Physical health care for cancer

Hospital team

Your GP will refer you to a hospital team which specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of your type of cancer. This is known as a multidisciplinary team. It’s usually led by a consultant surgeon or oncologist who will have overall responsibility for your care. Your multidisciplinary team may include:

• Surgeons - doctors who are experienced in a particular type of surgery such as breast surgery or gastrointestinal surgery.
• Oncologists – doctors who have experience in cancer treatment using chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal and biological therapy.
• Radiologists – who help to read scans and x-rays and report on them.
• Therapy Radiographers – who are responsible for giving radiotherapy treatment. They work closely with clinical oncologists in planning treatment. You'll see a radiographer every time you attend a radiotherapy treatment, and they'll be able to give you advice and support during your treatment.
• Pathologists – who advise on the type and extent of your cancer
• Specialist nurses – who provide information and support for cancer patients and their families. These specialist nurses are a useful point of contact at the hospital.
• Other staff – you may also see dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors and social workers. Some of these health care professionals have teams that work in the community as well, so can visit you in your own home.
• Dieticians – advise on all aspects of dietary problems that people with cancer may experience during their treatment. They are able to assess the food needs of people with cancer, advise on which foods are best and whether any food supplements would be helpful.
• Physiotherapists – can help you regain your muscle strength after surgery and advise you on appropriate exercises to improve your energy, strength, mobility, coordination and balance.
• Counsellors and psychologists – some people need more than advice and support. You may find that the impact of cancer leads to depression, feelings of helpless ness and anxiety. Counsellors are trained to listen and help people talk through their problems. Clinical psychologists are trained to understand what people think and feel, and how they behave, particularly in stressful situations, such as coping with cancer.
• Social workers – can arrange for you to have help at home with chores such as cleaning and personal care. You may have to pay for these services yourself depending on your savings or income. Social workers can also give you information about any benefits you may be able to claim such as attendance allowance or disability living allowance or help with hospital fares.
• Occupational therapists – can assess whether you need adaptations or extra equipment (such as a shower seat, raised toilet seat, handrails, or stairlift) that will make it easier for you to manage at home.
• Cancer information staff – many cancer centres have staff members who can provide information and support about cancer, its treatments and side effects, and any other issues that may arise for patients and their families.

Community team

Family doctor

While your hospital team will still be responsible for your treatment and any tests you may need your GP is still responsible for your medical care at home.

Your GP is responsible for:

• referring you to the clinic or hospital that offers the specialist services you need
• answering any questions you may have
• making any appropriate referrals to other community health care professionals
• organising services to help you live at home with the support you need. Your GP will work closely with other health care professionals to help organise these services.

Nurses

District nurses work closely with GPs and can make regular visits to see patients and their families at home, if needed. They can provide help, advice and support with several aspects of care including wound dressings, flushing central lines, and help with managing stomas, catheters or feeding tubes. In some areas, district nurses also visit in the evening and at night time.

Palliative care nurses Palliative care nurses can visit you at home and support you and your family. They’re experienced in assessing and treating symptoms such as pain or breathlessness. Palliative care nurses are often linked to the local hospice. Your GP can usually arrange for you to be seen by a specialist nurse at home.

Marie Curie nurses help to care for people who are no longer having active treatment and want to stay in their own homes. They provide nursing care during the day and, more usually, overnight. The district nurse usually decides whether to request a Marie Curie nurse.

Organisations

There are a number of local and national organisations that can provide help and support for you. For example, some local organisations can help with hospital transport. Your doctor or nurse can let you know about any organisations you may find helpful.