When a doctor tells you that you have breast cancer, it's normal for anyone to feel a great deal of fear and shock. "What do I do now?", "Who should I see?", "Can this be cured?" are all questions that come to mind. But the most important thing to remember is that you are not fighting this battle alone . There is a large team of doctors and health professionals dedicated to helping you, caring for you, and providing you with the best treatment during this difficult journey. Today, we'll talk about who is on this team and how they can help you.
Who are these specialists?
Simply put, a specialist is a doctor who has studied a specific field of medicine in depth, has received specialized training and postgraduate qualifications (such as MD, MS), and specializes in it. Cancer treatment is one such field that requires such expertise.
After you are first diagnosed with cancer, your family doctor (Primary Care Doctor) or primary care physician will refer you to a team of specialists. This team will come together to discuss your condition and decide on the best treatment plan for you. It is important for everyone to work together from the beginning to get the best results for you.
Remember, never be afraid to ask questions of your treatment team. You have the right to be clearly informed about your condition, treatment options, and possible side effects .
Key members of your cancer treatment team
Breast cancer treatment is not something a single doctor does. It is a team effort. Let's identify the key members of this team and their roles.
| Specialist doctor | The work we do for you |
|---|---|
| Medical Oncologist | This doctor is the person who will treat cancer using medications. He/she will decide whether treatments such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are needed and how they will be given. This doctor will oversee and coordinate your entire cancer treatment process. |
| Surgical Oncologist / Breast Surgeon | This specialist removes the cancerous tumor and, if necessary, the lymph nodes in the armpits through surgery. The decision whether to remove only part of the breast or the entire breast depends on the nature of the cancer. They also perform biopsy tests. |
| Radiation Oncologist | This doctor plans and supervises radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This treatment is often needed after surgery. |
| Pathologist | This doctor examines tissue samples (biopsy samples) taken from your body under a microscope and provides crucial information such as whether or not cancer is present, what type it is, and how fast it has spread. This report is essential to determine your treatment plan. |
| Radiologist | This doctor analyzes scan reports such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRI scans and provides information about the location and size of the cancer. |
| Plastic Surgeon | If a breast needs to be reconstructed after a mastectomy, this doctor has the expertise to do so. This is not necessary for everyone, and it is determined by the patient's wishes. |
Not just doctors, there are others!
In addition to these leading doctors, there are many others dedicated to your well-being.
- Oncology Nurses: They play a very important role in giving you medication, helping you manage side effects, and providing you with the psychological support you need.
- Radiation Technologists: They help you position yourself correctly during radiation therapy and administer the correct dose.
- Dieticians: They will advise you on how to get the nutrition your body needs while dealing with things like loss of appetite and weight loss that may occur during treatment.
- Physiotherapists & Rehabilitation Therapists: They teach you things like exercises to restore function to your arm and shoulder after surgery.
- Palliative Care Team: A team of specialists who help manage physical discomforts such as pain and nausea, and mental stress caused by treatment.
- Mental Health Professionals: You can seek the help of psychiatrists or psychologists to cope with conditions such as depression or anxiety that may arise during this time.
How to choose the best medical team and hospital?
In Sri Lanka, there are excellent hospitals and doctors for cancer treatment in both the public and private sectors. Consider these factors when choosing a place that suits you.
- Doctor's experience: Ask your doctor directly, "How long have you been treating patients like this?" Knowing about their experience will help you build trust.
- Hospital facilities: Check if the hospital you choose can provide all the treatments you need (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) in one place.
- Major Cancer Treatment Centers in Sri Lanka: The National Cancer Institute, Maharagama is the main national hospital for cancer treatment in Sri Lanka . In addition, there are very high-level Oncology Units in most major district hospitals and private hospitals.
- Doctor's referral: Your family doctor or the doctor who first examined you usually knows who the best, most experienced specialists in this field are. Trust their referrals.
- Psychological support: Also ask about the psychological support and counseling services provided by the hospital for you and your family.
Don't be fooled by advertisements for "miracle cures" or unproven medications on the Internet and social media. Follow only the advice of your medical team. They are the ones who know your condition best.
Take-Home Message
- Although being diagnosed with breast cancer can be a scary experience, you are not alone. There is a large medical team ready to help you.
- Your treatment team will consist of many people, including various specialists, nursing staff, and therapists. They will all work together to give you the best outcome.
- Never hesitate to ask your doctors questions and clarify your doubts. Being informed is an important part of the treatment process.
- Mental health is as important as physical health. Seek support from family, friends, or professional counselors if needed.
- Always trust your medical team and trusted health sources. Don't be fooled by unverified information, and face this journey with courage.
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