The branch of medicine concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, study, treatment, and management of cancer.
Oncology encompasses many areas, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology. Cancer care may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or combinations of these approaches.
Oncology also involves symptom control, surveillance, rehabilitation, and supportive and palliative care.
QUICK FACT
An oncologist does not necessarily treat every type of cancer; oncology includes specialists with expertise in different cancer types and treatment approaches.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Cancer: the group of diseases being studied or treated; oncology is the medical specialty concerned with cancer.
SEE ALSO
