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.
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.