Oncology

Oncology

Oncology is the branch of medicine that studies tumors (cancer). The oncologist often coordinates the multidisciplinary care of cancer patients, which may involve physiotherapy, counselling, clinical genetics, to name but a few. An oncologist often has to liaise with pathologists on the exact biological nature of the tumor that is being treated.

ONCOLOGY IS CONCERNED WITH

• The diagnosis of cancer

• Therapy (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other modalities)

• Follow-up of cancer patients after successful treatment

• Palliative care of patients with terminal malignancies

• Ethical questions surrounding cancer care

• Screening efforts: General population or for the relatives of patients (in types of cancer that are thought to have a hereditary basis, such as breast cancer).