Oncologists: Doctors in Cancer Care

By: Apeksha Agarwal

An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating patients dealing with cancer. Cancer can attack multiple areas and systems of the body make it crucial for doctors to handle and treat it properly. Though oncologists do not directly perform the treatment plans on the patients, they help diagnose the cancer, curate the treatment plan,  oversee the treatment, and manage post-treatment care. 

When people think of the term cancer care, they immediately think of chemotherapy and surgery. Though those treatments are really popular, oncologists do many more things. Rather than just administering a treatment, oncologists delve deep into understanding the patient’s specific type and stage of cancer, allowing for individualized treatments. Since cancer can occur in any part of the body, oncologists must attain a comprehensive and broad understanding of human physiology. 

Oncology can also be differentiable with specific treatment methods, allowing for different types of oncologists. A medical oncologist for example, treats cancers using treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and many others. Compared to a surgical oncologist who will perform surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissues. Oncologists can also specialize in treating certain kinds of cancer. A neurological oncologist would treat patients with brain tumors or cancers relating to the nervous system, while gynecologic oncologists would treat cancers such as cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. Though they are different specialties with the field of oncology, oncologists work together as a team to ensure the best treatment for their patients. 

Becoming an oncologist requires intensive education and training. Firstly, all aspiring doctors must obtain a bachelor's degree and admission in a medical school. Medical school is where they will learn the basics of medicine, have the opportunity to explore specialities and earn clinic experience. Upon completing medical school, doctors will pursue a residency in their choice of specialty within the field of oncology, taking about two to five years. Lastly after completing residency, oncologists must obtain their state specific medical licenses depending on what state they work in.

Even apart from the treatment, oncologists still serve as a huge support system for their patients. When visiting an oncologist, patients get the opportunity to discuss their condition and treatment, which can also bring lots of nervousness and anxiety. Oncologists make sure to ensure their patients help with anxiety while still being upfront with their diagnosis. 

In conclusion, oncologists are crucial in the management, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. With their specialized training they are able to make a sustainable impact on their patient’s quality of life. Their practice not only brings improvement to treatment advancements but also brings hope to many families facing cancer. 

Works Cited

Maryland Oncology Hematology. (2025, October 6). Understanding your cancer care team - Maryland Oncology Hematology. https://marylandoncology.com/understanding-your-cancer-care-team/

Professional, C. C. M. (2025, December 31). Oncologist. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22145-oncologist

UCHealth. (2022, December 1). What does it take to become an oncologist? UCHealth Today. https://www.uchealth.org/today/what-does-it-take-to-become-an-oncologist/