When faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer for the first time, it can be overwhelming. Not only are you coping with your diagnosis, but you are trying to manage the slew of physicians and health care professionals that will contribute to the treatment process.
    Unfortunately, because treatments improve and change daily, it is impossible for one physician to know all of this information.
    There are several physicians who will play a role in your diagnosis and treatment. The first physician you will be in contact with is the radiologist, who is responsible for reading your films and determining if additional studies are required. They may also be involved with obtaining an image-guided needle biopsy in order to make the diagnosis.
    In some cases, a surgeon may be required to perform the image-guided needle biopsy. The surgeon will also perform the partial or full mastectomy (breast removal), obtain lymph nodes in order to stage the cancer (see how far it has progressed) and place a venous access port for chemotherapy. The pathologist will then evaluate the biopsy and surgical specimen to determine what type of cancer you have.
    Once a diagnosis is made, treatment will be provided by a medical or radiation oncologist. The medical oncologist is responsible for the medical treatment or chemotherapy.
    The plastic surgeon will help to recreate the breast after removal. This can be performed using implants or moving other tissues in your body to fill the breast.
    Lastly, a psychiatrist or psychologist may be necessary to help you and your family cope with the diagnosis.
    There are many other non-physician health professionals who play important roles in the treatment of breast cancer patients. Nurses work with all the above physicians to help with administering treatments and offer support to the patients.
    In addition to the nurses and physicians, there are technologists, technicians, medical assistants and office staff who are the first point of contact for patients seeking care from the various physicians. In addition, a nutritionist or dietician and clergy are also available to help support patients.
    Being a breast cancer patient will put you in the hands of many professionals. They all have a specific role in your treatment. As you are touched by each of these hands, you will be one step closer to winning the game against breast cancer.