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 |
Featured resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
Additional resources
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.
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