Your Stomach Cancer Care Team

If you have recently been diagnosed with stomach (gastric) cancer, If you have recently been diagnosed with stomach (gastric) cancer, there will be a myriad of emotions experienced. Trying to absorb and understand all the new information surrounding your condition can be unsettling, especially during this trying time. However, you’ll meet many healthcare professionals along the way who will help you navigate your cancer journey. Knowing who some of these people are and their roles will be instrumental as you work closely with your cancer care team throughout this phase of your life.

Your cancer care team is a group of healthcare professionals working together on your case. They may also be called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). This is because healthcare providers from different specialties and disciplines are involved in your care.

Read on to find out about the different groups the members of your cancer care team can be classified into.

Radiologic technologist

Also known as a radiographer, a radiologic technologist positions you for imaging scans like X-rays, captures the images and subsequently develops and examines them for quality. The resulting images are then delivered to a radiologist to be read.

Radiologist

Radiologists are doctors specially trained to read and interpret the results of imaging scans. They can identify abnormal features on scans, such as masses and tumors, and create imaging reports to communicate their findings. In this way, their role involves making an accurate diagnosis and determining the extent or severity for many types of diseases like cancer.

Pathologist

Pathologists are doctors specializing in observing cells, tissues and organs to diagnose disease. In a laboratory, they examine biopsy samples under a microscope. This allows them to examine the cells’ and tissues’ appearance to determine whether a tumor is cancerous. If it is, pathologists can also discern the specific cell type (where it originated) and grade (how fast the cancer grows). Some pathologists are also trained to look for molecular or genetic traits or abnormalities commonly associated with certain diseases or cancers.

Because they usually work in a laboratory, you may not meet a pathologist in person. However, they play a vital role in deciphering your cancer type.

Medical oncologist

Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer using anticancer drugs, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These healthcare professionals are often responsible for coordinating the activities of your treatment team.

Surgical oncologist

Surgical oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating cancer via surgery. This includes performing procedures to resect tumors or other regions of the body affected by cancer. Some surgical oncologists are trained to use specialized instruments or minimally invasive techniques, like endosopic, laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery. They can also perform certain types of biopsies for gastric cancer diagnosis.

Radiation oncologist

Radiation oncologists are doctors that specialize in using radiation therapy to treat cancer. This type of treatment involves the use of high-energy radioactive beams or radioactive seed implants that can shrink tumors or destroy cancer cells.

Interventional radiologist

An interventional radiologist is a doctor that specializes in using imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, to aid the delivery of medical treatments. Interventional radiology (IR) procedures include the insertion of specialized catheters into the veins, giving access for drug administration.

Although it might seem overwhelming to have so many people involved in your care, it is important to understand that each member has an essential role to play. They all have a common goal — to help achieve the best possible outcome and support you during your treatment journey.