Multidisciplinary cancer care team

Know the T.I.P.S.

Get to know your multidisciplinary cancer care team

A multidisciplinary team (MDT) is a team of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals (e.g. dieticians, physiotherapists, social workers, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists).

How does a multidisciplinary team (MDT) work?

A multidisciplinary cancer care team works together to diagnose and develop personalised treatment plans for people with cancer and reviews their treatment during and after completion.

The team meet regularly to plan and review treatment for someone with cancer.

It means someone with cancer receives care that is personalised, involves a variety of experts, and considers a wide range of life factors.

There are over 200 cancer care teams meeting in Sydney and across NSW  focused on managing a range of cancer types.

The team can consider:

• the diagnosis and stage of cancer
• available treatment options
• your preferences
• the impact of cancer in other areas of your life.

Why are multidisciplinary teams important?

Cancer care can be very complicated. There can be a large number of health care professionals involved in your diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. 

The multidisciplinary team allows all these specialists to work together to plan your care.It reduces the time needed to gather the information about your cancer and develop a treatment plan. Multidisciplinary teams improve the communication, decision making and coordination necessary for your care.

How will I know what happened in the multidisciplinary team meeting?

Your cancer specialist will talk to you about what was discussed in the team meeting and how that affects your treatment . Your cancer specialist will send information to your GP that includes the multidisciplinary team's recommendation and your initial treatment plan. Your specialist will explain the treatment plan and answer any questions you have.

Who is a member of a multidisciplinary team?

The health professionals who are members of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) will vary depending on the type of cancer being discussed. (See who is a member of an MDT)

What if my doctor isn’t part of a multidisciplinary team?

Our online cancer services directory for NSW and local health districts (LHDs) have listings showing which specialists are members of a multidisciplinary team.