Metastatic breast cancer care requires a team of medical professionals who develop the best treatment plan for a patient.
Referred to as a multidisciplinary team, this group includes oncologists and a wide range of healthcare providers.
The care team coordinates and supports a patient’s medical, emotional, and other life needs.
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Multidisciplinary teams have been shown to improve patient outcomes and patient care satisfaction.
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1.
Not every cancer patient receivesradiology treatments.
Aplastic and reconstructive surgeonis trained to restore form to the breasts following a mastectomy.
Both surgeons will take the best surgical approach for you as an individual.
Counselors might be:
Consider finding a counselor specifically trained in working with people with cancer.
Nurses
Nurses can serve as a liaison between you and your oncologist.
Research has found that nurses are crucial for continuity of care in breast cancer patients.
Your care team may includeseveral types of nurses, including specially trained oncology nurses.
Integrative Medicine Specialists
Integrative medicineis part of a holistic approach, meaning care for the whole person.
Pain Specialists
Pain specialistsare healthcare professionals who can help you address your issues with pain.
They can include doctors, nurses, or pharmacists who are experts in pain control.
Nutritionist
If you havemetastatic breast cancer, eating a healthy diet is important to help you feel your best.
However, some treatments can affect your appetite, making this difficult.
Anutritionistcan help you address nutrition questions or concerns and develop ahealthy eating plan.
Social workers, nurses, and community health workers can all be patient navigators.
Groups are often specifically designed for your age, stage of breast cancer, or treatment.
Meeting places can range from hospitals and health organizations to informal prefs like churches or homes.
A good breast cancer care team can help improve your outcomes and well-being.
doi:10.1093/annonc/mdt265
National Cancer Institute.Medical oncologist.
American Cancer Society.What is oncology?
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.Understanding your breast cancer treatment team.
American Cancer Society.Psychosocial support options for people with cancer.
American Cancer Society.Health professionals who are part of a cancer care team.
American Cancer Society.Nutrition for people with cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Patient navigation.
Breastcancer.org.When to get a second opinion.
Susan G. Komen.What are support groups?
