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Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:
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It's common to have different medical specialists or health care professionals as part of your cancer care team. Understanding how your team works together – and how to talk with them – can help you and your loved ones know who to go to with specific questions or concerns.
Your cancer care team is the team of professionals who work together to provide care before, during, and after cancer treatment. Many of these professionals have had extra training that focuses on:
Each member of the cancer care team completes education and training specific to their role. Many also have licenses or certifications to show they meet professional standards. They include medical doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals.
Medical doctors (physicians) diagnose and treat health conditions. They may focus on certain types of cancer, perform specific procedures, prescribe treatments, or treat side effects and other health problems. Doctors may have an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. Both must pass a licensing exam to treat patients. You may also see other letters after a doctor’s name, which show their special training, certifications, or credentials.
A doctor who specializes in giving drugs or other agents (like gases) that can cause a total loss of feeling, put a patient into a deep sleep, or relieve pain, most often during surgery.
A medical doctor who is a heart and blood vessel specialist. People with cancer may see one if they have heart disease or treatment-related heart problems.
A doctor who specializes in skin diseases. A dermatological oncologist has specialized training in diagnosing and treating skin cancers.
A doctor with a licensing and educational background much like that of a medical doctor (MD) who is specially trained to use a “whole person” approach to medicine rather than just treating specific symptoms.
A doctor who specializes in diseases related to the glands of the endocrine system, such as the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, pineal, and adrenal glands.
A doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive (gastrointestinal or GI) tract.
A doctor who specializes in cancers of the female sex (reproductive) organs.
A doctor who specializes in female health issues, including sexual and reproductive function and the diseases of their reproductive organs, except diseases of the breast that require surgery.
A doctor who specializes in blood disorders (also called blood dyscrasias), including cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues.
A medical doctor trained in both blood diseases and cancer care.
A doctor who specializes in diseases of the liver and bile ducts.
A doctor who works only in a hospital.
A medical doctor who specializes in radiology and uses imaging (x-rays, scans, and other types) to help guide minimally invasive procedures, like tumor ablations and embolization.
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer with chemotherapy and other drugs. A medical oncologist is different from a surgical oncologist, who mostly treats cancer with surgery.
A doctor who is not a medical doctor (MD) but is trained to use therapies that focus on supporting a person's self-healing abilities. Education and licensing of NDs varies by state.
A doctor who specializes in the care of newborn babies (until about 6 weeks of age, but often longer for babies who were born prematurely).
A doctor who specializes in kidney (renal) diseases.
A doctor who specializes in operations involving the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer.
A doctor who specializes in eye diseases.
A surgeon who specializes in surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face.
A surgeon who specializes in diseases and injuries of the muscles, joint, and bones (the musculoskeletal system).
A doctor who specializes in diseases and injuries of the ear, nose, and throat. Also called an ENT (which stands for ears, nose, and throat) or a head and neck doctor.
A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and classifying diseases by lab tests and by looking at tissues and cells with a microscope. The pathologist determines whether a tumor is cancer, and, if it is cancer, the exact cell type (where it started) and grade (how fast it likely will grow).
A doctor who specializes in caring for children and teens, including preventing illness, providing primary health care, and treating of diseases.
A doctor who specializes in caring for children and teens with cancer (sometimes up to age 21).
A surgeon who specializes in changing the way a body part looks or in rebuilding or replacing removed or injured body parts. In reconstruction (rebuilding body parts), the surgeon may use tissue from the patient or some special material with the right consistency to hold a shape or form over time. Also called a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
The doctor a person would normally see first when a medical symptom or problem comes up. A primary care doctor could be a general practitioner, a family practice doctor, a gynecologist, a pediatrician, or an internal medicine doctor (an internist).
A medical doctor specializing in the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists provide counseling and can also prescribe medicines or other treatments.
A doctor who has specialized experience and knowledge in the diagnosing and treating lung (pulmonary) conditions and diseases.
A doctor who specializes in using radiation to treat cancer.
A doctor with special training in diagnosing diseases by interpreting (reading) x-rays and other types of imaging studies that make pictures of the inside of the body.
A doctor with special training to cut or remove tumors or parts of the body affected by a disease. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in surgery to treat cancer. A thoracic surgeon is a doctor who operates on organs in the thorax or chest, including the lungs, ribs, the sternum (breast bone), the diaphragm (the muscle that helps breathing).
A doctor who specializes in using surgery to treat cancer.
A doctor who specializes in treating problems of the urinary tract (in both sexes) and the male reproductive tract.
Nurses provide care for people with various health problems. Some work with a wide range of patients, while others specialize in certain areas, like cancer. The type of care and procedures they can provide depend on their license and level of training.
An advanced practice registered nurse (APN or APRN) with a master’s or doctoral degree and special certification who works closely with the entire care team, and has advanced training and clinical experience in a certain area of medical and nursing practice. Oncology CNSs have many different roles, such as direct patient or family care, supervising staff, conducting nursing research related to cancer patients, or teaching about cancer, treatment, and side effects.
A nurse who has completed technical training and has passed a basic licensing exam. They can check vital signs, give some medicines, observe and help patients with personal hygiene and care, and perform other health care-related tasks under the direction of a registered nurse.
A nurse with an advanced degree and training in giving drugs or other agents (like gasses) that cause a total loss of feeling or relieve pain, most often during surgery.
An advanced practice registered nurse (APN or APRN) with a master’s or doctoral degree and special certification who works closely with a doctor, helps to diagnose and manage care, and has advanced training and clinical experience in a certain area of medical and nursing practice.
A professional nurse who has completed a college program and passed a national examination. RNs may assess, educate, and treat patients, families, or even communities. They may work in and can get certified in almost any health specialty. They can also go back to school to become an advanced practice nurse (APN or APRN) such as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist.
Nurses can receive additional training and certification to care for specific conditions or patient needs. Examples include:
A nurse who supports patients in clinical trials by teaching, monitoring, and managing care during a research study (clinical trial).
A nurse who teaches people how to care for wounds or surgically created openings (like ostomies). Also called an ostomy nurse or a wound care nurse.
A nurse who provides care in the patient’s home, including teaching about and giving medicines and certain treatments, and checking to see if the patient needs other medical care.
A nurse trained in end-of-life care and symptom management as part of a hospice team.
A nurse who gives chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. They teach patients, give treatments, and help manage any treatment side effects from infusion therapy.
A nurse who helps patients and the cancer care team manage symptoms, like pain, nausea, or fatigue during any stage of serious illness.
A person who guides patients and their families through complex medical systems and helps them work with the rest of the cancer care team to overcome barriers to care that may come up so they can successfully complete their treatment. Navigators can be lay people with special training and experience or health care professionals, like nurses or social workers.
A nurse who is specialized in caring for patients receiving radiation treatment for cancer. They teach patients, give treatments, and help manage any treatment side effects from radiation.
Depending on your needs and location, your care team may include other health professionals besides doctors and nurses. Some of these professionals may work directly with your cancer care team at the same cancer center or hospital. Others may work in a different location and be brought in to help with a specific part of your care.
The member of the cancer care team who coordinates the patient’s care throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, often working with the insurance company, and connecting the patient and family to resources.
A member of the clergy who helps manage the spiritual needs of the patient and family and can usually address many denominations, faiths, and beliefs.
An expert in nutrition, food, and diet who has passed a national board exam. Many RDs specialize in areas like weight management, exercise science, cancer care, or cardiac rehabilitation.
Often a nurse or social worker who helps make sure patients leaving the hospital have what they need to continue their recovery at home. They also may help a patient find other places to go after leaving the hospital, such as a nursing home or rehab, where they can continue to get the care they need.
A person with special training and certification who calculates and plans the correct dose of radiation therapy (the amount, rate, and how the dose is spread out) for cancer treatment and/or other diseases.
A specially trained health professional who helps people understand the risk of a genetic disorder and if genetic testing may be helpful based on personal and family history. The counselor also meets with people who have had genetic testing to provide information about screening options and preventive measures based on the results.
Doctors, nurses, other health care professionals, social workers, chaplains, counselors, and trained volunteers who work together in a patient and family-centered approach. The work of a hospice team focuses on the physical, emotional, or spiritual needs of patient who is nearing the end of life and is no longer in active treatment for a serious illness.
A title sometimes used interchangeably with dietitian, but educational requirements for nutritionists vary by state.
A licensed and specially trained therapist who works with people who have functional impairments or limitations to help them develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They also work to prevent disability and maintain health. The practice of occupational therapy includes evaluation, treatment, and consultation.
Doctors, nurses, and/or pharmacists who are experts in pain control. In many places there’s a team of health professionals who are available to address pain issues.
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care professionals who work together to manage symptoms, such as pain, nausea, or fatigue. A palliative care team approach can be used for any patient (of any age) who has a serious illness. Palliative care teams can and often work alongside cancer care teams to help manage side effects during and after cancer treatment. These teams are often used to help patients during any stage of cancer, from diagnosis, throughout treatment, and to the end of life.
A person who guides patients and their families through complex medical systems and helps them work with the rest of the cancer care team to overcome barriers to care that may come up so they can successfully complete their treatment. Navigators can be lay people with special training and experience or health care professionals, like nurses or social workers.
A licensed health professional who has at least a bachelor's degree in pharmacy. Pharmacists help to make sure treatments and medicines prescribed to patients are safe and effective.
A licensed health professional, who has at least a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, who helps examine, test, and treat physical problems, and uses exercises, heat, cold, and other methods to restore or maintain the body’s strength, mobility, and function.
A certified and licensed medical professional with a master’s or doctoral level degree. Physician assistants practice medicine on teams with doctors and other health care professionals, providing a wide range of services. They may specialize in certain diseases or fields of medicine depending on their training and experience.
A health professional who has a graduate degree in psychology and training in clinical psychology. This specialist assesses a person’s mental and emotional status and provides testing and counseling services to those who may have an emotional or mental health problem.
A person with special training to use the equipment that delivers radiation therapy. This expert often helps the patient get into the right position for treatment and then actually gives the treatment.
A health professional who positions patients for x-rays and other imaging tests, takes the images, and then develops and checks the images for quality. The films taken by the technologist are then sent to a radiologist to be read.
A professional who works with people who have breathing problems. This can include breathing treatments and managing patients on ventilators (breathing machines). A CRTT or certified respiratory therapy technician may also examine the patient, collect information about lung function, and set up and maintain equipment, such as ventilators.
A mental health professional such as a licensed psychiatrist, social worker, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or psychologist with special training in counseling people about sexual changes, problems, and communication (for example, after treatment for cancer). It’s common for a sex therapist to work with both sexual partners, rather than just one person.
A health professional with special training in dealing with social, emotional, and environmental problems that may come with illness or disability. A social worker may help people find community resources and support services, and provide counseling and guidance to help with issues such as insurance coverage, nursing home placement, and emotional distress. An oncology social worker is an expert in coordinating and providing help for the cancer patient and family, such as counseling them and helping to manage financial problems, housing or child care issues (such as when treatments are given at a facility away from home), and coping with different types of emotional distress.
A health professional who is specially trained to work with people who have speech and swallowing problems. Speech therapists help people learn skills to communicate and also make sure that patients can safely eat and drink. Also called a speech pathologist or speech/language pathologist.
It’s important to feel comfortable with your cancer care team. You rely on them for clear, helpful information to guide you through decisions. They rely on you to be open, honest, and to trust them. Together, you’re a team working to make sure you get the best care possible.
Talking with your cancer care team can sometimes feel overwhelming or intimidating. You might get a lot of information at once or feel confused by medical terms. You might even worry that asking too many questions seems disrespectful. But your cancer care team wants you to feel comfortable, ask questions, and understand your care and treatment.
Being involved in your cancer treatment can help you get the best care possible. When you take an active role, it shows your care team that you’re open to talking with them and willing to consider their advice. Each team member brings different skills that can help in making decisions. They’re there to answer your questions, support you and your family, and help you feel confident and informed about the choices you make.
It’s also important to talk about how cancer will affect your life. Be honest about your concerns and habits, even the ones that are hard to talk about, like smoking, drinking, or drug use. The more your care team knows, the better they can support you.
Deciding how much you want to know about your cancer and treatment is the first step in being able to talk comfortably with your cancer care team.
You may want to discuss everything and understand all the facts. Some people feel more in control when they fully understand their cancer, treatment options, and what to expect.
Or you may prefer small amounts of information at a time. Some people feel overwhelmed by too many details and would rather leave most decisions to their doctor.
Don’t be afraid to tell your cancer care team how much or how little you want to know. Letting your care team know your preferences helps them communicate in a way that works best for you.
Each doctor has their own way of helping patients learn about cancer and cancer treatment. That’s why the perfect doctor for one person may not be a good match for another. The most important thing to remember is that you can ask members of your team for information any time you need to. If you are concerned about something, ask. They are there to answer your questions, even if you need to ask the same question many times.
Don’t be embarrassed or shy about asking questions. There’s no such thing as a “dumb” question. If you have questions between doctor visits, write them down as they come up. Keep a notebook to help you stay organized.
If you’re not sure where to start, see Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have Cancer for ideas.
It’s hard to remember all the things you’re told at each appointment, especially when you’re anxious, afraid, or feeling ill.
Even if the doctor carefully explains things, you might not hear or remember it all. Here are some things that can help:
If you need more details after your doctor has answered a question, say so. Sometimes, it’s even helpful to ask the same question again in a different way. There’s nothing wrong with telling your doctor that you don’t understand. If you want to learn more about your cancer or cancer treatment, ask your doctor to suggest some reading materials or trusted websites.
Make sure you understand any instructions you’ve been given before you leave the office.
You will see your cancer care team regularly during cancer treatment. But it’s important to know what to do if anything comes up between visits.
Ask your care team how they prefer to communicate between visits and who you should contact if you have questions or concerns. Ask them:
Some doctors have a specific time set aside to return calls or respond to messages. Many times, a nurse or other member of your cancer care team can answer your questions, too.
Be sure you know how to get help any time you might need it. Ask your care team what changes you should call about during office hours and which ones would need an emergency call during times when the office is closed. Ask them:
Besides the basics, like test results and treatment plans, there are other things you may want to talk about with your cancer care team. This can help you feel more informed, supported, and prepared as you go through treatment and beyond.
Make sure you know who will have access to your medical information. For example, whether your medical records will be shared with your other doctors.
Think about whether you want your care team to communicate only with you, or if they may also talk with your spouse, family members, or loved ones about your illness. If so, you will usually need to sign a form letting your doctor share information with the people you choose.
An advance directive is a legal document that explains how you want medical decisions about you to be made if you cannot make the decisions yourself. If you have an advance directive or living will, be sure your doctor has a copy. If you don’t have them, ask how to create a legal document that contains instructions on the care you want if you become unable to make decisions for yourself.
There are many places to find information, but your main source should always be your doctor and cancer care team – they know your case best. Online resources can also be helpful, but not all websites are reliable. Some may give wrong or even harmful information. Ask your cancer care team to recommend trustworthy websites to guide you.
It’s normal to wonder if another doctor might recommend a different treatment. Getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident about your diagnosis and treatment plan.
In some cases, treatment needs to be started quickly and there may not be much time to get another opinion. Ask your doctor when treatment should start. If there’s time for a second opinion, ask them to help you get one. This is common in cancer care. They will not be surprised by the question and can often recommend other specialists for you to talk to before making a decision.
People with cancer may have trouble with pain, breathing, sleeping, nausea, appetite, their bowels, feeling tired, or other problems. Ask your cancer care team what problems you should watch for and always tell them about any side effects you have. Remember, they can't help you with a problem if they don't know about it. Tell them:
There are also many kinds of emotional distress that go with cancer and its treatment. If you feel sad, overwhelmed, or hopeless a lot of the time and these feelings don’t go away, tell your care team.
If you keep having side effects after being treated for them, let your care team know what works and what doesn’t. Many people have to try more than one way to get side effects under control.
Sometimes, people have different communication styles, and this can cause conflict or concern. If you have problems talking with your doctor, there are often ways to make things better. Try to work out your concerns before deciding the situation is hopeless.
First, tell your doctor as honestly and openly as you can what you’re worried about. Maybe you are worried that decisions are being made without your input. Or maybe you feel you don't have enough information to make decisions or that you don't understand something. These are understandable worries.
Here are some ways to start the conversation:
If you are unable to work out the problem with your doctor during regular visits, ask for a special visit to discuss it.
If things aren’t getting better, think about talking with a third party about the problem. For example, your primary care provider might be willing to discuss the matter with the cancer team. Sometimes, this is less stressful than facing the doctor directly, and their help could improve the situation.
Sometimes, a doctor might not be the right fit. You don’t have to stay with someone just because you were referred to them or worry about hurting their feelings. Good communication, honesty, and mutual respect are important. If you don't feel that, it’s OK to find another doctor. You must do what feels right to you.
If you need to stay in the hospital, communication can become even more important. You might see different health professionals than you’re used to, and your cancer doctor might not be the only one talking about treatment decisions with you. It’s OK to ask questions or speak up if you don’t understand something or want to be more involved.
Being in the hospital can also be stressful. The routines may disrupt your sleep and schedule, and the constant activity can make it hard to relax. It’s normal to feel frustrated, or overwhelmed. If you’re having a hard time, let someone on your care team know. Nurses, social workers, and other staff may have ideas that can help. Some hospitals have patient navigators or volunteers who can support you during your stay.
If you’re not comfortable with how something is being handled, or if you’re having a problem with a doctor or staff member, talk to your nurse, a social worker, or a patient advocate. They can help you express your concerns and support you in getting the care and communication you need.
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). The oncology team. Accessed at www.cancer.net. Content no longer available.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Taking charge of your care. Accessed at www.cancer.net. Content no longer available.
Curtis JR, Downey L, Back Al, et al. Effect of a patient and clinician communication-priming intervention on patient-reported goals-of-care discussions between patients with serious illness and clinicians: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2018;178(7):930-940.
Gilligan T, Coyle N, Frankel RM, et al. Patient-clinician communication: American Society of Clinical Oncology Consensus Guideline. J Clinical Oncol. 2017;35:(31):3619-3632.
National Institutes of Health (NIH). Talking with your doctor or health care provider. Accessed at https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/talking-your-doctor-or-health-care-provider on July 28, 2025.
Last Revised: August 13, 2025
American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy.
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