For parents, leaving the life, health, and wellbeing of our children in the hands of anyone other than ourselves is unfathomable. However, we’re often called to rely on professionals to do just that. This is particularly true for families battling pediatric cancer, where a care team is in place to make the best judgment calls on your child’s behalf. While there can be a lot of anxiety associated with turning your child’s care over to virtual strangers, there are steps you can take to reassure yourself and your child.

One of those steps is simply understanding the role and specialty of the professionals on your child’s cancer care team.

Who Treats Pediatric Cancer Patients?

Depending on your child’s diagnosis, their team may be made up of a variety of doctors, some of whom will be more directly involved in your child’s treatment than others. You can read more about these roles (and others) at the American Cancer Society.

Category: Doctors

Pediatric oncologists – Pediatrics is a school of medicine that treats children while oncology involves the treatment of cancer. Your child’s team will certainly include one, if not several, and they oversee your child’s cancer treatment and care.

Pediatric hematologists – Hematologists treat diseases of the blood (such as leukemia).

Radiologists – Radiologists are specially trained to interpret and diagnose diseases based on imaging from X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.

Pediatric surgeons – These doctors specialize in treating children through surgery. Pediatric surgeons may be specially trained to deal with certain areas of the body.

Neurosurgeon – Neurosurgeons operate on parts of the body’s nervous system, including the brain and spine. They will be present on a team for a child with a form of brain cancer.

Neurologist – Neurologists treat the nervous system, including the brain.

Orthopedic surgeons – These surgeons deal specifically with bone disease and injury.

Pathologists – The pathologist is the doctor who looks at biopsy tissue (from tumors or otherwise) to determine the presence of cancer cells and other diseases. They can identify the types of cells present, too.

Psychiatrists – Psychiatrists are not always counselors or therapists. Rather they are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and disorders. The main difference between psychiatrists and psychologists is that psychiatrists inhabit medical settings and can prescribe medicines.

Endocrinologists – The endocrine system includes glands like the thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands. These doctors specialize in treating them.

Gynecologists – Gynecologists specialize in the female reproductive system. They are key in detecting ovarian and uterine cancers as well as helping your family navigate future reproductive options, like freezing one’s eggs prior to radiation or chemotherapies.

Anesthesiologists – Anesthesiologists carefully administer anesthesia (medicines that put the patient to sleep for a surgical procedure) as well as pain management medicines that prevent patients from feeling pain, especially in surgical procedures.

Category: Nurses

Pediatric/Family Nurse Practitioner – These registered nurses have master’s or doctoral degrees as well as special training and certification for working with and caring for children. They may be the closest and most frequent caregivers for your child and family.

Registered Nurses (RN) – These nurses have associate or bachelor’s degrees with a state license to practice. They give medicines, including through IV, take vitals, and provide frequent care in hospitals and clinical settings.

Certified Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists (OCNS) – These are RNs with a master’s degree and special certification for the care of cancer patients.

Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurses (CPON) – These RNs work specifically with kids with cancer and have passed rigorous certification exams.

Category: Other Professionals

Physician Assistants (PA) – These medical professionals are licensed and certified and have either masters or doctoral-level education. They’re “team” doctors who organize and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to provide care. They may specialize in various fields of medicine.

Oncology Social Workers – These social workers advocate for your child and family throughout the cancer treatment process. Not only do they provide counseling, but they help parents navigate tough conversations with their children, acquire housing and childcare, solve financial issues, and find housing for out-of-area treatment facilities.

Therapists/Pediatric Psychologists – Therapists and psychologists help improve mental and emotional wellbeing. They may help you and your child process the toll of their cancer journey and teach healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety related to treatment.

Dietitians – Because cancer patients often experience dietary changes, these experts in food and nutrition help ensure your child gets all the nutrients they need regardless of treatment-related aversions and changes.

This only scratches the surface of professionals who may be a part of your child’s cancer care team. Be an advocate for yourself and your child by knowing the role each person plays – it will help you better know who to talk to when looking for the best possible care.