What does an oncologist do?

What is an Oncologist?

An oncologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. They help patients understand their diagnosis, explain treatment options, and create a plan that may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or other cancer treatments.

Oncologists also support patients throughout their cancer journey, from the first diagnosis through treatment and follow-up care. They monitor how well treatments are working, manage side effects, and work closely with other specialists to provide coordinated, compassionate care.

What does an Oncologist do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Oncologists play a significant role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer patients. Here are some of their key duties and responsibilities:

Diagnosis: Cancer is diagnosed using physical exams, imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, and lab work such as blood tests and biopsies. Test results are reviewed to determine the type and stage of cancer and guide next steps.
Treatment Planning: Personalized treatment plans are created based on the patient’s cancer type, stage, and overall health. Options may include chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, surgery, or supportive care.
Treatment Oversight: Cancer treatments are managed in clinics, hospitals, or specialized cancer centers. Patient responses and side effects are closely monitored, and treatment plans are adjusted when necessary.
Patient Education and Support: Clear explanations are provided to help patients and families understand the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Emotional support and guidance are offered throughout the cancer journey.
Research and Clinical Trials: Clinical research and trials are often part of the role, helping test new treatments and improve outcomes. Findings may contribute to medical advancements and future standards of care.
Team Collaboration: Care is coordinated with surgeons, nurses, radiation specialists, and other healthcare professionals. This team-based approach ensures all aspects of a patient’s medical and emotional needs are addressed.

Types of Oncologists
Oncology is a diverse field with various subspecialties, each focusing on different aspects of cancer care and treatment. Here are some common types of oncologists:

Medical Oncologist: Medical oncologists treat cancer using medications such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. They often act as the main doctor coordinating a patient’s overall cancer care.
Radiation Oncologist: Radiation oncologists treat cancer using carefully planned radiation therapy. They aim radiation at tumors to destroy cancer cells while protecting nearby healthy tissue.
Surgical Oncologist: Surgical oncologists specialize in removing cancerous tumors through surgery. They also perform biopsies and help determine how far cancer has spread.
Hematologist-Oncologist: Hematologist-oncologists treat blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. They also manage related blood disorders and may oversee stem cell or bone marrow transplants.
Pediatric Oncologist: Pediatric oncologists treat cancer in children and adolescents. They work closely with families and pediatric specialists to provide age-appropriate, supportive care.
Gynecologic Oncologist: Gynecologic oncologists treat cancers of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer. They are trained in both surgery and cancer treatments specific to these conditions.

Are you suited to be an oncologist?

Oncologists have distinct personalities. They tend to be enterprising individuals, which means they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. They are dominant, persuasive, and motivational. Some of them are also artistic, meaning they’re creative, intuitive, sensitive, articulate, and expressive.

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What is the workplace of an Oncologist like?

The workplace of an oncologist includes hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and outpatient clinics. In these settings, oncologists meet with patients to diagnose cancer, discuss treatment options, and manage therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation in coordination with other specialists. Much of their time is spent in consultation rooms, infusion centers, and hospital wards.

Oncologists often work as part of a larger healthcare team that includes surgeons, radiation oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers. This team-based approach helps ensure patients receive coordinated care that addresses both medical treatment and emotional support. Regular meetings are common to review cases, adjust treatment plans, and discuss patient progress.

In addition to patient care, many oncologists spend time reviewing test results, keeping up with new research, and participating in clinical trials. Some also teach medical students or residents and contribute to research that advances cancer treatment. While the work can be emotionally demanding, it is also rewarding because oncologists play a key role in helping patients manage cancer and improve quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctor Specializations and Degrees

Specializations
The following is a comprehensive list of the various specializations that a doctor can pursue and a brief summary of each specialization:

Allergist: An allergist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, and related conditions. Allergists have specialized training in the recognition and management of allergic reactions.
Anesthesiologist: An anesthesiologist keeps a patient comfortable, safe and pain-free during surgery by administering local or general anesthetic.
Cardiologist: A cardiologist specializes in finding, treating, and preventing diseases that affect the heart, the arteries, and the veins.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon: A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in surgical procedures inside the thorax (the chest), which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. As well as performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.
Chiropractic Neurologist: A chiropractic neurologist is a specialized type of chiropractor who has undergone additional training in the field of neurology. They diagnose and treat conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system.
Chiropractor: A chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic medicine, specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, especially in the spine. Treatment is usually physical manipulation of the joints and the spine to bring them back into alignment. A chiropractor does not perform surgery or prescribe medication.
Colorectal Surgeon: A colorectal surgeon specializes in diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus, as well as the entire gastric tract. These surgeons work closely with urologists, who handle the urogenital tract in males and the urinary tract of women, gynecologists, who deal with specific female issues, and gastroenterologists, who deal with diseases of the gut.
Doctor: An general overview of what a doctor does and how to become one.
Dentist: Dentists identify potential oral health issues such as gum disease, as well as examine patients, order medical tests and determine the correct diagnosis and treatment. They also perform oral surgery and remove teeth or address other dental health problems.
Dermatologist: A dermatologist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting skin, hair, sweat and oil glands, nails, and mucus membranes (inside the mouth, nose, and eyelids) which can include cancer.
Emergency Medicine Physician: An emergency medicine physician works in emergency departments, hospitals, and urgent care clinics, and is often the first medical professional that patients see when they are in need of urgent medical care.
Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist specializes in diagnosing conditions and diseases related to the glands and hormones. While primary care doctors know a lot about the human body, for conditions and diseases directly related to glands and hormones they will typically send a patient to an endocrinologist.
Family Practitioner: A family practitioner specializes in caring for the entire family. Patients can be children, adults, and the elderly, and are treated for a wide array of medical issues.
Forensic Pathologist: A forensic pathologist investigates the cause of sudden and unexpected deaths, and is able to determine how a person died by performing an autopsy and studying tissue and laboratory results. These doctors are often called upon to provide evidence in court regarding the cause and time of such deaths.
Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist has specific training in diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This may include diseases and disorders that affect the the biliary system (liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts), as well as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon).
Geriatrician: A geriatrician specializes in the care of elderly patients, and often works with patients who have multiple chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as age-related cognitive and functional impairments.
Gynecologist: A gynecologist specializes in women's reproductive systems. Gynecologists are also sometimes certified as obstetricians, and will monitor the health of the mother and the fetus during a pregnancy.
Hematologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, such as anemia and leukemia.
Hospitalist: A hospitalist is a physician whose focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Their duties include patient care, teaching, research, and leadership related to hospital medicine.
Immunologist: An immunologist specializes in managing problems related to the immune system, such as allergies and autoimmune diseases. A smaller number of immunologists are strictly researchers seeking to better understand how the immune system works and to help develop better ways of diagnosing and providing treatment for many immunological conditions.
Infectious Disease Specialist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
Internist: An internist is a 'doctor of internal medicine' who can diagnose, treat, and practice compassionate care for adults across the spectrum, from health to complex illness. They are not to be mistaken with "interns," who are doctors in their first year of residency training.
Medical Examiner: Medical examiners are responsible for performing autopsies and collecting evidence related to the circumstances of a death, including medical history, physical examination findings, and toxicology tests.
Naturopathic Physician: A naturopathic physician blends modern scientific medical practice and knowledge with natural and traditional forms of medical treatment. The goal is to treat the underlying causes of disease while stimulating the body's own healing abilities.
Nephrologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. They treat conditions such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, kidney stones, hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances.
Neurologist: A neurologist specializes in treating diseases that affect the human nervous system. It is a very prestigious and difficult medical specialty due to the complexity of the nervous system, which consists of the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves.
Neurosurgeon: A neurosurgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. This includes congenital anomalies, trauma, tumours, vascular disorders, infections of the brain or spine, stroke, or degenerative diseases of the spine.
Obstetrician: An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Occupational Physician: Occupational medicine is focused on keeping individuals well at work, both mentally and physically. As workplaces become more complex, occupational physicians play an important role in advising people on how their work can affect their health.
Oncologist: An oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The three primary types of oncologists are: medical oncologists that specialize in the administration of drugs to kill cancer cells; surgical oncologists that perform surgical procedures to identify and remove cancerous tumors; and radiation oncologists that treat cancer with radiation therapy.
Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is a specialist that deals specifically with the structure, function, diseases, and treatment of the eye. Due to the complexities and the importance of the eye as a special sense that provides vision, the discipline of ophthalmology is dedicated solely to this organ.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon treats dental and medical problems involving the oral cavity and the maxillofacial area. The maxillofacial area includes the bones of the forehead, face, cheekbones and the soft tissues. Treatment often involves performing surgery and related procedures to treat diseases, defects, or injuries, and to improve function or appearance.
Orthodontist: An orthodontist specializes in how the jaws and teeth are aligned. They help people whose teeth are misaligned or require some kind of correction – those with an improper bite, or malocclusion.
Orthopedic Surgeon / Orthopedist: An orthopaedic surgeon (or orthopedist) examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves.
Osteopathic Physician: Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are fully licensed medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent illness and injury, with an added focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system. They combine conventional medical practices with a holistic approach that emphasizes whole-person care and preventive health.
Otolaryngologist: Otolaryngologists (or ENT physicians) are specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. These specialists are trained in both medicine and surgery.
Pathologist: A pathologist studies the causes, nature, and effects of disease. The field of pathology is broad with concentrations on changes in cells, tissues, and organs that are the result of a disease.
Pediatrician: A pediatrician specializes in providing medical care to infants, children and teenagers by administering treatments, therapies, medications and vaccinations to treat illness, disorders or injuries.
Periodontist: A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in oral inflammation, and who knows how to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal disease.
Plastic Surgeon: A plastic surgeon specializes in reshaping healthy body parts for aesthetic reasons, and also in repairing or replacing body parts damaged by accidents, illness or malformation.
Podiatrist: A podiatrist practices podiatric medicine, which is a branch of science devoted to the diagnosis, treatment and study of medical disorders of the foot, ankle, lower leg and lower back. In the U.S. and Canada, podiatry is practiced as a specialty.
Prosthodontist: A prosthodontist specializes in restoring the look, function, comfort, and health of a patient's oral cavity with artificial materials. These artificial materials are made up of a wide variety of restorations that include fillings, dentures, veneers, crowns, bridges and oral implants.
Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are physicians who evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who are affected by a temporary or chronic mental health problem.
Pulmonologist: A pulmonologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases of the chest, particularly pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and complicated chest infections.
Radiologist: A radiologist is a specialist in interpreting medical images that may be obtained with x-rays, (CT scans or radiographs), nuclear medicine (involving radioactive substances, magnetism (MRI), or ultrasound.
Rheumatologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Sports Medicine Physician: A sports medicine physician specializes in taking care of people who have sports injuries that may be acquired from playing sports, exercising, or from otherwise being physically active.
Surgeon: A surgeon performs surgery for the purpose of removing diseased tissue or organs, to repair body systems, or to replace diseased organs with transplants.
Telemedicine Physician: A telemedicine physician provides remote healthcare services to patients using telecommunications technology, facilitating virtual consultations, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations.
Urologist: A urologist specializes in the treatment of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Urologists can treat the kidneys, urinary bladder, urethra, uterus, and male reproductive organs. There are also specific specialty areas that urologists may choose to focus on, such as pediatric urology, male infertility, and urologic oncology.
Vascular Medicine Specialist: A vascular medicine specialist specializes in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels. They may work with patients who have conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, or pulmonary embolism.
Vascular Surgeon: A vascular surgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels, including aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins.
Veterinary Dentist: A veterinary dentist is a specialized veterinarian who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental diseases and conditions in animals. They perform dental procedures such as cleanings, extractions, and oral surgeries to improve the oral health and well-being of pets and other animals.
Virologist: A virologist is a scientist or medical doctor who studies viruses, develops treatments and vaccines, and works to prevent and control viral diseases.

Related Degrees

See Also

Doctor Allergist Anesthesiologist Cardiologist Cardiothoracic Surgeon Chiropractor Colorectal Surgeon Dentist Dermatologist Emergency Medicine Physician Endocrinologist Family Practitioner Forensic Pathologist Gastroenterologist Geriatrician Gynecologist Hematologist Hospitalist Immunologist Infectious Disease Specialist Internist Medical Examiner Naturopathic Physician Nephrologist Neurologist Neurosurgeon Obstetrician Occupational Physician Ophthalmologist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedist Orthodontist Osteopathic Physician Otolaryngologist Pathologist Pediatrician Periodontist Plastic Surgeon Podiatrist Prosthodontist Psychiatrist Pulmonologist Radiologist Rheumatologist Sports Medicine Physician Surgeon Urologist Vascular Medicine Specialist Vascular Surgeon Chiropractic Neurologist Veterinary Dentist Telemedicine Physician Virologist

Pros and Cons of Being an Oncologist

Becoming an oncologist comes with many rewards and challenges. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Making a Meaningful Impact: Oncologists can make a real difference in the lives of patients and their families by guiding them through cancer treatment. Helping people manage symptoms, cope with their diagnosis, and sometimes even achieve remission can be very rewarding.
Intellectual Stimulation: Oncology is always changing, with new research, treatments, and technology coming out regularly. Oncologists get to stay on the cutting edge of medicine and use evidence-based care to help patients.
Professional Fulfillment: Many oncologists find satisfaction in seeing patients improve or maintain a good quality of life. Building long-term relationships and supporting patients through tough times can be emotionally meaningful.
Variety of Practice Settings: Oncologists can work in hospitals, cancer centers, private clinics, academic medical centers, or group practices. Each setting offers different opportunities for growth, teamwork, and patient care.

Cons

Emotional Toll: Caring for seriously ill patients and having end-of-life conversations can be emotionally draining. Seeing patients struggle or lose their battle with cancer can weigh heavily over time.
High Stress and Workload: Oncology is demanding and high-pressure, with complex cases and long hours. Being on call and managing many responsibilities at once can lead to burnout if not handled carefully.
Challenges in Patient Care: Some cancers have limited treatment options, and side effects can be hard to manage. Oncologists also need to balance aggressive treatment with patients’ quality of life and sometimes deal with financial or access issues.
Rapidly Evolving Field: New treatments and research come out all the time, which is exciting but also means constant learning is required. Oncologists must keep up with the latest guidelines and technology to provide the best care.

Oncologists are also known as:
Cancer Doctor Oncology Physician