Below the Belt cancers
Genitourinary (GU) cancer, often called “below-the-belt” cancer, is a general term for a group of cancers that affect the urinary system (including the bladder and kidneys) and some reproductive organs (such as the prostate, penis and testicles). Cancer develops in these organs when some cells (the body’s building blocks) change and begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
Genitourinary cancers are diverse and can affect anyone with a bladder, kidneys, prostate, penis or testicles.
You can read more about each genitourinary or “below-the-belt” cancer below:
Who treats GU cancer?
Based on the type of cancer and the treatment options, you may have different doctors or specialists on your treatment team. These could include:
- GP (General Practitioner): works in partnership with specialists, often as a coordinator; may monitor or administer some parts of your treatment
- Urologist: treats and performs surgery on diseases of the urinary tract and reproductive organs
- Radiation oncologist: treats cancer by prescribing and overseeing radiation therapy
- Medical oncologist: plans and prescribes drug therapies, e.g. chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, to treat cancer
- Nurse: administers drugs and provides care, support or information throughout treatment; may be specialised in a specific area e.g. prostate cancer, continence
- Pathologist: examines cells and tissue samples to determine the type and spread of the cancer
- Physiotherapist: helps restore movement and mobility, strengthen pelvic floor, improve bowel/bladder control; may recommend aids or equipment to help
- Psychologist: a specialist who can help patients and their loved ones discuss their emotional response and feelings towards the diagnosis and treatment; provides support and advice about sex and intimacy
- Other specialists may include social workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison officers, cancer care coordinators, nuclear medicine specialists, radiologists, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists and palliative care specialists
Multidisciplinary meeting: your specialist may discuss your treatment options with other health care professionals, including urologists, medical oncologists, nurses, radiation oncologists, at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. The aim of these meetings is to develop the best treatment plan for each individual patient and coordinate care.