Understanding your cancer care team
Patients diagnosed with cancer often meet with multiple specialists throughout treatment and recovery. From the TMC Health Cancer Center to the TMC Health system of care and outside partners, here’s an overview of the providers you may encounter during your cancer treatment journey.
Physicians
Doctors that will help lead you through your cancer care journey.
Medical oncologist
A cancer specialist who treats patients using chemo, hormone, biologic or targeted therapy. They often act as the primary doctor and coordinate care for a patient.
Hematologist
A doctor specializing in blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system disorders that may also help treat blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Radiation oncologist
A doctor trained in using external or internal radiation therapy to treat cancer. They work with other physicians to create personalized treatment plans.
Breast surgical oncologist
A breast surgical oncologist specializes in the surgical treatment of breast cancer, performing procedures like lumpectomies and mastectomies. They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure personalized, comprehensive care throughout a patient’s cancer journey.
Gynecologic oncologist
A specialist in cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, vaginal, cervical and vulvar cancer. They often perform surgeries and oversee treatment.
Clinicians
Nurses, assistants, therapists—these team members play a vital role in your cancer care experience
Nurse practitioner (NP)
Also called an advanced practice nurse (APN), an NP is a registered nurse with extra training in diagnosing and treating diseases. In cancer care, NPs may manage primary care under a doctor’s guidance.
Physician assistant (PA)
PAs work under a doctor’s supervision and perform many of the same tasks, including examining, diagnosing and treating patients. They are an essential part of the cancer care team.
Oncology nurse
A nurse specializing in cancer treatment and patient care. Often a patient’s first point of contact, they help with:
- Monitoring physical conditions.
- Managing symptoms and side effects.
- Providing emotional support.
- Administering chemotherapy and treatments under a doctor’s supervision.
- Educating patients and families about treatment options.
Radiation therapist
A specialist in radiation oncology who plans and administers radiation treatments under a doctor’s supervision.
Medical assistant (MA)
Before seeing the doctor, a medical assistant will:
- Review your medical history and medications.
- Record vital signs (blood pressure, pulse and temperature).
- Assist doctors and nurses with tests and procedures.
Physical therapist
A physical therapist helps cancer patients regain strength, maintain energy and improve mobility, independence and quality of life through personalized rehabilitation plans.
Social workers and nurse navigators
Compassionate professionals to guide you and your family, offering support, resources and help managing care.
Social workers
Our social workers provide emotional support and help with practical needs such as transportation, finances and finding community resources. They also assist caregivers and offer counseling to help you adjust to your diagnosis.
How social workers Help
- Provide emotional support and counseling.
- Assist with advance care planning (wills, power of attorney, hospice care).
- Offer crisis support and mental health screenings.
- Refer patients to palliative care and related services.
- Provide resources for caregivers and families.
- Help with transportation and other barriers to care.
- Offer smoking cessation and substance abuse resources.
Nurse navigators
Our nurse navigators help you through every step of treatment, ensuring you understand your care plan and have the support you need. They work with doctors, nurses and specialists to coordinate care and make the process smoother.
How nurse navigators help
- Guide you from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
- Explain treatment plans and answer questions.
- Check in after new treatments to offer support.
- Help manage treatment side effects and symptoms.
- Connect you with community resources and referrals.
- Work with your care team to coordinate treatments.
- Provide support for palliative care and related services.
- Advocate for you and your caregivers.
Supportive team
Providing the care you need throughout the TMC Health system of care.
Palliative care
Palliative care nurse practitioners work with a team of medical professionals to support patients at all stages of illness. Care begins at diagnosis and continues through treatment and beyond to improve quality of life by managing pain, nausea, fatigue, depression and anxiety. They also assist in understanding and coordinating care.
Registered dietitian
A dietitian plays a key role in cancer treatment and recovery by working with patients, families and the medical team to manage diet and nutrition during and after treatment. Proper nutrition can help improve energy, strength and overall well-being.
Financial Counselor
We provide a financial counselor to guide you through your insurance benefits and financial options.
Your financial counselor will explain
- The total cost of your planned treatment.
- Your out-of-pocket expenses, including co-pays and deductibles.
- Payment policies.
- Available financial assistance options.
- Your financial responsibilities
- Referrals: Ensure you have the referrals required by your insurance.
- Personal information: Notify our office of any changes to your insurance.
- Current balances: Payments are due at the time of your visit.
- Assist with AHCCCS applications.
