Who's who and useful terminology

Here are some common abbreviations that you may hear following a diagnosis of cancer, and during and after treatment:

CNS – clinical nurse specialist

HNA – holistic needs assessment. The assessment ensures that people’s physical, practical, emotional, spiritual and social needs are met in a timely and appropriate way, and that resources are targeted to those who need them most.

MDT – multidisciplinary team. This is a group of care professionals from different disciplines who work together to make decisions regarding your treatment and care. 

GP – general practitioner

SFU – stratified follow-up. This is about steering individuals onto the best pathway to address their specific needs. 

MAGS – Macmillan Advice and Guidance Service

MAPS – Macmillan Cancer Psychological Support team 

SAT – systemic anticancer therapy. This refers to chemotherapy, antibodies and targeted molecules.