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.
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.
