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Oncology is the medical subspecialty which deals with the study and cure of cancer. A medical doctor who practices oncology is called an oncologist. The term originates from the Greek onkos, meaning bulk, tumor, or mass and the suffix -ology, meaning "study of."

Oncology image Oncologists may be classified based on the kind of treatment provided. Surgical oncologists are surgeons who concentrate in tumor removal. Medical oncologists focus on using medication or chemotherapy to treat cancer. Radiation oncologists specialize in the management of cancer with radiation, a method called radiotherapy. In the UK, oncologists are recognized as Clinical Oncologists, and are fully competent to practice both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In most other countries these fields are more clearly separated.

Oncologists may also be classified based on the type of patient. Gynecologic Oncologists focus in the treatment of cancer in women. They can provide chemotherapy and aid in radiation therapy for cancers in women. Pediatric Oncologists specialize in the treatment of children with cancer.

Oncology involves the following areas:

The diagnosis of cancer
Therapy (e.g. surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy)
Follow-up report on cancer patients following successful treatment
Soothing care of patients with terminal diseases
Ethical questions about cancer care
Screening of populations or of the relatives of patients (in forms of cancer that are thought to be genetic, such as breast cancer).

The oncologist regularly directs the multidisciplinary treatment of cancer patients, which may entail counseling, physiotherapy, and clinical genetics. On the other hand, the oncologist often has to communicate with pathologists on the precise biological nature of the tumor that is being treated.