There are a wide range of professionals who may be involved in your care a different points throughout your cancer journey. A number of these professionals will meet together to discuss your cancer case at a Multi-disciplinary meeting.
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Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) is an expert nurse in caring for patients and their carers who are living with a cancer diagnosis. They will specialise in a particular cancer type. You might hear them referred to as a Cancer Nurse, a Keyworker or a Macmillan Nurse. Your CNS can offer specialist advice, information and support to you and your family at all stages of your treatment. You should be given the contact details for your CNS.
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Surgeon
A Surgeon is a doctor who does operations to remove all or part of the cancer you may have. Your surgeon will be a specialist in doing operations on your kind of cancer. Surgeons can also do operations to relieve or cure symptoms (or problems) your cancer is causing.
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Oncologist
An oncologist is a specialist doctor who treats cancer with a number of treatments including radiotherapy (high energy rays to destroy cancer cells), chemotherapy (treatment with drugs to disrupt the way cancer cells grow) or immunotherapy (treatment which uses our immune system to fight cancer).
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Radiologist
A radiologist is a specialist doctor who specialises in the use of x-rays and scans to diagnose the type of cancer you have.
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Dietician
A dietitian specialises in food and nutrition. Your dietitian can help plan a diet to suit your individual needs. They can help you manage any dietary problems you are having which may have been caused by your illness or treatment.
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Your GP
Your GP is in charge of your care in the community and can bring together others to help with any problems you may have. Your GP is available to discuss all aspects of your care.
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District Nursing
District Nurses are experienced community nurses who work closely with your GP. The district nurse will assess your nursing needs and help arrange other services if you need them. They will also educate and support patients and carers. Your CNS may complete a referral to the District Nurse to become your new keyworker.
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Social Worker
A social worker provides social care and support to help you, your family and carers to cope.
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Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist helps you to manage daily activities to maintain your independence and quality of life.
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Palliative Care Team
The Palliative Care Team provides expert advice on managing complex symptoms and offers specialist support. The team works closely with everyone involved in your care to meet your needs and the needs of your family. Palliative care aims to improve your quality of life through assessing and managing physical symptoms as well as any emotional, spiritual and social issues you may have. Supportive and palliative care is available to everyone affected by cancer and is especially important if your cancer cannot be cured.