Who is my multidisciplinary team?
Cancer impacts many aspects of your physical health and well-being, your mental health, and social aspects of your life.1 Receiving care from a team of experts from multiple disciplines will help ensure continuity of care, with consideration for your psychological and social needs on your journey through cancer diagnosis and treatment.2
Multidisciplinary, or team, care brings together a group of healthcare professionals with different skills to consider your treatment and care options. Together, they will develop the best care plan for you.3 This team approach can improve coordination of treatment and referral to services, as well as taking care of your emotional well-being.3
Which professionals are included in your multidisciplinary team will depend on the type of cancer you have, the treatment services you need, and the centre at which you are being treated. Your multidisciplinary team may include all or some of the members listed below.
Oncologist
An oncologist specialises in cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery;3 they will advise on the best treatment for your cancer and plan your medical care
Surgeon or surgical oncologist
A surgeon or surgical oncologist is a doctor who specialises in treating cancer by performing surgical operations to treat cancer4
Clinical nurse specialist
A clinical nurse specialist is a nurse who is specialised in caring for patients with cancer, and forms a link between you and your family and other members of your multidisciplinary team; they can organise help and support and provide information and guidance4
Radiologist
A radiologist is a doctor with special training in reading imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans4,5
Radiographer
A radiographer is someone who is trained in radiotherapy. They will operate the machines and work with the radiologist to plan your treatment5
Pathologist
A pathologist is a doctor who interprets laboratory tests and the results of biopsies (removal of tissue to examine under the microscope) to diagnose cancer and to estimate how quickly the cancer is likely to grow4
Clinical psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a health professional who can offer counselling if you have an emotional or mental health problem4
Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist specialises in helping you recover and improve physically following your treatment; they can recommend certain exercises and other treatments specific to your own needs4
Occupational therapist
An occupational therapist can work with you to help identify challenges in everyday activities, including personal care, domestic tasks, and workplace tasks. They can suggest ways to overcome them, or provide treatment4
Social worker
A social worker can provide counselling and advice and direct you to local services that help with home care, financial assistance, emotional support, and other practical assistance4
It is important to remember that YOU are the most important member of your team. You are your best advocate. Every decision taken will affect you, so never hesitate to ask questions or seek additional services.3
Glossary