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Healthcare professionals
Treatment team
General Practitioner Your general practitioner may be responsible for referring you for mammography and to other specialists, as well as follow-up care. Your GP is an important part of your care team.
Surgeon A surgeon is a clinician who is trained in surgery; some specialise in breast surgery. You will be referred by your GP to a surgeon for advice about the management of your breast cancer, which may involve an operation on your breast(s)—breast surgery, and/or armpit—axillary dissection, preferably in a multidisciplinary setting.
Radiation Oncologist A radiation oncologist is a clinician specialising in the treatment of cancer using radiotherapy. Radiotherapy uses radiation to treat cancer. Not all women with breast cancer require radiation therapy.
Medical Oncologist A medical oncologist is a clinician specialising in the treatment of cancer. The medical oncologist will advise you about chemotherapy and other drug therapy in the treatment of your breast cancer. Not all women with breast cancer require chemotherapy.
Palliative Care Team A palliative care team may involve a consultant, a nurse and volunteers. The team works with your specialist, general practitioner and community nurse to help you with control of pain and other symptoms you may have, and give emotional support to you and your family or carers. Your need for palliative care can be assessed in your home, hospital or palliative care unit.
Support team
Breast Care Nurse A breast care nurse is a Registered Nurse (RN) with a special interest in the care of women with breast cancer, and who has gained a specialist post-graduate university qualification. The breast care nurse can provide you with information, emotional support, recommendations about other support services you may need and nursing advice on skin care, wound care and the effects of your treatment.
Lymphoedema Therapist A lymphoedema therapist can be a Registered Nurse, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or Massage Therapist, who has qualified to assess and manage lymphoedema. To locate lymphoedema clinics—public and private—call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20 and the Lymphoedema Support Group NSW (02) 9402 5625.
Physiotherapist A physiotherapist will assist you in overcoming some of the immediate and longer term physical effects of breast surgery that limit your mobility or physical well-being. Particularly if you have had surgery to your armpit(s) you may need continued physiotherapy advice to prevent and/or control lymphoedema that causes swelling of the arm, breast or chest. Some physiotherapists have a special interest in treating women who have undergone breast surgery.
Occupational Therapist An occupational therapist can assist individuals to develop and maintain skills to complete the daily activities that are important to them, such as self care, work and leisure activities. The occupational therapist can also recommend different ways of doing activities that will save you energy, provide equipment or suggest changes to manage safely and independently at home, and provide information on how to relax and cope with stress. Many occupational therapists are trained in the assessment and management of lymphoedema.
Dietitian A dietitian is trained in food science and nutrition and is able to provide specialist advice about your diet to assist with the effects of and recovery from your treatment.
Social Worker A social worker is trained to provide counselling for individuals, couples and families to assist them to cope throughout their cancer journey. A social worker can also advise women about the availability of community services, and provide assistance with financial matters, employment or entitlements to statutory benefits.
Familial breast cancer advice Women with two close relatives who have had breast cancer may consult a familial cancer advisory service. Call the Cancer Helpline 13 11 20 for details of services.
Women’s Health Nurse A women’s health nurse is a Registered Nurse who has completed further training in women’s and community health. The women’s health nurse can be contacted through your local Community or Women’s Health Centre and is another person for obtaining information, support and recommendations about services in your area.
Community Nurse Your GP, social worker or hospital discharge planner may suggest that a community nurse visit you in your home and assess your need for nursing care. You can also arrange to see a community nurse by contacting your community health centre and your local council. Community nurses offer a variety of practical services, information and assistance with bathing, changing dressings, giving medication and providing support to you and your carers.
The Journey - Menu My Breast Cancer Journey Support Services Other Links and Resources Glossary of Terms
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