Multidisciplinary team (MDT) for secondary breast cancer

In most hospitals, a team of specialists meets to talk about the best treatment for you. This is called a multidisciplinary team (MDT). It may include a:

• cancer doctor (oncologist), who specialises in giving cancer treatments
• specialist nurse, who gives information and support
• specialist surgeon
• doctor or nurse who specialises in controlling symptoms (palliative care specialist)
• radiologist, who analyses x-rays and scans
• pathologist, who advises on the type and extent of the cancer.

It may also include other healthcare professionals, such as:

• a physiotherapist
• a dietitian
• an occupational therapist
• a psychologist
• a social worker
• a counsellor.

Your cancer doctor and nurse will discuss treatment options with you. You can ask them questions about anything you do not understand. They will explain the benefits and disadvantages of different treatments.