Oncology is the study and medical treatment of cancer. Some experts who hold oncology jobs conduct laboratory research to learn more about how cancer affects healthy cells and to investigate new drugs and treatments. Others work in hospitals and specialty clinics, identifying, diagnosing, treating, and preventing the disorder. Clinical oncology jobs are held by highly trained doctors, surgeons, and nurses. The combined effort of professionals in laboratory and clinical practice helps to advance scientific understanding of the condition and provide the best possible care for patients.
Laboratory oncology jobs are held by experienced biologists, chemists, and medical researchers. Expert scientists investigate the physical and chemical processes that cause cells to become cancerous. They also experiment with different medications and therapy techniques, such as radiation and chemotherapy, to identify the potential benefits and risks. Most laboratory scientists are required to receive advanced degrees in their specialty and gain several years of experience in assistant researcher positions before obtaining oncology jobs.
Doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer are called oncologists. Most oncologists concentrate on a specific type of cancer or a certain population of patients. Professionals might focus on blood, brain, lung, or bone cancer, for example, or work exclusively with children, women, or elderly patients. Surgeons may also specialize in oncology, using their detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of cancer to successfully remove tumors. In most countries, an oncologist or surgeon must obtain an advanced degree and gain several years of experience in both generalized and cancer-specific residency programs to earn a medical license.
Other important oncology jobs are held by nurses and medical technicians. Oncology nurses usually receive extensive training and licensing to assist doctors and surgeons. Like oncologists, nurses tend to specialize in certain types of patients or cancers. Some nurses actively help doctors in diagnosing and tumors and related illnesses, while others provide ongoing care and support to cancer patients. Palliative care oncology nurses work with terminally ill patients, helping them cope with their problems and assisting families on making end-of-life decisions and arrangements.
Medical technicians and specialists operate diagnostic equipment and administer radiation treatment under the guidance of oncologists. Technicians commonly administer magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scans to help doctors determine the size and location of tumors. Professionals also prepare patients for chemotherapy and radiation procedures, monitor treatment sessions, and analyze the results. In most hospitals and specialty clinics, scientists, doctors, nurses, and technicians all work together to make sure that patients receive quality treatment.
