Other health professionals you might see
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.
- Community or district nurse – provide nursing care in people’s homes, including giving medication and pain control.
- Palliative care nurse – nurses who specialise in managing pain and other symptoms.
- Macmillan nurse – nurses who specialise in an area of cancer care. For example, Macmillan chemotherapy nurses give chemotherapy. Some Macmillan nurses are palliative care nurses – but not all.
- Hospice nurse – provide palliative care and support at a hospice. They may also visit you at home.
- Marie Curie nurse – nurses who provide nursing care in your home, often overnight.
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.
Specialist palliative care team
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.
- Hospital palliative care team. A team of professionals at the hospital who can help you manage your symptoms, and help you live as well as possible. The team may include doctors, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and counsellors.
- Community palliative care team. Similar to the hospital palliative care team, but they may visit you at home or arrange an outpatient appointment to help you manage your symptoms. Some teams are based at hospices.