Below is a description of the health care professionals who are usually accessible to someone who has cancer. Each of these people can play a vital role in helping you obtain the best treatment possible and maintain the highest quality of life throughout your diagnosis and treatment. As with any type of health care you receive, you are a 'consumer' of services, and you should not be afraid to ask questions about what you are getting and who is providing it. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask Write out your questions beforehand to make sure you don't forget to discuss anything Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing Finally, don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. Being well informed is your most important task on the health care team.
Social workers are people who are professionally trained in counseling and practical assistance.
They provide the broadest range of help to people with cancer, this is a good place to start if you have recently been diagnosed with cancer and aren't sure what to do next. A social worker can provide you with counseling, find a support group for you, locate services in your community that can help you with homecare or transportation, and guide you through the process of applying to the government for Social Security Disability or other forms of assistance. They can also help you understand your diagnosis and talk to you about treatment side effects and what to expect. If You Need Medication or Feel Depressed. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in providing psychotherapy, or general psychological help.