Here you can find out about the medical specialties and sub-specialties and advice on how to choose a specialist.
Our Find a specialist directory can assist those affected by cancer (patients, their families and carers), as well as general practitioners and other specialists, to find a cancer specialist.
Choosing a specialist
General practitioners (GPs) refer suspected and diagnosed cancer patients to oncology specialists, usually a surgical oncologist. A biopsy (sample of the tumour) will be taken and evaluated by a pathologist. If it is found to be cancerous, the patient will undergo a series of diagnostic tests and scans to determine the size of the cancer and to find out whether it has spread.
The surgical oncologist will often discuss cancer diagnoses with other specialists and recommend a course of treatment for individual patients. Although treatment will often involve a team approach, the original doctor will remain a primary point of contact for the patient.
Any patient can seek a second opinion from other doctors or medical teams at any time. Your GP or specialist can refer you to other specialists, and you can ask for your medical history to be sent to the doctor providing the second opinion. Remember to ask for your x-rays and scans and take them to new appointments.
Find a specialist
Your GP or oncologist can recommend or refer you to other specialists or sub-specialists if you desire. You may also know a specialist yourself, or through the experience of a family member or friend.
The directory below provides contact details of professionals working in particular areas of medicine and oncology in locations around Australia. The list of specialists has been developed by relevant medical colleges and societies. Please note, not all colleges or medical societies whose members treat cancer patients have made links available.
