Your health care team for prostate cancer

Your GP will usually arrange the first tests. If these tests suggest that there could be cancer in the prostate, you will usually be referred to a specialist called a urologist. The urologist can arrange further tests and advise you about your options. It is recommended that men with localised prostate cancer see both a urologist and a radiation oncologist before deciding on treatment.

Your specialists may discuss treatment options with other health professionals at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. During and after treatment, you will see a range of health professionals who specialise in different aspects of your care.

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Health professionals you may see

The health professionals involved in your treatment may include:

• General practitioner (GP) – assists you with treatment decisions and works in partnership with your specialists in providing ongoing care; may monitor PSA levels and administer treatment
• Urologist* – treats diseases of the male and female urinary systems and the male reproductive system; performs biopsies and prostate surgery
• Radiation oncologist* – treats cancer by prescribing and coordinating the course of radiation therapy
• Medical oncologist* – treats cancer with drug therapies such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy
• Endocrinologist – diagnoses, treats and manages hormonal disorders
• Cancer care coordinator / prostate cancer specialist nurse – coordinates your care, liaises with other members of the MDT and supports you and your family throughout treatment; a clinical nurse consultant (CNC) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) may also coordinate your care
• Nurse – administers drugs and provides care, information and support throughout management or treatment
• Urology care coordinator / continence nurse – supports people with bladder and bowel management before and after cancer treatment
• Radiologist* – analyses x-rays and scans; an interventional radiologist may also perform a biopsy under ultrasound or CT, and deliver some treatments
• Pathologist* – examines cells and tissue samples to determine the type and extent of the cancer
• Continence physiotherapist – provides exercises to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder and bowel control
• Exercise physiologist / physiotherapist – assists people with medical conditions to exercise and improve their overall health, fitness, strength and energy levels
• Occupational therapist – assists in adapting your living and working environment to help you resume usual activities
• Sexual health physician* / sex therapist – can help you and your partner with sexuality issues before and after treatment; an erectile dysfunction specialist can give specific advice for erection problems
• Psychologist / counsellor – help you manage your emotional response to diagnosis and treatment; may also help with emotional issues affecting sexuality
• Social worker – links you to support services and helps youwith emotional, practical or financial issues

*Specialist doctor

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