Getting a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming.

Patients need time to process all the emotions around the diagnosis. More appointments quickly add to the schedule. There is much to do. If the person is still working, that is another piece of the puzzle to contend with. How do you fit all these appointments into your schedule if you work a 9-5? It can be difficult.

A nurse navigator will often reach out to the patient. The doctor will order scans or extra tests to “stage” the cancer. A team and individualized plan will be put into place. Some cancers are more aggressive than others. In those cases, the doctor will want to start treatment as soon as insurance authorizes it. Treatment can involve radiation, surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, or a combination of all the above. Sometimes there are a set number of treatments, but sometimes treatments last for years.

There are many healthcare providers who help patients along the way during the cancer journey. Lets meet the people who are part of the oncology team:

Nurse navigator– the nurse navigator is one of the very first people patients meet. They will call with information. They will set up important appointments. The nurse navigator is often present during meetings with the physician. Together, they go over the diagnosis and tailored plan for an individual patient. The nurse navigator helps with any questions and makes sure patients understand what’s happening and why. They help to literally “navigate” the oncology waters, and make sure that patients are cared for on their cancer journey. They get patients up and running for the next phase of the journey.

Medical oncologist– Patients will get a referral to a medical oncologist following their diagnosis. They develop a treatment plan and manage non-surgical treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments. Patients undergoing chemotherapy typically have labs drawn before each treatment. They also meet with the medical oncologist beforehand. Not everyone needs chemotherapy.

Radiation oncologist: If a patient needs radiation, they will be referred to the radiation oncologist. The radiation oncologist is the doctor responsible for setting up radiation treatments. They evaluate patients weekly and as needed throughout treatments. They also help manage side effects, along with the radiation nurse. Not everyone needs radiation. It depends on the diagnosis. Radiation can be given over a set number of days or weeks. In the outpatient setting, it will typically be given from Monday to Friday.

Radiation nurse: The radiation nurse works with the radiation oncologist. They also monitor patients for side effects and are a resource person during radiation treatments. They can give tips on managing the side effects. In addition, this nurse will work closely with the infusion team and medical oncologist.

Radiation therapist: These people give patients radiation treatment. They prepare patients on the “table” for radiation treatment. They then administer the treatment. Afterwards, they assist patients on their way out. The initial planning visit will take longer than subsequent treatments. This is because the radiation treatment is tailored, and tiny tattoos are placed to guide treatment.

Surgeon: Surgery is sometimes necessary, depending on the cancer diagnosis. The doctor may want to shrink the tumor first, before removing it. Or patients may get radiation following chemotherapy or surgery. Or a combination of all three.

Infusion nurses: These are the nurses responsible for administering chemotherapy, hydration, and other supportive care. They give shots and draw labs. They generally offer support through treatment. They also monitor patients for side effects and work closely with the physicians.

Triage nurse: The triage nurse works closely with the physicians. They take phone calls from patients. The nurse determines when patients should come in for evaluation, go to the hospital, or follow next steps. They are a valuable resource for patients, before, during, and after treatment.

Medical assistants: These healthcare professionals work closely with the doctors and nurses, helping patients get ready for exams and treatments.

Social workers: Social workers can help patients navigate programs available to oncology patients. The social workers are a lifeline to resources in the community and also resources available at the cancer center. Centers may have programs that assist with getting groceries and paying for bills if a patient can’t work during treatment.

Registered dietician: Dieticians are helpful especially when struggling with eating. Many patients undergoing chemotherapy have taste changes or lose their appetite. Dieticians can help with calorie intake in these situations. They are also a resource for other feeding modalities, such as PEG tubes.

Genetics counselor: These people can give advice on whether patients should have genetics testing done. Patients may have met genetic counselors prior to being diagnosed.

Those are many of the team players that guide patients through their cancer journey. Not all of them will be part of every patient’s experience- that is dependent on their individual circumstances. There may be other team members not mentioned here, too. But this guide gives a good overview of the treatment team in the outpatient setting.