Oncology

Oncology is subdivided into different specializations based on the type of cancer and the method of treatment:

• Medical Oncologists: Specialize in the use of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other medical treatments for cancer.
• Surgical Oncologists: Focus on the surgical removal of tumors and cancerous tissues.
• Radiation Oncologists: Use radiation therapy to treat cancer.
• Pediatric Oncologists: Specialize in treating cancers in children.
• Gynecologic Oncologists: Focus on cancers of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian and uterine cancers.
• Hematologist-Oncologists: Specialize in blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Common symptoms of cancer vary depending on the type and location of the cancer but may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Pain (unexplained or persistent)
• Changes in the skin (lumps, sores, or changes in moles)
• Coughing or trouble breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bleeding or bruising easily

The main treatments for cancer include:

• Surgery: Removal of tumors or affected organs.
• Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Targeting specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
• Hormone therapy: Blocking hormones that fuel certain cancers (e.g., breast or prostate cancer).

Cancer diagnosis typically involves:

• Imaging tests: Such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans to visualize tumors.
• Biopsy: Removing a small sample of tissue from a tumor to check for cancer cells.
• Blood tests: To check for specific markers of cancer.
• Endoscopy: Inserting a camera to look inside the body, particularly useful for cancers of the digestive tract.

Cancer staging refers to the process of determining the extent of cancer in the body. The stage is based on the size of the tumor, the involvement of nearby lymph nodes, and whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The most common staging system is the TNM system, which stands for:

• T (Tumor): Describes the size of the primary tumor.
• N (Nodes): Describes whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• M (Metastasis): Describes whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

While not all cancers can be prevented, there are lifestyle changes and screenings that can reduce the risk:

• Avoid tobacco use.
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Protect skin from excessive sun exposure.
• Get vaccinated for preventable cancers (e.g., HPV for cervical cancer, hepatitis B for liver cancer).
• Participate in recommended cancer screenings (e.g., mammograms, colonoscopies).

Survival rates for cancer vary depending on the type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, and how well it responds to treatment. Early-stage cancers have a higher survival rate, but some cancers, like pancreatic cancer or glioblastoma, are harder to treat and have lower survival rates.

Risk factors for cancer include:

• Genetics: Family history of cancer.
• Age: Risk increases as you get older.
• Environmental exposures: Smoking, radiation, certain chemicals, and pollution.
• Diet and lifestyle: Diets high in fat, obesity, and lack of exercise.
• Infections: Certain viruses and bacteria (e.g., HPV, hepatitis B, H. pylori).
• Hormones: Hormonal therapies or imbalances can increase the risk of some cancers.

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for cancer patients by managing symptoms, pain, and side effects of treatment, rather than trying to cure the disease. It can be provided alongside curative treatment or when a cure is no longer possible.

Clinical trials test new treatments, drugs, and therapies to determine their safety and effectiveness. Participating in a clinical trial may provide access to new treatments and contribute to the development of better cancer therapies in the future.