Glossary
Oncology is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It can affect virtually any part of the body, leading to the formation of a tumor, which is an abnormal mass of tissue. However, not all cancers form tumors, such as leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
Oncology as a medical discipline involves various types of therapies such as:
Surgery
Radiation
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Stem cell transplant
Precision medicine
Oncologists:
Doctors who practice oncology
Responsible for diagnosing the type and stage of cancer
Discuss treatment options with patients
Delivering high-quality cancer care
Manage symptoms and side effects
Provide follow-up care after treatment
Subspecialties in Oncology:
Examples:
Medical oncologists use medications, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy, to treat cancer.
Surgical oncologists remove tumors and nearby tissue during surgery, and they also perform certain types of biopsies to help diagnose cancer.
Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy.
Gynecologic oncologists who specialize in treating cancers that occur in women's reproductive systems
Pediatric oncologists diagnose and treat cancers in children and adolescents.
Hematologists-oncologists diagnose and treat blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Oncology uses a multidisciplinary approach to care:
Radiologists
Pathologists
Oncology nurses
Social workers
Counselors
Oncology Research:
Oncology researchers are continually seeking to understand the causes and mechanisms of cancer.
Aims to develop new and effective ways of diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancer/
Risk Factors and Education:
Oncologists advocate for regular screenings, which can detect cancer early when it's most treatable
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Poor diet
Lack of physical activity
Exposure to certain environmental factors
In conclusion, oncology is a vital field of medicine that focuses on combating one of the most challenging and complex diseases known to mankind. It encompasses a broad range of activities, from diagnosis and treatment to research and prevention, and requires a deep understanding of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of cancer. The ultimate goal of oncology is to reduce the burden of cancer and improve the quality of life for those affected by this disease.