Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. Understanding the role of oncologists and the services they provide can help you navigate your treatment journey. Here is more information on what oncologists do, the treatments they offer, and how they support patients through cancer care:
What Are Oncologists?
Oncologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer. These physicians focus specifically on understanding the biology of cancer, developing treatment protocols, and providing patient care throughout the cancer journey. There are three main types of oncologists who provide different aspects of cancer care. Surgical oncologists are one of these types, and they perform operations to remove tumors and cancerous tissue.
What Services Do They Provide?
Oncologists provide comprehensive cancer care services tailored to each patient’s unique diagnosis and individual needs. They conduct thorough evaluations to determine the stage of cancer and develop personalized treatment plans. Diagnostic services include reviewing pathology reports, ordering imaging studies, and conducting physical examinations. Oncologists interpret test results and explain findings to patients and their families.
Treatment planning involves selecting appropriate therapies based on the type of cancer, its stage, and patient-specific factors. Oncologists evaluate multiple treatment options and discuss the potential benefits with patients. They also adjust treatment plans as needed, based on the patient’s response and any changes in circumstances.
What Does Cancer Treatment Entail?
Cancer treatment varies significantly depending on the type and stage of cancer. Chemotherapy is a treatment that targets rapidly dividing cells throughout the body. Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells in specific areas of the body. This treatment is typically given over several weeks in daily sessions. Surgical treatment involves removing tumors and surrounding tissue to eliminate cancer from the body.
What Are the Side Effects?
Cancer treatments can cause various side effects that affect different body systems. Chemotherapy commonly causes fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and increased infection risk due to lowered white blood cell counts. These effects occur because chemotherapy affects both cancer cells and rapidly dividing healthy cells.
Radiation therapy may cause skin irritation, fatigue, and localized side effects depending on the treatment area. Radiation to the chest may cause difficulty swallowing, while radiation to the abdomen may cause digestive issues. These effects typically develop during treatment and may persist for weeks afterward.
Immunotherapy can cause immune-related side effects as the activated immune system may attack healthy tissues. These can include skin rashes, digestive problems, and inflammation in various organs. Side effects from targeted therapy depend on the specific pathway being targeted.
How Can Oncologists Help?
Oncologists provide comprehensive support throughout cancer treatment. They monitor patients closely for treatment response and side effects through regular appointments and laboratory tests. This ongoing assessment allows for timely adjustments to treatment plans.
These specialists may prescribe medications to prevent or alleviate nausea, manage pain, and address other treatment-related symptoms. They work closely with patients to help maintain their quality of life throughout treatment. Effective communication with patients and their families remains a central aspect of oncology practice.
Manage Your Side Effects Now
Working closely with your oncology team provides a foundation for managing cancer treatment and its effects. If you are experiencing cancer treatment side effects or have questions about your care, contact your oncology team. They can provide specific guidance tailored to your situation and adjust your treatment plan as needed to optimize both effectiveness and quality of life.
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