Your health care team

You may be recalled for further tests after a screening mammogram or your general practitioner (GP) will arrange the first tests to
assess your symptoms. If these tests do not rule out cancer, you will usually be referred to a specialist breast service for further tests.

If breast cancer is diagnosed, you will first see a breast surgeon, or in some cases a medical oncologist, who will consider your treatment options. Often these will be discussed with other health professionals at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting.

Health professionals you may see

During and after treatment, you will see a range of health professionals who specialise in different aspects of your care. You may not need to see all members of the MDT.

GP	assists you with treatment decisions and works in partnership with your specialists in providing ongoing care
breast physician	diagnoses breast cancer and coordinates treatment for breast cancer in some clinics
breast surgeon	assesses breast changes; performs breast surgery and biopsies; some breast surgeons also perform breast reconstruction and plastic surgery procedures (known as an oncoplastic breast surgeon)
reconstructive (plastic) surgeon	performs breast reconstruction after mastectomy
radiation oncologist	treats cancer by prescribing and overseeing a course of radiation therapy
medical oncologist	treats cancer with drug therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy (systemic treatment)
radiologist	analyses x-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds and other scans
radiographer	performs x-rays, mammograms and other scans
breast care nurse	provides breast cancer care; also provides information and referrals during and after treatment
nurse	administers drugs and provides care, information and support throughout treatment
anaesthetist	administers anaesthetic before surgery and monitors you during the operation
radiation therapist	plans and delivers radiation therapy
pathologist	examines cells and tissue samples that are removed from the breast to work out the type and extent of the cancer
physiotherapist, occupational therapist	assist with physical and practical problems, including restoring movement and mobility after treatment, and recommending aids and equipment
exercise physiologist	prescribes exercise to help people with medical conditions improve their overall health, fitness, strength and energy levels
lymphoedema practitioner	educates people about lymphoedema prevention and management, and provides treatment if lymphoedema occurs; often a physiotherapist
social worker	links you to support services and helps you with emotional, practical or financial issues
dietitian	recommends an eating plan to follow during treatment and recovery
psychiatrist, psychologist, counsellor	help you manage your emotional response to diagnosis and treatment
genetic counsellor	provides advice for people with a strong family history of breast cancer or with a genetic condition linked to breast cancer

This information was last reviewed in July 2020. View who reviewed this content.

Prof Bruce Mann, Professor of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, and Director, Breast Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Marie Burke, Radiation Oncologist, and Medical Director GenesisCare Oncology, QLD; Dr Susan Fraser, Breast Physician, Cairns Hospital and Marlin Coast Surgery Cairns, QLD; Ruth Groom, Consumer; Julie McGirr, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Catriona McNeil, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Dr Roya Merie, Staff Specialist, Radiation Oncology, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Dr Eva Nagy, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Sydney Oncoplastic Surgery, NSW; Gay Refeld, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Breast Care, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Genny Springham, Consumer.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.