The Multidisciplinary Approach to Breast Cancer.
Dr Kollias is part of a multidisciplinary team of skilled healthcare professionals
The multidisciplinary approach has been shown in international research to improve outcomes for breast cancer patients. Dr Kollias works with a team of health care professionals which include other surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, geneticists and breast care nurses to discuss your case. Each case is discussed at a “round table” meeting each Wednesday afternoon, with specific recommendations made about optimal breast cancer management.
We consider your individual needs, health issues and the pathology of your breast cancer to develop treatment plans that would best suit you and improve your outcome. These plans are discussed with you and you will then be referred to the appropriate specialists for further discussion and treatment.
You are not obligated to follow the treatment plan suggested by the multidisciplinary team, but it is certainly worthwhile taking into account the advice of a large body of experience. The multidisciplinary approach ensures that internationally accepted standards of ‘Best Practice’ are met.
The following health professionals may be involved in the care of a woman with breast cancer:
- general practitioner: provides ongoing care and works with other members of the treatment team
- surgeon: specialises in surgery, including biopsies
- pathologist: examines cells, tissue and blood from the body
- radiologist: examines mammograms, ultrasounds, X-rays and other imaging results and may perform biopsies or help locate cancers prior to surgery
- radiation oncologist: specialises in radiotherapy
- radiation therapist: assists in planning and giving radiotherapy
- medical oncologist: specialises in cancer drugs such as hormonal therapies, chemotherapy and targeted therapies
- breast care nurse: specialises in caring for people with breast cancer
- oncology nurse: specialises in caring for people with cancer
- research nurse: assists in the planning and coordination of clinical research studies and clinical trials
- psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor: specialise in providing emotional support and managing anxiety and depression
- social worker: specialises in providing emotional support, counselling and advice about some practical and legal matters
- welfare worker: provides practical support and advice
- physiotherapist, occupational therapist: assist with exercise and pain management
- dietitian: specialises in providing advice about what to eat
- palliative care specialist, palliative care nurse: specialise in providing practical support and symptom relief
- community/district nurse: provides care and support at home
- community palliative care team: provide practical support and symptom relief at home
- plastic surgeon: specialises in breast reconstruction after breast surgery
- pharmacist: specialises in supplying, dispensing and manufacturing drugs
- pastoral care/religious representative: provides spiritual support.
For more information about multidisciplinary care, click here.
Other cancer speciality groups that Dr Kollias consults with during multidisciplinary team meetings include the following-
https://www.rah.sa.gov.au/health-professionals/clinical-services/medical/radiation-oncology
https://www.genesiscare.com/au/our-centres/st-andrews-adelaide-oncology/