What is Oncology? A Complete Guide to Cancer Care

Oncology Definition: Oncology is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. The term comes from the Greek word “onkos,” meaning mass or tumor, and “logos,” meaning study.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you’re likely working with healthcare professionals who specialize in oncology. These specialists—known as oncologists—are trained to help you navigate every aspect of your cancer journey, from initial diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Cancer remains one of the most challenging medical conditions, affecting millions of Americans each year. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. Understanding the field of oncology can help patients and their families make informed decisions about their care and treatment options.

Oncology encompasses several subspecialties, with different types of oncologists focusing on specific aspects of cancer care:

Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer with medications, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. They often serve as the primary doctor for cancer patients, coordinating care with other specialists.

Radiation oncologists, like those at Southeast Radiation Oncology Group (SERO), specialize in treating cancer with radiation therapy. They design treatment plans that precisely target cancer cells while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

Surgical oncologists focus on removing tumors and cancerous tissue through surgical procedures. They may perform biopsies for diagnosis and surgeries to remove tumors or affected organs.

These specialists focus on blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. They have expertise in both hematology (the study of blood) and oncology.

Gynecologic oncologists specialize in cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, and vulvar cancers.

These specialists focus on diagnosing and treating cancers in children and adolescents, which often differ from adult cancers in their behavior and treatment approaches.

Other specialists may include neuro-oncologists (brain and spinal cord cancers), urologic oncologists (cancers of the urinary system and male reproductive organs), and thoracic oncologists (lung and chest cancers).

An essential component of oncology is the detection of cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages:

The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend various screening tests based on age, gender, and risk factors:

• Breast cancer: Mammograms, clinical breast exams
• Colorectal cancer: Colonoscopy, stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Cervical cancer: Pap tests, HPV tests
• Lung cancer: Low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals
• Prostate cancer: PSA blood tests, digital rectal exams
• Skin cancer: Regular skin examinations

Oncologists emphasize that many cancers can be prevented through lifestyle modifications:

• Avoiding tobacco use
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Protecting skin from excessive sun exposure
• Getting vaccinated against cancer-causing infections (HPV, Hepatitis B)
• Limiting exposure to environmental carcinogens
• Regular physical activity

Beyond treating the cancer itself, comprehensive oncology care addresses patients’ overall well-being:

Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses like cancer:

• Addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
• Can be provided alongside curative treatment
• Helps manage symptoms and treatment side effects
• Provides resources for patients and families
• Assists with medical decision-making

As cancer survival rates improve, oncology increasingly encompasses long-term survivorship care:

• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor for recurrence
• Management of long-term treatment effects
• Psychological support
• Rehabilitation services
• Lifestyle counseling

An important aspect of modern oncology is the continuous advancement of treatment options through clinical research. Clinical oncology trials are scientific studies that test new cancer treatments or improve existing ones, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies while contributing to medical progress.

Clinical trials are carefully designed studies that test medical treatments on selected groups of cancer patients. These studies may involve:

• New chemotherapy drugs or drug combinations
• Innovative radiation therapy techniques
• Immunotherapy approaches
• Targeted therapy medications
• Surgical procedures or medical devices
• Supportive care interventions

All medical treatments must undergo rigorous testing before becoming widely available. Clinical trials serve three primary functions: ensuring standard treatments remain safe and effective, refining existing therapies, and evaluating promising new treatments.

Most clinical oncology trials are funded by pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, or government grants. The process typically follows these phases:

• Phase I Trials: Test treatment safety and determine appropriate dosing in small groups of patients
• Phase II Trials: Evaluate effectiveness while continuing to monitor safety in larger groups
• Phase III Trials: Compare new treatments to current standard treatments in large, multi-center studies
• Phase IV Trials: Monitor long-term effects after FDA approval

Cancer patients may benefit from clinical trials in various situations:

• When standard treatments have not been effective
• For rare cancers with limited treatment options
• As a first-line treatment option when trials compare favorably to standard care
• To access new therapies before they become widely available

At SERO, our oncologists stay current with relevant clinical trials and can help determine if trial participation might benefit your specific situation.

Before considering any clinical trial, patients should have thorough discussions with their oncology team about:

• Potential benefits and risks
• How the trial treatment compares to standard options
• Trial requirements and time commitments
• Insurance coverage considerations
• Quality of life implications

For comprehensive information about available clinical trials, patients and families can visit ClinicalTrials.gov, the national database of clinical studies.

Selecting the right oncology team is a crucial decision:

• Expertise in your specific type of cancer
• Board certification in oncology
• Hospital affiliations and available facilities
• Communication style and approach
• Insurance coverage and financial considerations
• Recommendations from your primary care doctor

When meeting with a potential oncologist, consider asking:

• What experience do you have treating my type of cancer?
• What treatment options do you recommend, and why?
• What are the goals of treatment?
• What side effects can I expect?
• How will we know if the treatment is working?
• What clinical trials might be appropriate for me?

At Southeast Radiation Oncology Group (SERO), our team of expert radiation oncologists in Charlotte is committed to providing compassionate, cutting-edge cancer care to patients.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or have been referred for radiation oncology consultation, our specialists are here to guide you through your treatment options and develop a personalized care plan.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with one of our oncologists.