Anyone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer should have their case reviewed at a specialist cancer centre where there is a specialist pancreatic cancer team. This is called the multidisciplinary team (MDT).
The multidisciplinary team (MDT) is the team of health professionals responsible for your treatment and care. They will agree on the best treatment and care for you. Your doctor or nurse should tell you what the MDT have decided.
The health professionals most likely to be involved are listed here.
You may not meet all of the MDT, and you won’t need to be present at the MDT meetings. You may also see other health professionals at different stages.
Your medical team should include a specialist nurse (sometimes called a clinical nurse specialist or CNS). They are your main contact and may be the person that you speak to the most. They will provide expert support, care and advice and will coordinate your care. If you haven’t been given a specialist nurse or a main contact, ask your doctor about this.
General practitioner (GP). The GP will help manage your cancer. For example, they may help manage some symptoms, and can refer you for other medical services. They may be your main contact if you are being cared for at home.
Community nursing service. There are different nurses who can provide support and care locally in the community.
Occupational therapist. A professional who can help find ways to carry out everyday tasks that might be difficult, for example by recommending specific equipment or adaptations at home.
Physiotherapist. A professional who helps people cope with illness and manage symptoms through movement and exercise.
If you have cancer can’t be cured, you may see a specialist palliative care team or supportive care team. These teams help people to live as well as possible for as long as possible, and help to manage complex symptoms such as pain.
Updated September 2020
Review date September 2022