Women usually see more than one health professional during the course of their treatment for secondary breast cancer. Some see different specialists to those who treated them during their original breast cancer.
The medical oncologist will most likely lead the team, so it is important that you choose someone you feel comfortable with. In most treatment centres, all the specialists involved in your care will meet regularly to discuss your progress.
"I found a good GP who I see regularly and I have a good oncologist. They both listen, check that I understand their advice and talk optimistically about the future - they give me hope!" - Sylvia
Members of your treatment team might include:
- Medical oncologist: specialises in diagnosing and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormone blocking therapy and targeted therapy.
- Radiation oncologist: prescribes radiation treatment dose and duration, usually working closely with the medical oncologist.
- Specialist surgeon: operates to improve an area affected by cancer, such as bone, brain, or lung.
- Oncology nurse: administers chemotherapy and other treatments and help with radiotherapy. They also help to manage pain, nausea and other symptoms.
- General Practitioner (GP):can clarify the information given to you by your specialists, help you with treatment decisions, assist in finding practical support for you, visit you at home if needed, and offer emotional support. Ask your specialists to send copies of all tests and planned treatments to your GP.
You might also find the services provided by the following specialists helpful:
Palliative care specialist
Doctors, nurses, social workers and other who manage physical symptoms such as pain. Many people fear that seeing a palliative care specialist means that are nearing the end of their life, and avoid their services. However palliative care specialists can provide care at any stage of your treatment for secondary breast cancer. Many women find the pain control offered by palliative care specialists extremely helpful.
Social worker
Social workers can help you and your family cope with emotional and psychological aspects of your illness, assist with employment, finances, accommodation and legal issues, and arrange care at home if needed
Psychologist
A psychologist can help you and your family talk through concerns, issues such as fear, loss and grief, and help with strategies on getting the most from life.
Psychiatrist
Will help treat depression or anxiety and may offer medication to treat such emotional conditions. Will require a doctor's referral.
Physiotherapist
Helps manage pain, improve movement and activity.
Occupational therapist
Can suggest and organise practical ways to make life easier at home, including supports and special equipment.
Pastoral care worker
Will help explore issues related to spirituality, hopefulness and meaning, regardless of faith or religious belief.
Getting the most out of your consultations
- If you can, take someone with you to your appointments. They can take notes in case you forget something later on.
- Make a note of any questions you might have before your appointment as it is easy to forget things.
- You can record information about your treatments and care in the Personal Record in your Hope & Hurdles Pack.
Your choice
Initially, you may be referred to a specialist, but you do have a choice in who you see. Word of mouth is a powerful reference, and recommendations from other women are valuable.
If you are unhappy about who you have been referred to, we encourage you to seek a second opinion. If you are a private patient, choice of your team is in your hands.
