What is Oncology?

Oncology is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. It includes the study of cancer, its development, progression, and its treatment through various therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Oncologists are medical professionals who specialize in the field of oncology, and they work closely with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients. (1)

Overview and Definition 

Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. It involves the study of cancerous cells and tumors, as well as their progression and spread throughout the body. Oncologists, medical professionals specializing in this field, work with a team of other healthcare professionals to develop and implement personalized treatment plans for their patients, which can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. 

Oncologists may also work in research settings to investigate new therapies and treatments for cancer. The goal of oncology is to improve the lives of individuals with cancer and ultimately find a cure for the disease. (2,3)

Education and Training

The education of oncologists typically starts with earning a bachelor's degree and a medical degree. Then, oncologists undergo additional specialized training and certification, depending on their chosen field of specialization: medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pediatric oncology, gynecologic oncology, and neurological oncology.

Medical oncologists complete a three-year residency in internal medicine, a two-year fellowship in oncology, and certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine, usually in combination with hematology. 

Surgical oncologists complete a five- to six-year surgical residency and a two- to three-year surgical oncology fellowship. 

Radiation oncologists complete a five-year residency that includes one year of clinical training in a related field, such as internal medicine or pediatrics, followed by four years of specialized training in radiation oncology and certification from the American Board of Radiology. Pediatric oncologists complete a three-year residency in pediatrics, followed by a three-year fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology, and certification from the hematology-oncology sub-board of the American Board of Pediatrics. 

Gynecologic oncologists complete a four-year residency in gynecology and obstetrics, followed by a three- to four-year fellowship, and certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Neurological oncologists complete a residency in neurology or medical oncology and neurosurgery, which can take up to seven years, followed by a two- to three-year fellowship, and certification from the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties.(4)

Practicing as an Oncologist 

An oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They work with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients. Oncologists may specialize in a particular area of cancer care, such as medical oncology, radiation oncology, or surgical oncology.

The main role of an oncologist is to manage a patient's cancer treatment. This may involve developing a treatment plan that includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or a combination of these treatments. The oncologist will evaluate the patient's medical history, conduct physical exams, and order diagnostic tests to determine the type and stage of cancer. They will then work with the patient to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the patient's overall health, the type and stage of cancer, and the patient's personal preferences.

In addition to managing cancer treatment, an oncologist is also responsible for monitoring the patient's progress during treatment. They may order additional diagnostic tests to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Oncologists also help manage the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, and pain and may prescribe medication or refer patients to other healthcare professionals for additional care.

Oncologists also play a vital role in cancer prevention and education. They may work with patients to identify risk factors for cancer and develop strategies to reduce those risks. Oncologists may also provide education to the public about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options.

Overall, oncologists are an essential part of the cancer care team, providing expert guidance and support to cancer patients and their families throughout the entire treatment process. (5,6)

Procedures Performed

There are various procedures performed in oncology, depending on the type of cancer and its stage. Some common procedures include:

• Biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue or cells for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.
• Surgery: Surgery is often used to remove cancerous tumors, lymph nodes, or other affected tissue. It can be performed using traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be administered externally, using a machine to target the affected area, or internally, using a radioactive source implanted in the body.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be administered intravenously or orally.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the body's immune system fight cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer. It works by blocking the hormones that stimulate cancer growth.
• Stem cell transplant: Stem cell transplant is a procedure that replaces damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It can be used to treat certain types of blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma.

These procedures are often used in combination with each other or with other types of treatments, such as targeted therapy or precision medicine, to provide the most effective treatment plan for each patient. The specific procedures used will depend on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and their individual treatment goals. (7,8)