After a cancer diagnosis, many patients are surprised by how many specialists become involved in their care. You may meet with a medical oncologist, surgeon, radiation oncologist, genetic counselor or other specialists, all while trying to process a tremendous amount of information. While that can be overwhelming, there’s a reason for it.
The most effective cancer care goes beyond a single physician or treatment approach, bringing together specialists from multiple disciplines. They collaborate to develop recommendations, answer questions and provide the information you need to make decisions about your care. No two patients are exactly alike, and that’s why treatment decisions are made through conversations with your providers, ensuring your goals, preferences and quality-of-life considerations remain at the center of your care.
Why your cancer care team includes multiple specialists
Cancer is complex. Having multiple specialists review your diagnosis, health and goals widens the scope to ensure you have all the information you need to choose the best path forward for your treatment.
Instead of relying on one perspective, you benefit from the collective expertise of:
- Medical oncologists – diagnose and treat cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy
- Hematologists – diagnose and treat blood disorders
- Radiation oncologists – treat cancer using radiation
- Surgical oncologists – treat cancer using surgery
- Pathologists – diagnose diseases by analyzing tissues and bodily fluids
- Radiologists – use medical imaging to diagnose diseases
- Genetic counselors – assess your risk for inherited conditions based on your personal and family medical history
- Rehabilitation specialists – help patients mitigate side effects, reduce pain and restore function during or after cancer treatment
- Supportive care professionals
While not every cancer patient will need to work with all these specialists, they are all available for your care team to consult with internally or refer you to as needed. Each specialist helps ensure that every aspect of your care and personal needs are carefully considered, from diagnosis and treatment planning to symptom management and recovery.
How cancer specialists work together
Our goal is simple: to make your experience as clear, coordinated and supportive as possible. One of the greatest advantages of a team-based approach is that it is designed for seamless communication across the team and with you.
Cancer treatment often involves multiple appointments, providers and decisions on top of the emotional, mental and financial toll it can take. Without coordination, important details can be missed. Our collaborative approach helps ensure that every member of your care team – whether medical or supportive – is aligned and informed so you don’t have to repeat your story multiple times or wonder if your providers have talked to each other.
As a result, patients benefit from:
- Personalized treatment recommendations
- Strong communication among specialists
- Faster coordination of care
- Access to the latest treatment options
- Comprehensive support throughout treatment and survivorship
How tumor boards support cancer treatment planning
A tumor board is a meeting that brings multidisciplinary cancer specialists, like those listed above, together to review individual patient cases. If your case is being reviewed, your primary cancer care provider will share your situation and open the discussion to everyone. Rather than relying on a single perspective, specialists review your imaging, pathology results, treatment options and goals to ensure every recommendation is informed by a broad range of expertise.
Our specialists regularly collaborate to review complex cases and ensure patients receive recommendations informed by diverse expertise and the latest advances in cancer care. This team-based review process helps ensure that every patient receives a range of treatment plan options that are both comprehensive and personalized.
Multidisciplinary care at Green Bay Oncology
Cancer treatment is about more than medicine. It’s about having the right team beside you every step of the way. At Green Bay Oncology, our multidisciplinary cancer care team works together to provide personalized treatment recommendations, coordinated care and compassionate support. From diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, you’ll have a team focused on your health, goals and quality of life, with a relentless commitment to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one has recently received a cancer diagnosis, we’re here to help. Contact one of our ten locations across Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan to learn more about becoming a patient.
