer, especially in its early stages, is surgery. So, a surgeon plays a key role in the treatment of patients with breast cancer.
The therapeutic radiographer
A therapeutic radiographer, also sometimes called a radiation oncologist, is a healthcare professional who is trained to give radiotherapy to patients with cancer, including breast cancer.
The breast cancer nurse
A breast cancer nurse is a specialist nurse who can provide information and support for people who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
The chemotherapy nurse
A chemotherapy nurse is a specialist nurse who is trained to administer chemotherapy drugs.
They can help patients get ready for chemotherapy, manage the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, coordinate care with other members of the care team, and provide education about cancer.
The research nurse
A research nurse is another specialist nurse who can discuss a patient’s option of taking part in clinical trials that are testing new experimental drugs for breast cancer.
The fertility specialist
Cancer treatment can lead to irreversible infertility. A fertility specialist can discuss the fertility options patients have before they undergo cancer treatment, like egg freezing.
The geneticist
A geneticist can explain the genetic component of breast cancer, determine the type of cancer a patient has and decide which treatment options are best for that particular type. They can also help determine a patient’s risk of developing breast cancer in the future based on their family history.
The oncoplastic surgeon
An oncoplastic surgeon is a surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery and can help with reconstructive breast surgery following a mastectomy.
the physiotherapist
A physiotherapist can help improve mobility and function following surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. They can also offer education on lymphedema prevention strategies and perform a screening method known as lymphedema surveillance to improve outcomes.
The pharmacist
A pharmacist can help advise on and provide the chemotherapy drugs that are needed during chemotherapy for breast cancer.
The psychologist
Being diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as undergoing treatment and coping with the side effects of these treatments, can have a negative effect on patients’ mental health. Support from a psychologist can help during the journey.