Approximately 10 million Americans alive today have been diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Some of these individuals were recently diagnosed while others are receiving cancer treatment, are in remission or are considered cured. Cancer poses different challenges for each of the patients who have the disease. These challenges may be physical, psychological, emotional or financial. There are a variety of resources available to assist patients and their families during their battle with cancer and afterward.

One of the first and most valuable resources a patient will encounter is the cancer care team. The cancer care team includes essential healthcare professionals who are involved in all facets of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment. The team can include:

• Medical oncologist
• Radiation oncologist
• Surgeon
• Nursing personnel
• Pathologist
• Social worker
  

Members of the cancer care team coordinate and oversee the patient’s treatment, answer questions the patient may have about the disease, refer the patient to appropriate organizations in the community and provided additional services as necessary.