Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can affect every part of your life: your health, your relationships, and even your finances. Fortunately, you’re not on this journey alone. An entire team of healthcare professionals is available every step of the way to help you navigate the many challenges of living with this disease. These specialists may all work under the same roof, such as a hospital or medical center, or be spread out across different locations.
Here are some of the professionals who may play a role in your metastatic NSCLC care team.
1. Medical Oncologist
An oncologist who specializes in the diagnosis and medical treatment of lung cancer is known as a thoracic oncologist or simply a medical oncologist. Your thoracic oncologist will take the reins for most aspects of your lung cancer treatment and management, answering your questions and discussing the risks and benefits of your treatment plan.
2. Thoracic Surgeon
This type of surgeon operates on areas of the chest, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, and trachea. Depending on the location and size of your tumor and how well your lungs are functioning, surgery may be an option.
If the NSCLC team deems you a good candidate for surgery, a thoracic surgeon may use video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) to collect samples for diagnosis and treat the lung cancer by removing all or part of a lung.
3. Radiation Oncologist
This physician has expertise in the use of therapeutic radiation to treat cancer. “Though radiation is not typically used for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, you may see a radiation oncologist to help alleviate symptoms of your cancer, such as pain related to bone metastases,” explains Emerson Douglas, a social worker in private practice in Worthington, Ohio. This is known as palliative radiation.
4. Pulmonologist
Pulmonologists are doctors who specialize in treating conditions and diseases of the lungs. People with NSCLC may work with an interventional pulmonologist — a physician with specialized training to diagnose and stage lung cancer. You may also be referred to a pulmonologist if you experience any issues associated with your cancer or that arise during treatment, such as breathing problems or fluid buildup around the lungs.
These specialists work closely with your oncologist and each other to deliver a range of services, including performing physical exams and certain procedures, ordering tests and analyzing results, and helping you manage cancer treatment and its side effects. These team members are very knowledgeable about the details and nuances of navigating the cancer terrain.
Oncology nurse coordinators are usually the first point of contact if you’re having symptoms or concerns during treatment. They can play a crucial role in helping you during transition points in your treatment, such as moving from inpatient to outpatient care. “They may sit down with you and your family before treatment starts and educate you about side effects and what to expect,” says Douglas.
6. Pharmacist
Pharmacists are easily accessible sources of information and found in a wide range of settings, from hospitals to grocery store pharmacies. They can help you understand the instructions for your cancer medications and give advice about how or when to take them. Your pharmacist may also be able to give you guidance on symptom management and encourage you to visit your doctor if you have worrisome symptoms.
7. Dietitian
Cancer hospitals and clinics often have on staff a full-time dietitian who specializes in nutritional issues that can arise during cancer and its treatment. “A dietitian can help out with what foods to eat or avoid during chemotherapy, how to combat any significant weight loss during treatment, and how to use nutrition to achieve a sense of wellness,” Douglas says.
8. Psychologist or Psychiatrist
These mental health professionals can support you through any emotional or psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression, that come up during or after lung cancer treatment. Involving mental health professionals early in treatment results in lower rates of depression, anxiety, and even premature death. Psychologists offer one-on-one or group counseling sessions. Psychiatrists can provide therapy sessions as well as prescribe medications, and they have expertise in how medications interact with lung cancer treatments.
9. Physical or Occupational Therapist
These providers specialize in helping patients cope with any decline in their ability to function at home or in the workplace. “They can help you combat weakness and fatigue from your disease and treatment and teach you techniques that will help you continue to carry out tasks at your job and also at home, like making meals for your family or walking the dog,” says Douglas. You can see these team members in the hospital, or they may come to your home.
10. Palliative Care Team
“Almost all of our metastatic NSCLC patients are referred to our palliative medicine team, which includes a palliative care physician as well as a nurse who specializes in cancer pain and symptom management,” says Douglas. These providers work closely with other oncology team members to prevent and ease symptoms like pain, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and any other side effects of your cancer and NSCLC treatment.
11. Oncology Social Worker
An oncology social worker has special training in assisting patients and their family members with practical and emotional issues related to cancer. They can provide supportive counseling for you and your family, help you navigate the healthcare system, assist with insurance and financial issues, and connect you with resources in the community. Your social worker can be a powerful ally in your cancer journey.
12. Financial Counselor or Navigator
These professionals can answer questions about hospital bills and insurance coverage and help you get pre-authorizations for services and medications. They can also help you find financial assistance through national, nonprofit, and community programs as well as through Medicaid.
13. Chaplain or Religious Support Person
Many cancer clinics and hospitals have a chaplain or other clergy member on staff to meet with patients and their families. They can provide support to people of all faiths who are experiencing spiritual distress as a result of an illness.
