cancer patient support team is a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals and support personnel that collaborates to
provide comprehensive care addressing a patient's medical, physical, emotional, social, and financial needs.
The team's composition can vary based on the specific type and stage of cancer, but it typically revolves around the patient as the
central decision-maker.
Key members of a cancer patient support team include:
Medical Treatment Team
Medical Oncologist: The primary doctor who often leads and coordinates the overall treatment plan, using systemic therapies like
chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Surgical Oncologist: A surgeon specializing in removing tumors and cancerous tissues.
Radiation Oncologist: A doctor who treats cancer using targeted radiation therapy.
Oncology Nurses/Nurse Practitioners: Often the most frequent point of contact, they provide medical care, administer treatments,
manage side effects, answer questions, and offer emotional support.
Pathologist and Radiologist: Doctors who work behind the scenes to diagnose the cancer by examining tissue samples (pathologist) and
interpreting medical images (radiologist).
Supportive Care Team
Oncology Social Workers: Trained professionals who provide counseling, help patients and families cope with emotional and
physical issues, and connect them with financial, legal, and community resources.
Psychologists/Psychiatrists/Licensed Counselors: Provide specialized mental health support, address anxiety and depression, and offer
coping strategies.
Patient Navigators/Advocates: Guide the patient through the complex healthcare system, help schedule appointments,
overcome barriers to care (e.g., transportation, childcare), and ensure effective communication within the team.
Dietitians/Nutritionists: Specialize in managing dietary issues and side effects from treatment (like nausea or changes in taste)
to ensure the patient maintains proper nutrition and strength.
Physical and Occupational Therapists: Help patients manage pain, regain strength, improve movement, and perform
daily activities during and after treatment.
Speech-Language Pathologists: Address speech or swallowing problems, particularly for head and neck cancer patients.
Pharmacists: Educate patients about their medications, potential side effects, and drug interactions.
Palliative Care Specialists: Focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life at any stage of cancer, working to
ensure comfort and align care with patient preferences and beliefs.
Spiritual/Pastoral Counselors: Offer spiritual guidance and support for coping with the existential questions that can
arise with a cancer diagnosis.
