Roles of Your Treatment Team

Breast cancer treatment involves a team of healthcare professionals, each specializing in different aspects of care. This team approach, called a multidisciplinary approach, ensures you receive complete care and support throughout your diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Core members of your treatment team

Medical oncologist
A medical oncologist is the primary doctor overseeing cancer treatment. They specialize in providing systemic therapy (treatments that affect the whole body). Their role includes:

• Determining the best treatment plan based on your stage and type of cancer
• Monitoring how well treatment is working and adjusting as needed
• Coordinating care with other specialists, such as surgeons and oncology nurses

Surgical oncologist
A surgical oncologist performs surgery to remove cancer from the body. They may do procedures like lumpectomies and mastectomies and may also conduct biopsies to diagnose cancer.

Plastic surgeon
A plastic surgeon performs breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy or mastectomy, working closely with the surgical oncologist to restore the breast’s appearance.

Radiation oncologist
A radiation oncologist designs and supervises radiation therapy. They use imaging techniques like CT scans and MRIs to target and destroy cancer cells.

Radiation therapists
A radiation therapist works under the direction of radiation oncologists to plan and administer radiation treatments. They also provide patient education and emotional support during therapy.

Pathologist
A pathologist examines biopsy and tissue samples to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis and determine its characteristics. You likely won’t meet the pathologist, but their findings are detailed in pathology reports, which guide treatment decisions.

Oncology nurse or nurse navigator
These nurses play a vital role in cancer care across treatment centers, hospitals, and the community. As the primary point of contact throughout diagnosis and treatment, they ensure quality, timely care and provide patient navigation, referrals, health education, counseling, and emotional support. Their responsibilities may include:

• Administering chemotherapy and other treatments
• Managing side effects and providing symptom relief
• Educating patients about their cancer and treatment options
• Coordinating care between specialists to ensure seamless treatment

Supportive care team

Social workers
Social workers help you and your family navigate the challenges of cancer, offering emotional support and practical assistance. They can connect you with financial aid, transportation services, and support groups and assist with treatment decision-making and communication with healthcare teams.

Registered dietitian
A dietician can help you manage nutrition-related side effects such as nausea, appetite loss, and digestive issues. They provide guidance on meal planning, answer questions about diet and supplements, and offer strategies for maintaining proper nutrition during treatment.

Pharmacists
Pharmacists prepare and dispense cancer medications, while ensuring that you understand your treatment plan. They provide education on potential side effects and may also contribute to research on cancer drug development.

Palliative care specialists
Palliative care helps manage symptoms and quality of life, especially for people advanced illness. This team can provide pain relief, emotional support, and guidance on treatment decisions. They may include doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals.

For more information, visit our Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer section.

Other healthcare specialists

Depending on you cancer centre, you may also work with:

• Occupational therapists to help with daily activities
• Physical therapists to support strength and movement
• Psychosocial oncology specialists to support your mental and emotional wellbeing

Breast cancer treatment follows a multidisciplinary approach, meaning specialists regularly collaborate to develop and adjust treatment plans.

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