MD2B - Cancer Care Team

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Neha Vapiwala, MD
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: November 1, 2001

Introduction

In the realm of clinical cancer management, there are numerous professionals who serve as patient caregivers and function as members of a diverse, multidisciplinary team. They collaborate on a regular basis to provide the best care for cancer patients at every stage of their disease course, from diagnosis and treatment to nutrition and symptom management. Below is just a brief look at some of these key players of a comprehensive cancer care team. One must not forget, however, the undeniably crucial role of the patients' families, as they are often the truly "primary" caregivers. The needs they provide are an integral supplement to the care given by health care professionals.

Primary care providers

Family physician
General internist
Nurse practitioner
Pediatrician
Obstetrician/ gynecologist

Oncology care providers

Surgical oncologist
Radiation oncologist
  Radiation therapist
  Dosimetrist
Medical oncologist
Gynecologic oncologist
Radiologist, diagnostic and interventional
Oncology nurse
Social worker
Dietitian
Physical therapist