Cancer is a complex disease. Cancer requires a team of experts to provide care, rather than a single doctor. Team members all work together to ensure you get the best possible care.
Which team members you see will depend on:
- the type of cancer you have
- your treatment plan
- the type of visit (for example, a visit to have blood drawn)
Your cancer care team is the group of health care providers who treat your physical and emotional health when you have cancer. This team may include:
The “Star Player” – You
You are the most important member of your cancer care team. You have a central role in making choices about your care.
Oncologists (Cancer Doctors)
Oncologists are doctors trained in treating people with cancer. There are three main types of oncologists:
- Medical oncologists treat cancer with medicines, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Radiation oncologists treat cancer with radiation therapy.
- Surgical oncologists treat cancer using surgery.
You may have more than one oncologist on your cancer care team, depending on your treatment plan.
Oncology Nurses
Oncology nurses are nurses trained to provide care to people with cancer. They:
- Teach you about the treatments you are having
- Give chemotherapy or other medicines
- Help manage cancer-related symptoms
- Provide virtual or telephone care
Oncology nurses will play a large part in your care since they will likely be the health care professional you will see most. Oncology nurses can provide you with information, emotional support and practical support.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
A Clinical Nurse Specialist is a registered nurse who has an advanced degree (master’s or doctoral) in nursing. Clinical Nurse Specialists have different roles
including:
- Clinicians: provide you with expert care and help manage tough problems
- Consultants: use their knowledge to support and work with health care staff to improve patient care
- Educators: teach patients, nurses, students and other health care staff on the use of best medical practices
- Researchers: use leading research to make care better
- Leaders: make changes to help the field of nursing grow
Your Primary Care Provider (Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner)
Your primary care provider manages your general health. Your primary care provider should do a complete physical check-up every year. They will also help you keep track of your physical, emotional and social needs after treatment.
Social Worker
A social worker can help you with your mental and social well-being. Social workers can help you and your family with:
- Emotional matters, such as dealing with fear, anxiety, sadness, anger and a sense of loss
- Financial matters, such as income support and disability benefits
- Practical matters, such as getting to appointments and referrals to community resources
Dietitian
A dietitian is a health care provider who can counsel you on matters of nutrition and diet.
Patient Flow Coordinator
A Patient Flow Coordinator (PFC) is often the first person you will meet when you arrive at the clinic. The PFC will check you in for your appointments. After your appointment, the PFC will book any future tests and follow-up appointments.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who treats mental and emotional health. A psychiatrist can design a treatment plan and prescribe medicine.
Psychologist
Psychologists treat mental and emotional health. A psychologist can also assess learning abilities and help people overcome thinking and memory problems. Psychologists do not prescribe medicine.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists are health care providers who know a lot about managing your medicine. Pharmacists can help you learn about your medicines, teach you how to take them safely and help you manage any side effects.
Medical Professional Trainees
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the other hospitals of the University Health Network are teaching hospitals. Medical professional trainees who are gaining experience may be part of your cancer care team.
- Students are people who are training to become medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, or pharmacists. Most students will be in their final year of school.
- Residents are doctors who are qualified to practice medicine but are training to become specialists, such as pediatricians. Residents can
spend between 1 and 5 years training to become specialists after graduating from medical school.
- Fellows are specialists who have finished residency. Fellows go through further training to become experts in their chosen area – for example, pediatric oncology.
Volunteers
Many people volunteer their time to work at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Volunteers can help you find information you need.
Other Members
There may be many other people on your cancer care team. Find out about the resources available to you in the My Resources and Support section. Visit the Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library to learn more about different cancer care providers.
