Revised: July 2006

A collaborative team of health-care professionals, each with a special role, will support you during your assessment, treatment and follow-up care. 

Some of your team members will work directly with you to provide health services and support. Others will help you and your family deal with the physical and emotional impact of cancer. Others work behind the scenes to ensure you receive high-quality care and support.

• Oncologists  are doctors who specialize in cancer treatment. Oncologists study your cancer and make recommendations for treatment. An oncologist will likely specialize in one of two types of treatment – radiation therapy or systemic (drug) therapy.       
• Radiation Oncologists  are specialists who work with the health-care team to plan and monitor your radiation therapy treatment.       
• Medical Oncologists  are cancer specialists who work  with patients requiring cancer drugs such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. These treatments require special drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Surgical Oncologists  are surgeons who specialize in cancer operations.    
• Radiation Therapists (RTs)  are specially trained to give radiation treatment. They follow the treatment plan developed by the radiation oncologist and other members of the cancer care team.    
• Nurses: During each visit to the Cancer Centre you will meet with an oncology nurse. He or she is specially-trained to provide care and support to cancer patients and each patient has a primary oncology nurse. Appointments are scheduled with the goal that you will see the same nurse each time. Whether you are seeing your primary nurse or one of the other nurses, all of these individuals are committed to providing you with support and information. You can ask them to explain technical terms or to put you in touch with other professionals at the Cancer Centre.       
• Pharmacists: The Cancer Centre's pharmacy provides prescribed cancer treatment drugs free of charge to patients. Pharmacists prepare the drugs that you take while you are at the Cancer Centre and also provide you with some of the drugs for you to take at home. Drugs not provided free at the Cancer Centre can be purchased at a retail pharmacy. You will be provided with written instructions for taking your medication. Our pharmacists are very happy to discuss any question about your prescriptions.         
• Registered Dietitians/ Nutritionists: Registered dietitians/ nutritionists are available to help you with a very critical part of your cancer experience: proper nutrition. Feel free to make an appointment to discuss everything from "how to eat to maintain optimal health during treatment" to "what to do if you lose your appetite."       
• Counsellors/ Social Workers: Professional counsellors are available to help you and your loved ones deal with the emotional challenges associated with cancer. Our counsellors can help you to clarify concerns, express emotions and discover the strengths you'll need to cope successfully. They can also connect you with the many support programs available at the BC Cancer Agency as well as community groups and other services. Assistance is also available to help you deal with financial stresses and receive support at home. See Coping with Cancer for more information.
• Psychiatrists are trained medical specialists in the diagnosis and management of mental illness. They help cancer patients at the agency with psychological, emotional or behavioural problems, whether new or pre-existing, throughout the course of their journey with cancer. Psychiatrists at the BCCA have a special interest and expertise in working with cancer patients and their illness experience, assisting them with psychological issues, symptom management, treatment crisis and rehabilitation issues. They work as part of a multidisciplinary psychosocial cancer care team collaborating closely with Patient and Family Counselling Services. Referral for a consultation is usually made through an attending oncologist or Patient and Family Counselling Services counsellor.
• Dentists: Both cancer drugs and radiation therapy can cause changes in the mouth, such as soreness or dryness. Our Dentistry Department is available to help you manage mouth problems as they arise. 
• Librarians: The Libraries in each Centre can help you find books, videos and information on cancer and its treatment.  Many resources exist to help you or your family and friends cope with cancer. Visit, phone or e-mail the Library.   
• Volunteers: Volunteers at the BC Cancer Agency are here to help support the experience of patients and others during their cancer journey. They are available in your Cancer Centre to offer assistance and comfort to patients, their family members, friends and other visitors. You may find volunteers escorting patients to their appointments, offering resource materials, introducing patients to staff, selling refreshments or providing companionship during visits to the centre.

BC Cancer Agency Staff

There are many more individuals who work to ensure each cancer patient receives high-quality care and support. These include our clerical team members who organize many aspects of your treatment schedule. Our staff is happy to provide information and support, or to redirect your questions as required.