Everything You Should Know About Oncologists

Being diagnosed with cancer, whether it’s you or your loved ones, can be overwhelming. One of the most important figures in the journey to recovery is the oncologist. But the question is, who is an oncologist, and what exactly do they do?

From diagnosing and staging cancer to crafting personalized treatment plans and offering ongoing support, the best oncologists in Ahmedabad play a crucial role in every phase of a patient’s fight against the disease. 

In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about oncologists. 

But first, let’s start by understanding oncology.

Oncology is the branch of medicine focused on studying and treating cancer. The term originates from the Greek word “onkos” meaning “tumour” or “mass.” This field encompasses cancer research, prevention strategies, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and patient survivorship.

Specialists who are trained in oncology provide care for people who are at risk for cancer, being treated for cancer, and living with cancer. In other words, these experts are known as the cancer care team.

An oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. They play a crucial role in leading the cancer care team and managing the treatment of patients. Oncologists may:

• Diagnose cancer

• Carry out or oversee treatment

• Develop treatment strategies and provide personalized care plans

• Offer ongoing follow-up and monitoring after treatment completion

• Collaborate with other cancer care specialists to ensure seamless patient care

• Lead or participate in clinical trials to advance cancer research

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you will most likely be referred to a medical oncologist who will guide your treatment.

Sometimes, if cancer is suspected but not yet confirmed, you may be referred to a medical oncologist or another cancer specialist for further evaluation. In certain cases, an oncologist may get involved early to help diagnose and plan. People with potential blood-related conditions may be referred to a haematologist-oncologist, whether or not the issue is confirmed to be cancer.

Several people will continue seeing their oncologist for follow-up appointments to check signs of cancer coming back and to manage any side effects from treatment. Over time, follow-up visits may become less frequent, and you may return to seeing just your primary care doctor.

In the end, understanding the role of an oncologist is the key to navigating a cancer journey with clarity and confidence. From diagnosis to post-treatment care, oncologists are vital in delivering expert guidance, compassionate support, and personalized treatment every step of the journey.