What does oncology really mean and what does it entail?

Hi everyone! I'm an oncology nurse and I get a lot of questions from friends and family about what oncology actually means and what it involves. Some people think it's just about treating cancer, but there's so much more to it. I thought it would be great to have a discussion about this here. What does oncology mean to you?

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Hi OncoNurse, great question! Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. It involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals working together to provide the best care for patients with cancer. This includes not only medical oncologists, but also surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, social workers, and many others.

In addition to treatment, oncology also involves a lot of research and clinical trials to find new and better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. This is a rapidly evolving field with a lot of exciting developments in recent years, such as immunotherapy and personalized medicine.

It's important to note that oncology is not just about treating the disease, but also about supporting the whole person and their family throughout the cancer journey. This includes addressing physical, emotional, and social needs, as well as helping patients and families make informed decisions about their care.