Meet the Breast Cancer Team

at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center

From the time you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will work with a team of breast cancer specialists, which may include:

• A medical oncologist. A doctor who specializes in the medical treatment of cancer. Medical oncologists have a thorough understanding of how breast cancers behave and grow, and how to treat them, whether it’s surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation therapy. Your medical oncologist will manage your overall medical care and monitor your health before, during and after your breast cancer treatment.
• A breast interventional radiologist. A doctor who specializes in reading x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds and who can perform procedures — such as MRI-guided biopsies, ultrasound-guided biopsies and galactograms — that may be necessary for breast cancer diagnosis.
• A surgical oncologist and/or breast surgeon. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the surgical treatment of cancer. Surgical oncologists typically perform biopsies and other operations, such as lumpectomy or mastectomy. A breast surgeon is a doctor who specializes in the surgical removal of breast tumors and lymph nodes, while saving as much of the breast as possible.
• A plastic surgeon. A doctor who specializes in breast reconstruction.
• A radiation oncologist. A doctor who is trained in treating cancer with radiation.
• A nurse navigator. A nurse who can help you with coordinating your treatment.

Your chances of getting the possible care are highest if all your health care professionals are involved from the beginning, when you’re diagnosed. It’s important that all of the breast specialists who will be involved in your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up work together.