My Oncology Team
Cancer is a complex health problem that requires the expertise of many healthcare professionals from various disciplines working together in partnership. Oncology teams – be they local, regional or supra-regional – call upon these professionals based on their needs and the types of cancer being treated. They have both similarities and differences.
Here are role descriptions of some of the professionals you may encounter during your cancer care journey.
Professional
Role
Medical Oncologist or Hemato-Oncologist
Doctor specialized in cancer treatment, more specifically chemotherapy.
Surgical Oncologist
Medical specialist who performs surgery to diagnose cancer, remove tumours or repair damage.
Radiation Oncologist
Doctor specialized in the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer.
Oncology Pivot Nurse
Resource person for patients and their family throughout the course of the disease. Evaluates their needs, provides support, gives information and participates in the coordination of care.
Oncology Pharmacist
Pharmacist who prepares chemotherapy. Provides information on the treatment, its potential side effects and ways to alleviate them.
Nutritionist/Dietician
Professional who evaluates a person’s nutritional status and creates a tailored nutrition plan.
Social Worker
Professional who evaluates social functioning. Provides support and psychosocial treatment services. Identifies available community resources and refers people to them.
Psychologist or
Psycho-oncologist
Professional who conducts evaluations and provides psychological counselling tailored to the needs of patients. Helps people adapt to illness and maintain their quality of life.
Rehabilitation Specialists (Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, etc.)
Professionals who conduct evaluations and recommend treatments adapted to different patient needs. Develop and implement personalized rehabilitation programs.
Gynecologic Oncologist
Obstetrician gynecologist who specializes in the treatment of gynecological cancers, who performs surgical operations to diagnose cancer, remove a tumor and gives treatments with chemotherapy.
Spiritual Care Professionals
Professionals who evaluate spiritual and religious needs. They accompany people in their search for meaning and provide moral support to loved ones.
Other hospital or community professionals:
- Family doctor
- Chemotherapy clinic nurse
- Liaison nurse
- Research nurse
- Radiation oncology technician
- Medical specialist
- Dentist
- Sex therapist
- Community pharmacist
- CLSC nurse
- Community organizations
- Etc.
