Who is an oncologist, and what are their responsibilities?
Oncology pertains to the study of cancer. Oncologists act as primary care providers for cancer patients, identifying their symptoms, issuing a diagnosis, and extending quality care. They create treatment strategies and occasionally collaborate with other experts to provide holistic care.
Typically, their responsibilities include:
- Verifying the patient's initial diagnosis
- Explaining its severity
- Presenting all available treatment options
- Supervising the treatment plan
- Assisting patients in managing the symptoms and adverse effects of the disease and treatment
What are the training requirements for an oncologist in the United States?
Oncology is an internal medicine subspecialty that necessitates significant training for physicians. To become an oncologist, doctors must first graduate from medical school and obtain a license to practice medicine. They must then complete a three-year residency in internal medicine.
What are the various types of oncologists?
After attaining the basic qualifications mentioned above, oncologists may choose to earn subspecializations. They could choose from the following:
- Medical oncologists: These experts are a range of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, biological therapies, and other specialized treatments. Medical oncologists also support their patients in coping with any adverse effects of medicines and oversee their overall well-being. After completing treatment, patients frequently continue to see their medical oncologist for follow-up care. Cancer doctors must undergo two to three years of specialized training in a fellowship program to become medical oncologists.
- Radiation oncologists: They utilize high-energy photon beams to target and eradicate cancer cells precisely. Nearly 50% of all cancer patients undergo radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment. Depending on the type of cancer, some patients may benefit more from tiny radioactive seeds implanted in the affected area. In contrast, others may benefit from highly targeted radiation beams, referred to as radiosurgery. For those interested in becoming radiation oncologists, a five-year process is required. It involves an internal medicine internship followed by a radiation oncology residency.
- Surgical oncologists: When cancer is suspected, a surgical oncologist may be among the initial medical professionals that patients encounter. Surgical oncologists frequently conduct biopsies, taking a small tissue sample to examine for cancer cells. If cancer cells are detected, patients may need to return to the surgical oncologist to have the tumor and surrounding tissues removed. The surgeon will assist patients in preparing for and recovering from any surgical procedures required during their treatment. Surgical oncologists must complete a general surgical residency and a two-year surgical oncology fellowship.
- Pediatric oncologists: They specialize in identifying and treating cancer in children. Globally, approximately 175,000 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer every year. In the United States, about 80% of children diagnosed with cancer who received treatment are expected to survive. Pediatric oncologists may also focus on specific types of cancer, while others may concentrate on researching childhood cancers. Educating such children's families is an essential aspect of the work done by most pediatric oncologists.
- Gynecologic oncologists: These experts are skilled in treating ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. However, they also frequently treat complex non-cancerous gynecological conditions like endometriosis and fibroid tumors. Like other cancer specialists, they also undergo several years of training focusing explicitly on women's cancers.
Why must one see an oncologist?
Generally, people go to oncologists upon being referred. After an initial physical examination, primary care physicians may send patients to an oncologist if they suspect cancer. The top reasons to see an oncologist near you may include the following:
- Getting an unusual lump or outgrowth checked out: Oncologists are trained and equipped to detect cancerous cells or tumors in the body. They can check and determine whether an unusual outgrowth or lump is cancerous. This helps to promptly identify or rule out the possibility of cancer and seek other diagnostic and treatment options, if necessary. Detection of a potentially harmful or malignant tumor in its early stages can enable timely intervention and successful recovery.
- Receiving proper cancer treatment: If the cancer diagnosis is confirmed, the oncologist will review your condition and recommend suitable treatment options. These could include:
- Targeted therapy to limit the spread of cancerous cells to different body parts
- Radiation restricts the tumor's growth rate without damaging the nearby healthy tissues
- Surgery to physically remove the tumor
- Chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells
- Seeking a second opinion: Cancer is a complex condition that requires various treatments for successful recovery. Thus, it is often recommended that a patient seek a second evaluation from another oncologist before starting treatment. This helps confirm a cancer diagnosis, understand its stage and type, know its effects and side effects, uncover clinical trial possibilities, and explore additional treatment options.
- Getting blood disorders treated: Most oncologists also specialize in treating blood-related disorders (hematologist-oncologists). Besides treating blood cancers, these specialists can detect and treat other blood-related conditions like anemia, sickle cell disease, and thrombosis. Hematology oncologists can also treat blood clotting disorders like thalassemia, von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, leukemia, and lymphoma.
What should you expect during the first oncologist visit?
You must visit an oncologist near you to ensure that you do not have any early signs of developing cancer. During your first appointment, your oncologist will initiate the session by discussing your condition. Then, they will ask about your medical history, including any other diseases and procedures you have gone through.
They will also likely look over the notes of the healthcare professionals who have previously attended to you. Finally, your oncologist may prescribe tests, depending on the situation, to discover more about your symptoms. These tests would help confirm whether you have cancer and reveal its type, severity, and other vital information.
What is a 3D mammogram, and when would you need it?
A 3D mammogram is an advanced breast imaging test primarily used to detect various breast diseases, particularly breast cancer, in its early stages. Unlike a standard 2D mammogram, which captures a single X-ray, a 3D mammogram combines multiple X-rays taken from various angles to create a three-dimensional image of the breasts. This method provides a more precise and detailed view, making it especially beneficial for women with dense breast tissue.
Doctors often recommend using both 2D and 3D mammograms together because this combination enhances diagnostic accuracy, reduces the likelihood of false positives, and minimizes the need for additional tests. A 3D mammogram is also valuable for investigating symptoms such as lumps, nipple discharge, and pain. However, it is most frequently employed to detect breast cancer in individuals without any significant signs or symptoms.
You can also receive 3D mammograms as a preventive measure, especially if you are at high risk for breast cancer. Your doctor is the best source for guidance on how often you should undergo breast cancer screenings. The American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends that women start having annual 3D mammogram screenings at age 40.
Finding the best oncologist near you
Finding a highly skilled and experienced oncologist may seem like a tedious task. Connecting with one who practices close to your area, such as around Glendale, California, could be even more challenging.
Zocdoc is a helpful tool for finding an oncologist in your area. It is a search engine focusing on highly rated oncologists in and around your location. To use Zocdoc, enter your desired details in the search box, such as the specialty, zip code, preferred appointment slot, and insurance carrier plans, and then hit enter. You can include medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in your Zocdoc account if you have multiple insurance plans. However, you can only search for and schedule appointments with one insurance plan at a time. You can specify your secondary carrier and plan for the provider in the notes section during the final step of the booking process. Moreover, if your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you may add secondary insurance while filling out your forms online. For further insurance-related FAQs, refer to Zocdoc's patient help center.
Zocdoc scans its extensive database of providers and presents you with a list of oncologists that match your preferences. Via Zocdoc, you can now choose between in-person or online consultations with the best oncologist near you.
To make it easier to choose an oncologist, Zocdoc provides a detailed profile of each doctor, including their qualifications, years of practice, expertise, and certifications. In addition, Zocdoc offers authentic patient reviews to help you make a more informed decision.
The best part is that using Zocdoc is secure, easy, and 100% free of charge.
Cancer statistics in Glendale, California
According to American Cancer Society data, there will be approximately 162,410 new cancer cases and about 47,410 cancer deaths in 2023. These new cases can further be divided based on different types of cancers, and the estimated bifurcation of the same would be as follows:
- Prostate: 24,000
- Breast (Female): 22,670
- Lung and Bronchus: 19,340
- Colorectum: 11,750
- Melanoma of the skin: 9,640
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: 8,200
According to the US Census Data, it is predicted that by 2030, approximately 20% of Americans will have reached the age of 65. Although older Americans are at a higher risk of developing cancer, advancements in detection and treatment have increased their chances of surviving the condition.
According to the National Cancer Institute, it is noted that more men than women die from cancer, with roughly 189.5 men and 135.7 women out of every 100,000 people passing away from the disease.
In January 2019, approximately 16.9 million people in the United States were cancer survivors. Cancer survivors are expected to rise to 22.2 million by 2030.
Sources
WebMD
Medical News Today
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
National Cancer Institute
Cancer Statistics Center
American Journal of Managed Care
