STORIES OF STRENGTH
Who Should Treat My Lung Cancer?
As a partner in your own health care, it is important that you feel comfortable with the team of cancer specialists and others who will work with you to manage your disease. Choosing the right health care team, beginning with your oncologist is the first step in being an active patient.
It is very important that you feel comfortable talking to members of your cancer care team. You should feel free to ask questions, discuss your treatment options and openly express your concerns, emotions and wishes. This issue is poignantly discussed in a recent article from a physician who personally battled cancer.
Your health care team
If you smoke
Your health care team
Lung cancer treatment options depend upon the type and stage of your disease. Your health care team will develop a detailed treatment plan for you, taking into consideration your cancer as well as your other health needs.
Specialists who may be part of your cancer treatment team:
A medical oncologist will prescribe the drugs, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy agents and supportive care treatments needed to help manage your disease. A thoracic oncologist specializes in treating lung cancer patients.
A radiation oncologist uses x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation and medical oncologists often work together to decide on and carry out treatment plans.
A thoracic surgeon has special training to operate to remove lung cancer tumors. If there is not a thoracic surgeon available in your area, ask which nearby surgeon performs the most lung cancer surgeries.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are specially trained to provide you with medical care ranging from preventative care and physical exams to ordering tests and prescribing certain medications. They work with your doctors to check on your overall health and how you are responding to your treatment(s), and can help you manage the side effects of your treatments.
Oncology nurses are specially trained in the care of cancer patients. They will journey with you on your treatment road and, along with your doctors, carefully check your progress. Oncology nurses may give you any drugs you may receive. If you are part of a study testing a new treatment, research nurses will help check on you and bring any concerns or questions to your doctor. They also help collect information needed for the study.
Oncology social workers provide counseling and support. They can connect you with resources you may need in addition to medical treatment. For example, a social worker may help you and your family find a place to stay during treatment if your cancer center is far from home. A social worker might also help you with payment or other financial issues you may face as a result of your cancer.
Depending on your needs, other specialists could be part of your cancer team. A nutritionist will discuss foods and supplements that can help keep you healthy while you are in treatment; a psychologist can help you and your family deal with the emotions surrounding your cancer diagnosis and treatment; a case manager will coordinate your care; and/or a respiratory therapist or pulmonologist can help if you have trouble breathing.
Even though you will be seeing specialists for your cancer treatment, you will still need regular medical care and someone to oversee your general health. Your primary care physician (PCP) should be kept informed about your condition and updated about your cancer treatment. It is best when your oncologist and PCP work together as a team. This is usually done with written reports sent to your PCP after your visits with your cancer care team.
If you smoke, it is important to work with your treatment team to quit smoking. Quitting smoking will help you breathe easier, put less stress on your heart and lungs, and help your treatments work better. Talk with your oncology social worker, case manager or psychologist to develop a plan to quit smoking. You can also get help by calling 1-800-QUITNOW. It is not too late to quit and may be the most important thing that you can do to help your treatment therapy.
This information is not designed to be a substitute for medical advice provided by your treatment team.
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