Oncology involves the study, diagnosis and treatment of cancerous tumors, according to OncologyChannel.com. Because doctors and other professionals in the field of oncology work with patients who fear the possibility of death, these individuals must be compassionate and sympathetic to cancer patients and their families. The field of oncology is very complex and typically requires at least 11 years of schooling beyond high school for doctors.
Doctor Duties
Oncology doctors, called oncologists, examine cancer patients and speak with them about their medical conditions, according to Education-Portal.com. They request medical tests, analyze test results, present treatment options to patients and then treat patients. They also monitor patients during cancer treatments and coordinate pain and symptom management along with physiotherapy for patients. Professionals who work in the field of cancer/oncology research study the biology of malignant disease, according to UniXL.com, an education and career information site.
Where It's Used
Oncologists can work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, medical centers, universities, pharmaceutical companies and research organizations. An oncology team can include a pathologist, diagnostic radiologist, oncology nurse, oncology social worker, dietitian, rehabilitation therapist and even a chaplain as well, according to Cancer.net. Oncology social workers counsel patients and their families on home care and lifestyle adjustments and usually have a master's degree in social work. Oncology nurses are licensed professionals who have completed two- to four-year programs in registered nursing or even master's degree programs to become advanced practice nurses. They might administer chemotherapy--the use of chemicals to treat disease--or coordinate outpatient care and can seek certification in this field.
Specialties
The field of oncology includes a wide variety of specialties and subspecialties. For example, gynecological oncology involves the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, cervical cancer and other related female reproductive organ problems. Surgical oncologists perform biopsies and tumor removals, while medical oncology involves the use of chemotherapeutic treatments for cancer. Radiation oncologists use radiation treatments to cure cancer, while medical oncology combined with hematology allows physicians to concentrate on cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues. The diagnosis and treatment of cancers in children such as leukemia fall under the umbrella of pediatric oncology and hematology.
Education
To become a doctor in the oncology field, individuals must first complete four years of medical school, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education accredits medical schools. Students then complete a residency that is approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education followed by further medical specialty training and subspecialty oncology training.
Aspiring oncologists then can pass certifying examinations to be board-certified. Boards that provide certification include the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Board of Radiology and the American Board of Surgery. Oncologists also must be licensed to practice medicine by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Oncologist training beyond a four-year medical school program can take three to eight years.
Outlook
The demand for oncology health care professionals remains strong as the elderly population continues to grow, which will cause a rise in the number of people who need cancer treatment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of oncologists is especially expected to grow in rural and low-income areas. Oncologist average salaries in 2010 ranged from $198,000 to $353,000 in various cities, according to SalaryExpert.com. Average salaries of oncology nurses in 2010 ranged from $63,000 and $81,000, reports SalaryExpert.com.
Tags: American Board, diagnosis treatment, field oncology, 2010 ranged, 2010 ranged from, Bureau Labor