Your general practitioner (GP) will often arrange the first tests to assess any symptoms. If these tests do not rule out leukaemia, you will usually be referred to a specialist called a haematologist for further tests. If chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is diagnosed, the haematologist will consider treatment options. Often these will be discussed with other health professionals at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. You may also see a range of other health professionals who specialise in different aspects of your case.
To find cancer specialists, multidisciplinary teams and hospitals in NSW or ACT, you can visit the NSW Government website CanRefer.
Health professionals you may see
| haematologist | diagnoses and treats diseases of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system; prescribes chemotherapy, targeted therapy and other drug therapies; conducts stem cell transplants |
| radiation oncologist | treats cancer by prescribing and overseeing a course of radiation therapy |
| cancer care coordinator | coordinates care, liaises with other members of the MDT and supports you and your family throughout treatment; care may also be coordinated by a clinical nurse consultant (CNC) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS) |
| haematology nurse | administers chemotherapy and other drugs and provides care, support and information throughout treatment |
| dietitian | helps with nutrition concerns and recommends changes to diet during treatment and recovery |
| social worker | links you to support services and helps you with emotional, practical and financial issues |
| psychologist, counsellor | help you manage your emotional response to diagnosis and treatment |
| physiotherapist, occupational therapist | assist with physical and practical problems, including restoring movement and mobility after treatment and recommending aids and equipment |
→ READ MORE: Treating chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
Dr Chun Kei Kris Ma, Clinical Haematologist, Western Sydney Local Health District (clinical update); Delphine Eggen, Consumer; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Staff Specialist, Haematology, Concord Hospital; Karl A Jobburn, Haematology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Liverpool Hospital; Yvonne King, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Heather Mackay, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Westmead Hospital; Jennifer Paton, Consumer.
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