Oncology

What Is Oncology?

Oncology is the field of medicine focused on understanding, diagnosing, and treating cancer. A doctor who specializes in this area is called an oncologist.

Oncologists begin by identifying the type and extent of cancer. This may involve:

  • Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, or ultrasounds

  • Biopsies or endoscopic exams

  • Blood work and tumor marker tests

  • Nuclear medicine studies

Because cancer can affect the blood and bone marrow, oncology often overlaps with hematology, the medical specialty that treats blood disorders.

How Is Cancer Treated?

After confirming the cancer diagnosis, the oncologist determines the stage, or how far the disease has progressed. This helps guide the best course of treatment, which may include:

  • Chemotherapy – Medications that destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells

  • Radiation therapy – High-energy beams that target and shrink tumors

  • Surgery – Removal of tumors or affected tissue

  • Hormone therapy – For cancers that grow in response to hormones (e.g., breast or prostate cancer)

  • Targeted therapy/monoclonal antibodies – Medications that recognize and attack specific cancer cells

  • Immunotherapy – Emerging treatments that help the immune system fight cancer

  • Palliative care – Supportive care to manage pain, symptoms, and improve comfort

Oncology is a rapidly advancing field, with ongoing research into cancer vaccines, personalized medicine, and innovative drug therapies that continue to improve outcomes.

Oncology Patient Treatment Checklist

Diagnosis & Planning:

  • [ ] Confirm cancer type, stage, and location with your oncology team

  • [ ] Complete necessary tests (biopsy, imaging, labs) before starting treatment

  • [ ] Understand your treatment goals (curative, supportive, or palliative)

  • [ ] Discuss fertility preservation or lifestyle concerns if applicable

  • [ ] Receive a personalized treatment plan, including expected timeline

Treatment Options (as prescribed):

  • [ ] Begin chemotherapy—understand dosing, side effects, and supportive care needs

  • [ ] Review radiation therapy schedule and safety instructions if part of your plan

  • [ ] Prepare for surgery if tumor removal or biopsy is planned

  • [ ] Ask about hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or biologics

  • [ ] Track medication schedules and infusion appointments

Pharmacy & Medication Support:

  • [ ] Fill prescriptions at your specialty or local pharmacy

  • [ ] Ask about managing side effects (e.g., nausea, fatigue, hair loss, constipation)

  • [ ] Keep anti-nausea or symptom management medications on hand as needed

  • [ ] Use a pill organizer, calendar, or treatment journal to stay on track

  • [ ] Alert your pharmacy or care team if you experience side effects or missed doses

Lifestyle & Emotional Wellness:

  • [ ] Eat a nourishing diet and stay hydrated (ask about dietary adjustments)

  • [ ] Rest when needed—balance activity with recovery

  • [ ] Seek emotional or mental health support (support groups, counseling, spiritual care)

  • [ ] Minimize infection risk (hand hygiene, avoiding large crowds during treatment)

  • [ ] Communicate with work, school, or caregiving contacts as needed

Follow-Up & Monitoring:

  • [ ] Attend all oncology follow-up visits and lab/imaging appointments

  • [ ] Track symptoms, medication reactions, and questions in a treatment notebook

  • [ ] Ask about survivorship planning or long-term side effect management

  • [ ] Discuss palliative care options if living with advanced or chronic cancer

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