Your cancer care team


Description

As part of your cancer treatment plan, you will likely work with a team of health care providers. Learn about the types of providers you may work with and what they do.

Oncologists

Oncology is the field of medicine that covers cancer care and treatment. A doctor who works in this field is called an oncologist. There are several types of oncologists. They may have titles based on who or what they treat. For instance, a pediatric oncologist treats cancer in children. A gynecologic oncologist treats cancer in women's reproductive organs.

Oncologists may also have titles based on the type of treatment they use. These oncologists include:

Other Cancer Care Providers

Other members of your cancer care team may include the following:

Working with Your Care Team

Each member of your care team plays an important role. But it may be hard to keep track of what each person does for you. Do not hesitate to ask someone what they do and how they will help you. This can help you understand your care plan better and feel more in control of your treatment.

References

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. Nutrition during and after cancer treatment. www.eatright.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/cancer/nutrition-during-and-after-cancer-treatment. Updated August 22, 2023. Accessed June 7, 2024.

American College of Radiology website. What is a radiologist? www.acr.org/Practice-Management-Quality-Informatics/Practice-Toolkit/Patient-Resources/About-Radiology. Accessed June 7, 2024.

Mayer RS. Rehabilitation of individuals with cancer. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 48.

National Cancer Institute website. Cancer genetics risk assessment and counseling (PDQ) - health professional version. www.cancer.gov/publications/pdq/information-summaries/genetics/risk-assessment-hp-pdq. Updated March 6, 2024. Accessed June 7, 2024.

National Cancer Institute website. People in health care. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/services/providers. Updated November 12, 2021. Accessed June 7, 2024.


Review Date: 3/31/2024
Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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