Oncologists specialize in the treatment of cancer.
Oncology is the field of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Cancer strikes children as well as adults in a number of different types with varied treatment options, so an oncologist can pursue a number of different career paths. All put the oncologist on the front line in the fight against cancer.
Identification
Different types of oncologists have different job descriptions. Oncologists are involved in the treatment of cancers and may specialize in one or more of them. These include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, lymphoma and brain cancer.
Types of Practices
Oncologists spend their time working in one or more of the major types of medical practice. The field of medical oncology comes into play as the doctor looks to treat cancer patients without surgery using medication or chemotherapy. Operations such as biopsies and the removal of tumors falls under the designation of surgical oncology. Radiation therapy is another specialized area as is the work of oncologists devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in children--pediatric oncology.
Considerations
A significant part of an oncologist's job is to be a psychologist. She spends a large amount of time giving patients bad news about their health and providing moral support as she works with the patient to come up with a game plan for treatment. The oncologist is constantly in follow-up mode with her patients, and those visits can go on for many years as they continue to make sure the cancer is gone or continue to treat its symptoms. It is a part of the job to keep things as positive as possible as she strives to keep her patients fighting the disease.
Features
Oncologists are not just doctors involved in the interaction with and treatment of cancer patients. They are also researchers, working in the lab setting to study cancer and its causes and to work toward new treatments and medical breakthroughs that will aid in the fight against cancer. Many practicing oncologists may see patients for part of their day and sit on review boards and research groups as well.
Significance
The field of oncology involves as much research as any other branch of medicine, and therefore, the practice of oncology is a rapidly changing career path. The doctor may work at a hospital, but he is just as likely to work in a lab, at a university or for a drug company. All of these entities need special knowledge about cancer and how it attacks the body as they develop studies, treatment options and medicines. Oncologists not only look for solutions to cure cancer through surgery or other options, but also must often work with patients to help minimize the pain and suffering that comes with the disease.
Tags: treatment cancer, against cancer, cancer patients, devoted diagnosis, devoted diagnosis treatment
