If you have cancer or your local family physician suspects you have cancer, you will work with a local oncologist. A local oncologist is a medical doctor who treats patients who have various types of cancer, including skin cancer, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer. The type of treatment you get from a local oncologist depends on the type of cancer you have. Some cancers will be treated with chemotherapy or radiation, while other cancers will be surgically removed. Some patients who have cancer find that working with other health care providers such as a local physiotherapist is beneficial, whether it’s before surgery or during chemo. A local physiotherapist can support patients with cancer by offering non-invasive treatments such as exercise and stretching, rehabilitation equipment options, manual adjustment, TENS machines, hot and cold therapy and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments. Your local oncologist can help you learn more about cancer treatments, side effects and benefits; manage nausea and fatigue during treatment; plan surgery; prescribe medications; understand your odds of recurrence or remission and more. In addition to helping you manage your cancer treatment, reduce chronic pain and improve your quality of life, a local oncologist can also work with your other health care providers to ensure holistic care, whether it’s your local family physician or registered dietitian.