Colon Cancer Care Team

These health care professionals work closely with your medical oncologist in the clinic. There are two types: physician assistants (PAs) and advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs). They help provide and coordinate your treatment and can see you independently from your physician. They also help manage the effects of your disease and treatment.

You receive any infusions in a dedicated area of the clinic. Cancer nurses who specialize in infusions give these treatments. They also check you during each infusion. They respond to any medical issues that come up and help keep you comfortable.

This physician oversees your medicine-based treatments.

Your medical oncologist:

• Sees you during your first visit. They evaluate you and order any tests you need to diagnose or stage your disease.
• Explains what your diagnosis and stage mean, and answers your questions.
• Recommends medicine-based treatments to match your specific case. They select the medicines, doses, schedule and sequence. They also talk with you about the benefits and risks.
• Sees you on a regular schedule to check how your cancer responds to treatment and how you are overall.
• Offers you ways to prevent, relieve and cope with side effects of treatment — like medicine to help with nausea.
• Coordinates with the rest of your care team if you need other types of treatment.

Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your physician. They serve as your scheduler.

Your nurse manages your care alongside your physician. They also assist with procedures and treatments. Nurses are resources for you and your caregiver. They answer questions and help with a wide range of topics, like how to cope with side effects or get other services you need at Fred Hutch.

Many types of supportive care team members are here to help you and your family. They include registration dietitians, physical therapists, pain medicine specialists, psychologists, social workers, spiritual health staff, palliative care specialists, naturopaths and acupuncturists.

Learn more about Supportive Care Services

This physician does surgery to remove as much of your cancer as possible, along with a margin of healthy tissue around the cancer.

Your surgeon:

• Recommends surgery to match your specific case. They explain any surgical options you have. They also talk with you about the benefits and risks.
• Answers your questions about surgery, like why you need it and what to expect.
• Performs your surgery, along with a team, including an anesthesiologist and nurses.
• Sees you after surgery to check your healing.
• Offers you ways to prevent, relieve and cope with side effects of surgery.
• Coordinates with the rest of your care team if you need other types of treatment.