Once a cancer diagnosis has been given by the family physician or a general physician, the next step is to determine which specialized doctor needs to be consulted. Which medical specialists, like oncologists, radiologists, or general physicians, are responsible for cancer treatment, and to whom do we need to go?
The answer is oncologists. They are the specialist doctors who treat and plan the management of cancer. They form the health care team, manage the patient-physician relationship, give coordinated and comprehensive care with evidence-based medicine (quality and safety), and also provide education and empowerment to patients and families.
Oncologist
Oncology is the specialized branch of medical science fully devoted to managing cancer. The diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation management of cancer are all studied in the field of oncology, and the doctors who specialize in oncology are called oncologists.
As cancer therapy involves a variety of medical treatments, requiring a variety of management methods and in-home health care services, oncologists provide the uttermost support and lead the team.
Role of an oncologist
The function of an oncologist is to help the entire cancer treatment process. An oncologist’s responsibilities begin with the diagnosis and continue with the following:
- Informing the patient of the cancer diagnosis, including the stage.
- Educating the person on the many therapy choices available.
- Providing high-quality, empathetic care that puts the patient at ease.
- Assisting the patient in the most effective management like home health care for cancer symptoms and side effects.
- Maintaining follow-ups.
Types of Oncologists
Different oncologists offer their specialized services for cancer therapy depending on the nature, stage, and location of cancer. Oncology is divided into three categories: medical, surgical, and radiation oncology.
-
Medical oncologists
A medical oncologist is a clinician who uses chemotherapy and other drugs to treat cancer, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy. For the best results, they collaborate with the other medical departments. -
Surgical oncologists
A surgeon who specializes in the surgical excision of malignant tumors is known as a surgical oncologist. They are essentially general surgeons who specialize in oncology and related surgical procedures. They are also trained to do biopsies to aid in the diagnosis of malignancy. -
Radiation oncologists
Radiation oncologists are doctors who use radiation treatment to treat cancer. When the destruction of cancer cells is not possible to eradicate cancer cells, physicians employ radiation to shrink the tumor or delay its growth without harming the surrounding tissues.
Role of Oncologists in Home Health Care
Home-centered health care services are a new model of assistance in working with well-trained professionals to provide high-quality health care.
On the other hand, cancer nursing at home is helpful for the affected and also for their families in managing and assisting their health needs.
With the help of oncologists in-home health care services-
- Home health care providers administer chemotherapy.
- Provides palliative care
- Under the supervision of an oncologist, home healthcare services ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
- Also, direct contact with an oncologist in case of emergency gives proper assistance to avoid any complications.
Since cancer patients deal with many physical, mental, and emotional issues, it is important to address them all. Besides the specialized doctor like an oncologist, a full support team is necessary to assist cancer patients and their families.
