Depending on your type of breast cancer, treatment plan, and how you respond to treatment, a standard care team or a multidisciplinary team can include:
- Breast care nurse: This nurse is assigned to a patient once diagnosed with breast cancer. She will provide information and additional personalised support throughout the entire process.
- Breast surgeon: A breast surgeon may or may not be your first point of contact before an oncologist depending on your individual circumstances. Surgery can involve a lumpectomy, mastectomy, and lymph node removal, which may be followed immediately by reconstruction.
- Plastic surgeon: Depending on the type of reconstruction you have; a reconstructive plastic surgeon may carry out the surgery. For example, when having a ‘flap’ reconstruction.
- Medical oncologist: Specialises in cancer drug therapies; chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy.
- Chemotherapy nurse: Specialises in administrating chemotherapy drugs and provides support throughout the treatment.
- Radiation oncologist: If your treatment plan requires radiotherapy, you will usually see this specialist after you finish the course of chemotherapy. The number of radiotherapy sessions required is based on each patient.
- Pathologist: Collects and examines tissues and blood samples.
- Radiographer: Specialises in performing mammograms, x-rays, and a variety of other necessary scans.
*Some patients may not be offered a breast care nurse straight away. If this is the case for you, ask your treatment team to appoint one for you as soon as possible.
Additional team members
Not all patients will require every health care practitioner to be part of their team; depending on your diagnosis and current treatment plan, your care team may also include:
- Genetic counsellor: A specialist that may be recommended for you if you have a strong history of breast cancer in your family or test positive for a gene mutation.
- Fertility specialist: Provides advice and support about fertility preservation and possible pregnancy before, during, and after treatment.
- Exercise physiologist: Specialises in prescribing exercise plans to improve a patient’s quality of life, strength, overall health, and energy levels.
- Nutritionist/dietician: Provide advice regarding nutrition during and post-treatment, which can help to alleviate discomfort with treatment side effects.
- Lymphoedema practitioner/physiotherapist: Educates patients about the prevention and management of lymphoedema and may offer treatment.
- Psychologist, psychiatrist, or counsellor: These practitioners specialise in helping patients manage emotional responses to diagnosis and treatment.
- Hair loss advisor: Provides support during and after treatment regarding hair loss, i.e., cold-capping or wig fittings.
