Every member of our health care team plays an imporant role in your care.
Some team members work directly with you to diagnose and treat cancer. Others help you manage the emotional, practical and physical effects of cancer. You may not meet every member of your care team, but each person contributes to your treatment and care.
Effective cancer care involves you, your family doctor, specialists, and other health care professionals. While you may see many different members of your cancer care team, your family doctor continues to manage your general health needs and plays an important role in your ongoing care. Your treatment team will provide your family doctor with regular updates about your cancer care.
In addition to the staff you meet during appointments and treatment, your cancer care team includes teams in patient records, radiation electronics and administration.
You may work with some of the following health care professionals during your cancer journey:
Counsellors are mental health specialists who can help you and your family understand and manage the thoughts, feelings, concerns and behaviours that may come with a cancer diagnosis. They can also connect you with support
services and programs available at BC Cancer and in your community.
Nurses provide care and support throughout your treatment. They often have the most direct contact with patients and can answer questions, provide medications, coordinate care and offer emotional support.
A medical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. They use treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy.
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Pharmacists prepare cancer medications and other prescribed drugs. They also explain how medications work and how to take them safely.
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Radiation therapists plan and deliver radiation treatments based on the radiation oncologist's prescription. They use specialized knowledge and calculations to ensure
treatments are delivered safely and accurately.
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Registered dietitians provide advice and counselling on food, nutrition and healthy eating during treatment and recovery.
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To learn more about members of the BC Cancer care team, visit our
patient guide.
