Oncologists -The Frontline Of Cancer Care

By: Sambriddi Adhikari

What is one of the most frightening diseases? For many people, the answer to that question would be cancer, a disease that plagues you for the rest of your life. Millions of people are impacted by cancer every year, and it is a terrifying disease to be diagnosed with because it doesn't just affect the individual who has cancer but also affects everyone around them. The doctors who take care of individuals with cancer through this frightening journey are called oncologists. They diagnose their patients with the specific kind of cancer they have, as there are more than a hundred different forms of cancer. Oncologists also provide their patients with different treatments to fight against the cancer. After receiving treatment such as chemotherapy or biological therapy, many face side effects like fatigue, anemia, extreme pain, and nerve issues. As a part of their care, oncologists help their patients navigate through these side effects so they can receive the best form of treatment. 

Oncology is a very high-risk field where death and pain are always on the doorstep, which is why over ten years of schooling is required to become a licensed oncologist. The schooling consists of 4 years of undergrad followed by 4 years of medical school, and lastly, aspiring oncologists have to complete 2 to 5 years of residency. Once residency has been completed, they pass the required exams to get their medical license so they can officially practice in a hospital. Certain oncologists complete a fellowship program so they can specialize in radiation or surgery, which usually takes 1-2 years to finish. On top of radiation and surgical oncologists, there are many other forms of oncologists, such as pediatric, who treat children with cancer, and gynecologic, who treat cancers that specifically affect women. 

Oncologists also research different forms of cancer as well as treatments that work for them. Through their studies, they determine which treatments and approaches are the most effective in getting rid of cancer. Going to an oncologist is a very nerve-wracking trip to make because of the anxiety running through you at the possibility of having cancer. Your first trip to the oncologists tends to take a few hours because you have to do a physical exam and various different blood and imaging tests so the oncologists can gather enough information on your health to come to a conclusion. Once the patient is diagnosed with a specific type of cancer, the oncologist will explain the disease and the treatment options to them so they can have the best possible understanding of the disease.

Work Cited

Stanborough, Rebecca Joy. “What Is an Oncologist: What You Need to Know about Cancer Doctors.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/cancer/what-is-an-oncologist#tests. 

“Types of Cancer Specialists for Treating Cancer Pain.” WebMD, www.webmd.com/cancer/your-cancer-specialists-doctors-you-need-to-know. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025. 

“What Is Oncology?: What Is an Oncologist?” What Is an Oncologist? | American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/finding-care/what-is-oncology.html. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.