Choosing the right specialist for cancer treatment is an important step in your private healthcare journey. In Australia, there are several pathways and considerations to keep in mind when selecting a specialist who can provide the best care for your specific type of cancer.
How to choose a specialist for cancer treatment
Understanding the types of cancer specialists
Cancer treatment often involves a multidisciplinary approach, which means you may need to see more than one type of specialist. This may include:
- Radiation Oncologists: Specialist doctors who prescribe radiation therapy treatments for all types of cancer and oversee the best management plan to care for patients
- Medical Oncologists: Doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating cancer with the use of chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapy and hormone therapies
- Haematologists: Doctors who specialise in treating blood disorders and cancers affecting the blood (e.g. leukaemia) or blood forming organs such as the bone marrow
- Surgeons: Doctors who are responsible for the surgical removal of cancerous tissue
Finding a specialist
Your GP is usually the first point of contact, and they can refer you to a specialist for initial diagnosis and treatment planning. However, you may prefer to choose a specialist based on your own research, or recommendations from family, friends or colleagues.
Finding a specialist that is part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is beneficial for patients as they receive a more coordinated and collaborative approach to their treatment. The MDT is a group of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals who manage cancer patients and work in partnership to determine the most suitable approach for individual patients. The team will usually meet regularly to discuss their patients’ needs and diagnosis to plan the best course of treatment.
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Choosing a specialist
When choosing a specialist, consider the following:
- Expertise: Look for specialists who have experience or a special interest treating your type of cancer
- Communication: Choose someone you feel comfortable talking to and who explains things clearly
- Location: Consider the specialist’s consultation and treatment location for convenience and benefits such as free parking. Some treatment schedules may require daily visits, so finding a specialist close to home may be an important factor
- Waiting list: Check the wait time for treatment
- Multidisciplinary teams: Choose a specialist that is part of a multidisciplinary team that can look after all aspects of your care
- Financial: Check the costs for your treatment and note that up to 90% of the radiation oncology fee is funded by Medicare for private and public patients
Making the decision
The decision on which specialist to choose should be based on a combination of professional advice, personal comfort, and practical considerations.
At Icon, our team of over 200 specialists including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and haematologists, provide exceptional care across over 40 centres nationwide. With no wait-list and an affordable care commitment, Icon is deeply committed to supporting patients throughout their treatment. Find out more information on our centres, doctors and treatments available.
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The content found on the Icon Cancer Centre website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not a substitute for consulting with a qualified medical professional. Our website is designed to provide information and support to the general public. Please be mindful that we do not dispense medical advice, and for personalised medical guidance, we strongly advise you to consult with a qualified medical professional or doctor.