In addition to family, friends, and your oncologist, you may also have access to an entire team of healthcare professionals who can help you navigate the many aspects of your disease and treatment every step of the way. These specialists may all work under the same roof, in a hospital or medical center, or be spread out at different locations. Here are some of the professionals you may want to include on your metastatic NSCLC care team.

  1. Thoracic 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, answer your questions, and discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment plan.
  2. 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 former oncology social worker in the Lung Cancer Program at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center who is now a psychotherapist in private practice. This is known as palliative radiation.
  3. Pulmonologist Pulmonologists are doctors who specialize in treating conditions and diseases of the lungs. With NSCLC, a pulmonologist aids in diagnosis, staging, and treatment of the disease. You may also be referred to a pulmonologist if you experience any breathing problems that are associated with your cancer or arise during treatment.
  4. Specialty care coordinator or oncology nurse These registered nurses (RNs) work very closely with physicians, NPs, and PAs. “They may sit down with you and your family before treatment starts and educate you about side effects and what to expect,” explains Douglas. Your specialty care coordinator or oncology nurse is usually the first point of contact if you’re having symptoms or concerns during treatment.
  5. Dietitian Cancer hospitals and clinics often have a full-time dietitian on staff 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, as well as how to use nutrition to achieve a sense of wellness,” explains Douglas.
  6. Psychologist or psychiatrist These mental health professionals support patients through any emotional or psychological issues, such as anxiety or depression, that come up during or after lung cancer treatment. Psychologists offer one-on-one or group counseling sessions; psychiatrists can provide therapy sessions, as well as prescribe medications — they have expertise in how medications interact with lung cancer treatments.
  7. 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,” notes Douglas. You can see these team members in the hospital, or they may come to your home.
  8. 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,” Douglas explains. These providers work closely with other oncology team members to prevent and ease symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, and any other side effects of your cancer and NSCLC treatment.
  9. Oncology social worker A social worker who has special training to assist 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.
  10. Financial counselor or navigator These professionals can answer questions about hospital bills and insurance coverage, as well as 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 Medicaid.
  11. 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 patients of all faiths who are experiencing spiritual distress as a result of their illness.