Meet your Cancer Team

Once diagnosed with a cancer, you will meet with a specialist doctor in cancer care and / or a clinical nurse specialist. This initial appointment will provide an opportunity for you to ask questions about your cancer and potential treatment, it is advisable to bring someone with you as a lot of information will be discussed on the next steps. This process is supported by the Multi-Disciplinary Team or MDT. It can be useful to have a general understanding of who some of these people are and what they will be doing for you.

Oncologist – A doctor who specialises in drug cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. They are also aware of any clinical trials being offered and whether they may be suitable for you.

Clinical Oncologist – Responsible for prescribing treatment through systemic anti-cancer therapies such as SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment)/chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy.

Medical Oncologist – Experts in treating cancer with SACT medications (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and more targeted approaches). A medical oncologist helps determine the medication plan depending on the cancer type, size, and location.

Surgeon – A doctor who has specialised in the surgical removal of cancer tumours, for example removing part of a lung where the tumour is located.

Advanced Practitioner (AP) – Advanced practitioners can be found across a range of professional backgrounds and settings such as nursing, pharmacy, paramedics, other allied health professions, and midwifery. They provide clinical leadership and enable collaboration across the multi-disciplinary team through complex decision-making and managing risk.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Experienced nurses who specialise in specific cancers such as skin or breast. They have extensive knowledge of your cancer and hold their own nurse‑led clinics where you may be seen.

Radiographer – A member of the Radiotherapy/Radiology team who performs diagnostic imaging procedures. This may include medical images such as X‑rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds, enabling your surgeon or oncologist to diagnose and treat your cancer.

Radiologist – A medical expert who specialises in interpreting the images taken by the radiographer. They may also be involved in radiological‑guided procedures.

Histopathologist – An expert who examines biopsy samples and provides a diagnosis of what that sample is. If it is cancerous, they determine what type of cancer it is.

Cancer Support Worker (CSW) – Offers support based on 'what matters to you most'. They help write a personalised care and support plan, signposting you to services both inside and outside the hospital such as our cancer centres: Force, Fern, and ELF.

Our Ward Staff – Experienced and trained to deliver your cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. They provide care and support to people who may need to spend time in hospital, working closely with other members of the MDT.

Specialist Physiotherapist – Physiotherapists with an extended skill set to support people with the symptom burden of their cancer diagnosis and the unintentional side effects of their treatments.

Exercise Therapist – Supports people with goal‑setting to improve their personal fitness, both before and after treatment. They offer appropriate exercise plans to prepare you for treatment and support your recovery.

The most important thing to remember is no one person makes decision about care but all the experts come together to ensure the treatments you are offered are the very best for your cancer type and consider national guidance and available trials (this is covered in a further section).