Oncology is the branch of medicine that studies tumors (cancer). The oncologist often coordinates the multidisciplinary care of cancer patients, which may involve physiotherapy, counselling, clinical genetics, to name but a few. An oncologist often has to liaise with pathologists on the exact biological nature of the tumor that is being treated.

ONCOLOGY IS CONCERNED WITH

• The diagnosis of cancer

• Therapy (e.g., surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other modalities)

• Follow-up of cancer patients after successful treatment

• Palliative care of patients with terminal malignancies

• Ethical questions surrounding cancer care

• Screening efforts: General population or for the relatives of patients (in types of cancer that are thought to have a hereditary basis, such as breast cancer).