We strive to deliver a high quality, comprehensive and patient-focused service for all cancer patients throughout their care. We have a team of healthcare professionals who will make sure you are supported as much as possible at this difficult time.
Types of treatment
We often use a combination of different treatments to achieve the best possible outcome.
Before patients begin treatment, their consultant will discuss with them the type of treatment they are to have, along with the benefits and risks. At this stage, patients will be asked to sign a consent form to agree to treatment. This is to ensure they understand the benefits and the risks of their chosen treatment type.
Our multidisciplinary approach means that your team will be able to provide all elements of your treatment to the highest possible standard.
Surgery
Most surgery is provided within the Northern Trust hospitals, however, you may be transferred to another Trust, for example, the Belfast Trust, if more specialised surgery is required.
Watch this video to learn what to expect when attending hospital for planned surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy for Northern Trust cancer patients may be given in Laurel House Chemotherapy Unit at Antrim Area Hospital, or at Belfast City Hospital.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy for cancer patients in the Northern Trust can be provided at Belfast City Hospital or Altnagelvin Area Hospital.
- Find out more about radiotherapy and what to expect.
- Radiotherapy at the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital
- Radiotherapy at the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Area Hospital
Multi-disciplinary team
You will most likely see a number of different staff while you are in our care, including:
- Surgeon – doctors who use surgery to treat cancer
- Radiologists – doctors who specialise in x-ray tests or scans
- Medical oncologists – doctors who treat cancer primarily with chemotherapy
- Clinical oncologists – doctors who treat cancer with radiotherapy and chemotherapy
- Therapeutic radiographers – specialists who give radiotherapy and can help and advise you during your radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy nurses – have training in cancer care and chemotherapy administration
- Clinical nurse specialists – nurses with specific expertise in cancer
- The Acute Oncology Team – team of doctors & nurse specialists that provide urgent care to cancer patients experiencing treatment side effects or acute complications from cancer
These professionals are experts in different fields of medical care, and together they are known as a multi-disciplinary team.
As well as doctors and nurses, the multi-disciplinary team caring for you draws on the skills and expertise across the hospital. Depending on the type of cancer you have, you may see:
- Physiotherapists work with cancer patients, helping you maintain your fitness and overcome disability. They support patients to live as active and independent lives as possible.
- Occupational therapists work with cancer patients to improve everyday function and also to prevent disability. They offer advice and education to patients and their families and/or carers as part of the treatment provided.
- Speech and language therapists specialise in assessing, diagnosing and treating patients who have communication or swallowing problems as a result of cancer. These problems may be due to the site of the disease or disease spread, changes following surgery or due to the side effects of treatment.
- Pharmacists arrange the supply of medicines for inpatients and outpatients; they also prepare chemotherapy treatments for patients.
- Dietitians give dietary advice to cancer patients, and if necessary, can arrange special diets or nutritional supplements.
- Social workers provide support for patients and their families who have been diagnosed and are living with cancer. They work with community and social services agencies to help patients, their family and carers manage the social and practical problems of living with cancer, supporting cancer patients from diagnosis through to post-bereavement, often involving complex cases.
- The Stoma Care Team provides support to patients before and after surgery for a stoma (an opening in the abdomen to allow waste to leave the body) by offering education on stoma management.
Watch the video to learn more about the Stoma Care Team.
After your treatment
Most treatment will be given to you as an outpatient. You will only be admitted to hospital if the nature of your cancer or your treatment makes it impossible for you to remain at home.