Physician

= General/ Family Physician =

The Physician (generally a General Practitioner) may be the first person, someone seeking medical help (in regards to Oral cancer) may go to. This will most commonly be the family doctor. He/she is often responsible for the referral of the patient to seek specialist help (U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, 2009).

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Supporting the patient throughout the treatment (Smith& Toonen, 2009)**:﻿** The Physician will be involved in educating and supporting the patient and his/ her family. In most circumstances the physician will also be most informed about the patients medical and family history, so would be involved in the care of chronic disease and intercurrent illnesses. The Physician may screen the patient regularly for fatigue, pain, depression or other symptoms which are advised to be looked out for and addressed if they should arise. This doctor will also be aware of side-effects of certain treatment plans (such as radiotherapy) which the patient will be undergoing throughout the process of cancer treatment. The physician may also advise the patient of nutritional elements to be aware of (such as keeping up ones weight and eating certain things), and any concerns that the patient (and partner) may have about fertility, contraception, and sexual/ intimacy issues. Next Profession