Who Are Key Players in Your Breast Cancer Treatment?

When faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer for the first time, it can be overwhelming. Not only are you coping with your diagnosis, but you are trying to manage the slew of physicians and health care professionals that will contribute to the treatment process. It would be great if one physician could administer all the treatments. Because treatments improve and change daily, it is impossible for one physician to know the vast amount of complex information. It helps to have a specialist in each of the major areas who can concentrate on the latest treatment options available for you. Each plays a specific role in the breast cancer game, but the common goal is to help you win.

Breast Cancer Care Team Members

There are several physicians who will play a role in your diagnosis and treatment. The first physician you will be in contact with is the radiologist.  They are responsible for reading your films and determining if additional studies are required. They may also be involved with obtaining a biopsy (tissue sample) in order to make the diagnosis. A surgeon may also perform the image-guided needle biopsy (a surgical biopsy should only be performed in cases where a needle biopsy is not possible or safe). The surgeon will also perform the partial (lumpectomy) or full mastectomy (breast removal) and obtain lymph nodes in order to stage the cancer to see how far it has progressed. The pathologist will evaluate the biopsy and surgical specimen in order to tell what type of cancer you have. 

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment will be provided by an oncologist. The medical oncologist is responsible for the medical treatment: hormonal therapy and/or chemotherapy. This can take the form of a pill or an IV solution. These treatments can be given before or after surgery. The radiation oncologist administers high dose X-rays to the breast area that serve to kill any residual cancer cells after surgery.  These treatments can be given via an external beam or placed within the tissue and loaded with a radiation source.  The plastic surgeon will help to recreate the breast after removal.  This can be performed using implants or moving other tissues in your body to fill the breast. Reconstruction is covered by insurance.  A psychiatrist or psychologist may be necessary to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis.

Non-Physician Breast Cancer Team Members

There are many other non-physician health professionals who play important roles in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Nurses work with all the above physicians to help with administering treatments and offer support to the patients. A nurse navigator is involved in a comprehensive breast care center.  Their major responsibility is to help coordinate care between all the physicians listed above. They serve as the central point of contact and help the breast cancer patient navigate through the complex system of treatments. They also facilitate support group meetings.

In addition to the nurses and physicians, there are technologists, technicians, medical assistants, and office staff who are the first point of contact for patients seeking care from the various physicians. In addition, a nutritionist or dietician and clergy are available to help support patients also.

Being a breast cancer patient will put you in the hands of many health professionals. They all have a specific role in your treatment. As you are touched by each of these hands, you will be one step closer to winning the game against breast cancer.  

Author: Regina Hampton, MD, FACS

Dr. Regina Hampton is medical director and co-founder of Breast Care for Washington. Dr. Hampton is a featured expert in our health equity-focused Pro Hub that lists inclusive global healthcare professionals committed to advancing inclusive research and providing the highest quality care to all patients. 

We thank Dr. Hampton for her continued dedication to patients and families.

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