Our Oncology Team
Cancer treatment can be complicated, so you will see many different health care professionals throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The members of your health care team are trained to provide you with the best treatments and services available. They are dedicated to your health and well-being.
You are a full partner in your care as well. Keep the lines of communication with your team open. Remember, you are the expert on you. Tell your health care team your concerns, fears, and desires every step of the way. You have the right to have all of your questions answered as they arise and to be fully informed about your diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and long-term health outlook. You also have the right to be treated with sensitivity.
By understanding the role of each member of your health care team, and how they can help you, you will be able to participate more effectively in your care. The following professionals may be on your team:
Doctors
Surgeon
Once you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be referred to a surgeon. If surgery is needed to treat your cancer, your surgeon will remove as much cancerous tissue as possible. For some cancers, surgeons who specialize in the type of surgery that you need or the type of cancer that you have may provide better outcomes compared to a general surgeon.
Medical Oncologist
An oncologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment and prognosis of cancer. Often the lead member of your health care team, your medical oncologist will not only prescribe chemotherapy and other drug therapies, if needed, but will work with surgeons, radiation oncologists and other diagnostic and treatment specialists to design the most effective treatment plan.
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists are physicians who specialize in treating cancer using radiation therapy. Your radiation oncologist will determine the precise dose and placement of radiation you receive. You will also most likely undergo scans during the course of therapy to determine how well you are responding to treatment. Your radiation oncologist will interpret your scans.
Gynecological Oncologist
A gynecological oncologist is a specialist in the field of female reproductive cancers. Your gynecologic oncologists typically have the training in one specialty (OB/GYN) and then additional training in gynecologic oncology. They are able to oversee all aspects of a woman's treatment with gynecological cancers (surgery, chemotherapy, etc.). Your GYN oncologists are skilled in the methods of surgical staging and cytoreductive surgery, which can be crucial to the proper treatment of ovarian, uterine, cervical, and other gynecologic cancers.
Pathologist
Pathologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosis and classification of diseases by laboratory tests, microscopic examination and genetic evaluation.
Hematologist
Hematologists are physicians who specialize in the treatment and prognosis of blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Radiologist
Radiologists are physicians who specialize in directing medical imaging technologies to diagnose and sometimes treat diseases. Extensively trained, radiologists direct an array of imaging technologies (such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) nuclear medicine, and magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose or treat disease. Interventional radiology is the performance of (usually minimally invasive) medical procedures with the guidance of imaging technologies.
Interventional Radiologist
Interventional radiologists are physicians who specialize in minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed using imaging guidance. Interventional radiology procedures often replace open surgical procedures. They are generally easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions, less risk, less pain and shorter recovery times.
Patient Navigator
SCCC patient navigators actively guide patients through the health care system. Through one-on-one contact, the patient navigator has been trained to work with patients to help them solve problems and overcome barriers that might keep them from getting the care they need.
Learn more about our Oncology Patient Navigators located at both Centennial and Parkridge Medical Centers.
Oncology Nurse
Oncology Nurses demonstrate commitment and specialized knowledge in cancer patient care. The nurses in the cancer program place a strong emphasis on patient, family and community education. They work in consultation with oncologists to coordinate treatments, manage the plan of care and provide education.
Radiology Technologist
The acquisition of medical imaging is usually carried out by the radiographer or radiological technologist. A Radiology Technologist is a healthcare professional who creates medical images of the body to help health care providers diagnose and treat illness and injury. They work in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, nursing homes, and in private industry.
Radiation Therapist
Working under the supervision of a Radiation Oncologist, our highly skilled radiation therapists are responsible for the delivery of radiation treatments and provide you with care and support during the treatment process. They observe the clinical progress of patients undergoing radiation therapy and maintain daily patient records.
They also monitor you for any treatment-related reactions and report concerns to your radiation oncologist. Side effects can develop at any time, so be sure to check in with your radiation therapy nurse if you have any problems or concerns.
As a member of the radiation oncology team, dosimetrists calculate and plan your radiation doses. Radiation therapists position you for treatment and administer the radiation dose.
Psychiatrist & Psychologist
Cancer is often difficult for anyone to cope with. Psychiatrists and psychologists are specialists who can help if you have any emotional problems that develop as a result of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications if necessary. Both specialists can assist with counseling and other intensive treatment methods.
Social Worker
Your cancer diagnosis may be affecting your life in many ways. Social workers are available to help patients cope with the stress of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They provide counseling to both you and your and family, assist you in finding support groups or other cancer-related services, and often help coordinate a hospital discharge.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants help physicians by measuring your weight, blood pressure, and temperature. They will escort you to an exam room, and provide technical assistance with procedures.
Dieticians
Cancer and cancer treatment often make eating difficult. Some people lose weight or have trouble eating foods that provide the right energy. You may also have some other digestive woes such as nausea and vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.
Although you may be having appetite or digestive problems, your nutritional needs have not lessened. Dieticians evaluate your dietary needs and make special recommendations to help you get the calories and nutrients you need to maintain a healthy weight. Good eating also strengthens your immune system in its fight against cancer, the effects of treatment, and any infections that may develop.
Pharmacist
As an active partner in your treatment, the oncology pharmacist consults with your doctor or nurse about the medications and dosages that are right for you, as well as prepares and dispenses those drugs.
If you are receiving chemotherapy treatment, the oncology pharmacist ensures that your chemotherapy drugs are available and ready when you need them. If you are unable to tolerate a certain medication, he or she will consult with your oncologist about possible alternative medications.
Other Specialists
Often, other specialists are consulted when certain problems occur as a result of cancer treatment. For example, a dermatologist may be needed when certain skin problems develop and a dentist might be needed for urgent dental care.
About Sarah Cannon
