MANAGING YOUR TREATMENT WITH KEYTRUDA
A number of people will be involved in helping to manage your treatment for cancer – your doctors, other healthcare professionals, family and friends – but the person at the centre of it all is you.
MANAGING YOUR TREATMENT
YOUR ONCOLOGY CARE TEAM
Many different types of healthcare professionals may be involved in your treatment and care, and the level of involvement can change depending on your treatments and your needs. Over the course of your treatment for cancer, you may see some or all of the following healthcare professionals.
Medical Oncologist / Haematologist
A specialist who prescribes and co-ordinates your medical care, including your KEYTRUDA treatment. Your medical oncologist or haematologist will be most closely concerned with your care, and is the person with whom you should discuss any and all health concerns.
Nurse
Supports you through your diagnosis and treatment. Your nurse can help you with many aspects of your treatment, including administering treatment.
Surgeon
Performs operations to remove cancerous tissue and repair damage caused by the tumour. Speak to your surgeon about the after effects of surgery, for example possible scarring and the management of acute pain.
Radiation Oncologist
Prescribes and coordinates the delivery of radiotherapy, and reads scans to assess areas of disease and the effects of treatment. If you have questions about the size or location of tumours, your radiation oncologist can advise you.
General Practitioner
Takes care of your general health, helps coordinate your care and supports you throughout treatment. Your GP can refer you to specialists and services that can assist your treatment and recovery.
Cancer care coordinator
Supports and assists you through all stages of your treatment.
Dietitian
Recommends an eating plan for you to follow while you are in treatment and recovery.
Social worker, counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist
Links you to support services, provides emotional support, assists with emotional concerns, and helps manage depression and anxiety. Speak to these professionals about any emotional issues you have.
Physiotherapist, occupational therapist
Assists with physical and practical problems, including restoring range of movement after surgery. Seek advice if your cancer or its treatment has affected your physical function in any way.
Palliative care team
Works closely with your GP and oncologist to help maintain quality of life and control symptoms.
Pharmacist
Engaged in aspects of your cancer care from drug preparation to patient education and counselling.
References
Cancer Council Australia. Your Health care team. Available at: www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/carers/caring-for-someone-with-cancer/your-role-as-a-carer/medical-care/the-multidisciplinary-team/. Accessed September 2023.
Cancer Council Australia. 2021. Emotions and Cancer, A guide for people with cancer, their family and friends. Available at: www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/emotions-and-cancer-booklet. Accessed September 2023.
For further information about your condition or treatment consult your healthcare professional or refer to the Consumer Medicine Information for KEYTRUDA.
AU-KEY-00467. Issued September 2023.
MSD Medical Information or to report product complaints (including adverse events): 1800 818 553
This educational website is sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) Pty Ltd. Information displayed on this website is only intended for Australian residents who are 18 years or older and are currently being treated with KEYTRUDA and as such, its contents have been designed to comply with Australian laws and regulations. The information on this website is educational only and is not intended to be used for any self-diagnosis purposes nor to replace the advice of your Doctor or healthcare professional. Please consult your Doctor or healthcare professional for further information on KEYTRUDA. Use and access of this website is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our Legal Agreement and Privacy Policy.
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