Overview
Medical oncology is a type of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. A medical oncologist’s job is to take care of cancer patients by using things like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. A medical oncologist will work with other doctors to create a treatment plan that’s best for you. They’ll explain your cancer diagnosis to you, including the type and what stage you have. They’ll also help you manage your cancer symptoms and treatment side effects.
When Will You See a Medical Oncologist?
You’ll probably see a medical oncologist right after you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. This is usually one of the first steps of your cancer journey.
They can help you understand your diagnosis as well as the timeline of your cancer treatment. You’ll also want to see a medical oncologist for any questions you might have.
You may also see other oncologists depending on the type of cancer you have and what sort of a treatment plan you want. There are three main types:
A Medical Oncologist will treat your cancer with chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
A Radiation Oncologist will treat your cancer with radiation therapy.
A Surgical Oncologist uses surgery to remove tumors. They also perform biopsies, where they’ll remove a tiny piece of tissue so they can test it.
