Your Care Team
Your care team may include doctors, nurses, specialists, and other healthcare providers, each playing a vital role in your treatment and recovery.
A care team is an essential support system for someone facing a significant health challenge like endometrial cancer. The team consists of diverse medical professionals and supportive individuals, each bringing a unique perspective to your overall well-being during this critical time.
Understand that you are the care team captain.
It is essential to recognize yourself as the captain of your care team. You have the power to steer your healthcare journey.
You can lead your team towards the best possible outcomes by actively participating and communicating effectively. Your care team is there to support you, and you are the central figure guiding your path to wellness.
Care Team Roles and Responsibilities
| Care Team Member | Who They Are | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Gynecologic Oncologist | A doctor who has gone through specialized training in operating on cancers affecting the uterus, cervix, ovaries, vulva, and vagina. Gynecology refers to medical care related to these same reproductive parts. Oncologist refers to a medical care provider who specializes in cancer diagnosis and treatment. | A gynecologic oncologist can manage your care from diagnosis to the end of treatment. |
| Medical Oncologist | A doctor who is an expert in treating cancer using different medical approaches – including chemotherapy and pharmaceutical drugs. | This doctor can work with you to plan and carry out chemotherapy treatment (if this is part of your treatment plan). |
| Radiation Oncologist | A doctor who is an expert in using radiation to treat cancer. | This doctor can work with you to plan and carry out treatment with radiation (if this is part of your treatment plan). |
| Oncology Nurse | This is a nurse who specializes in cancer care. | An oncology nurse may work with you throughout diagnosis and treatment. They can also help you with any medical information you don't understand, and provide emotional support. |
| Social Worker | This care provider has training in counseling and practical support, such as addressing your transportation needs, dealing with insurance, finding support programs, setting up home care, and mor | A social worker can help you emotionally process your diagnosis and treatment. They can be advocates for you with the rest of your care team, and help you find the emotional and practical support you need at the clinic or hospital and at home. |
| Patient Navigator | A care provider who educates patients about diseases and advocates for the patient and caregivers throughout treatment. | A patient navigator can help you understand what is happening, can help you figure out how best to talk with your providers (they can even talk to your providers on your behalf if you wish), and make sure you and your support team are getting what you need throughout treatment. |
| Nutritionist or Registered Dietitian | Care provider who has training in how eating affects your body, and how food can help you be as healthy as possible. | Help you maintain healthy eating habits in order to support recovery and avoid or better cope with side effects of treatment. |