Your Breast Cancer Team
Throughout your breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond, you’ll get care from many health care providers. This team of providers work together to give you the best care possible. Together, you and your breast cancer team make decisions about your care.
Some members of your breast cancer team care focus on treatment and your physical health, while others focus on your quality of life and emotional health.
Learn about:
- Doctors involved in breast cancer treatment and care
- Other health care professionals involved in breast cancer treatment and care
- Mental health providers
- Hospice care providers
You may not have every health care provider below involved in your care.
Doctors involved in breast cancer treatment and care
Medical oncologist (oncologist) The doctor who will oversee your breast cancer treatment. A medical oncologist specializes in diagnosing cancer and treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormone therapy and other drug therapies.
Surgeon (breast surgeon, surgical oncologist) The doctor who will perform your breast surgery, either a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. A surgeon may also perform a surgical biopsy. If you’re having breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, a plastic surgeon will create your new breast.
Radiation oncologist A doctor who specializes in using radiation therapy to treat cancer. This doctor plans the radiation field and doses. Not everyone gets radiation therapy as part of their treatment.
Pathologist A doctor who specializes in diagnosing cancer by studying tissue and cells under a microscope and by interpreting lab tests on tissue and cells. This information helps guide treatment.
Radiologist A doctor who specializes in interpreting mammograms and other imaging tests (such as MRIs) used to help diagnose breast cancer.
Plastic surgeon (reconstructive surgeon) A surgeon who can recreate a breast after a mastectomy. They can also improve the appearance of a breast after other breast surgery.
Palliative care specialist A doctor who specializes in relieving or preventing pain and other symptoms (such as nausea) to improve quality of life. A palliative care specialist can also help you identify and manage physical, emotional, social and spiritual sources of distress.
Anesthesia pain expert A doctor who is an anesthesiologist with special training in pain management. They are experts in procedures, such as injections, to relieve pain.
Primary care doctor (primary care provider) The doctor you see for routine health care. This may be a general practitioner, a family practice doctor, a gynecologist or an internal medicine doctor.
Other health care professionals involved in breast cancer treatment and care
Nurse A medical professional who provides direct patient care, such as administering treatments, helping to manage side effects, coordinating care and providing education. Nurses may specialize in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and other areas of breast cancer care.
Physician assistant/physician associate (PA) or nurse practitioner A medical professional who can see patients independently and/or do procedures under the guidance of a doctor. They can provide direct patient care, such as doing physical exams or assisting in surgery, and can prescribe medications. PAs and nurse practitioners may specialize in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, palliative care and other areas of breast cancer care.
Pharmacist/oncology pharmacist A medical professional trained to prepare and give out prescription drugs. They help make sure patients know how to take their medications and understand the potential side effects. Oncology pharmacists are also responsible for mixing chemotherapy.
Radiation therapist A medical professional trained to give radiation therapy. They also help patients through their radiation treatments by guiding them through the process, such as getting into the correct position for radiation therapy, and monitoring them.
Patient navigator A trained professional who helps guide patients through the health care system and stay on course with their treatment plan. They can help communicate with doctors. Patient navigators may help set up doctor visits, tests and connect patients with support and other resources. If your hospital doesn’t have patient navigators, Komen has patient navigators that can help you.
Social worker/oncology social worker A health care provider who can help identify and address social and emotional needs, as well as practical needs, such as financial assistance, transportation and home care.
Genetic counselor A health care provider who can discuss the benefits, risks and issues related to genetic testing. They can determine if a person meets the criteria for genetic testing and arranges for testing.
Dietitian or registered dietician (RD) A health care professional trained in diet and nutrition. They can develop nutritional plans for patients to support treatment and recovery.
Physical therapist A health care professional trained to help people improve their ability to move and do physical activities. They may also help treat lymphedema.
Sex therapist A health care professional who specializes in counseling people about issues affecting sexuality and intimacy that may occur during and after breast cancer treatment. They help people manage the physical and emotional side effects of treatment that can impact their sex life. It’s common for a sex therapist to work with both partners.
Integrative care specialist A health care professional that helps manage side effects using complementary therapies. They may give or coordinate care such as acupuncture or massage therapy.
Mental health providers
Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is as important as tending to the physical side effects of breast cancer treatment.
Counseling can be done in a group setting (such as a support group) or one-on-one. It may be done in person or remotely.
Psychologist A health care provider specially trained to diagnose mental and emotional conditions, such as depression and anxiety. They provide counseling to treat these issues and provide support to cope with the stress of cancer.
Psychiatrist A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental and emotional distress, and other problems. They provide counseling and can prescribe medications or other therapies.
Mental health counselor A health care provider who can diagnose mental and emotional distress, and other problems. They provide counseling to treat these issues.
Sex therapist A health care professional who specializes in counseling people about issues affecting sexuality and intimacy that may occur during and after breast cancer treatment. They help people manage the physical and emotional side effects of treatment that can impact their sex life. It’s common for a sex therapist to work with both partners.
Clinical social worker A health care provider who can diagnose mental and emotional distress, and other problems. They can provide counseling to treat these issues. They can also help people find other support resources.
Susan G. Komen® Patient Care Center |
The Komen Patient Care Center offers free, personalized emotional support to patients, caregivers and family members. Get connected to a Komen navigator by contacting the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org to get started. All calls are answered Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Se habla español. |
Hospice care members
The goal of hospice is to help people get care that’s in line with their wishes during the last months of their lives. This care provides physical, emotional and spiritual comfort.
Most often, family members are the primary caregivers. The hospice team gives them guidance and support throughout this difficult time.
Palliative care specialist A doctor who specializes in relieving symptoms. Palliative care specialists can help manage and manage physical, emotional, social and spiritual sources of distress. They can help patients identify the goals and values that will guide their hospice care, and document some of them in advance directive documents.
Hospice nurse A registered nurse trained in end-of-life care. The hospice nurse will usually visit 1-2 times a week or more, depending on a person’s need.
Home health aide(s) A health care worker who helps with personal care, such as bathing and preparing meals.
Social worker A health care provider who can help identify and address social and emotional needs, as well as practical needs, such as financial assistance.
Medical director A hospice doctor who works with your oncologist and the hospice team to coordinate your medical care.
Spiritual counselor A chaplain or other member of the clergy who can help take care of the spiritual needs of patients and their families. They can take care of people from many faiths, denominations and beliefs.
Grief counselor A health care professional who can help patients and their families with feelings around dying and bereavement.
Susan G. Komen® Support Resources |
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Updated 03/18/26
This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.