Being informed that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer
is never an easy thing to accept. Thanks to the advances in modern medicine now though, the diagnosis of cancer appears to be less of a death sentence than it was, say, 30 years ago.
Treatment is considerably more effective if the disease is detected at an early enough stage. In general, cancer is treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In some cases, surgery is also suggested in order to remove especially large or malignant tumors. A good oncologist is able to suggest the treatment that is most efficacious for the patient. Obviously, a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment must be able to relate this information to patients in such a way that they feel reassured and comforted.
The field of oncology is not confined to treatment of patients alone either. Some cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers, may have a genetic basis for their development, i.e. they can be hereditary. As such, a doctor treating cancer needs to have the tact and discretion to broach the subject to family members who may, in time, be afflicted with the same condition. A sensitive approach is also indispensable when a doctor has to inform a patient that he or she may have limited options when it comes to cancer survival.
As valuable as it may be, tact is of limited use to an oncologist who does not keep abreast of the most up-to-date developments in the field of cancer treatment. The field of cancer research is such that there is virtually a new breakthrough in terms of treatment and patient care every year. As such, while there is probably no single cure for cancer, a well-informed doctor should be able to advise his patients on the options best suited to them.
The field of oncology is a fascinating area of study, even to the layman. Researchers and oncologists will be kept busy in the years to come as long as human bodies continue to malfunction.
is never an easy thing to accept. Thanks to the advances in modern medicine now though, the diagnosis of cancer appears to be less of a death sentence than it was, say, 30 years ago.
Treatment is considerably more effective if the disease is detected at an early enough stage. In general, cancer is treated by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In some cases, surgery is also suggested in order to remove especially large or malignant tumors. A good oncologist is able to suggest the treatment that is most efficacious for the patient. Obviously, a doctor who specializes in cancer treatment must be able to relate this information to patients in such a way that they feel reassured and comforted.
The field of oncology is not confined to treatment of patients alone either. Some cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers, may have a genetic basis for their development, i.e. they can be hereditary. As such, a doctor treating cancer needs to have the tact and discretion to broach the subject to family members who may, in time, be afflicted with the same condition. A sensitive approach is also indispensable when a doctor has to inform a patient that he or she may have limited options when it comes to cancer survival.
As valuable as it may be, tact is of limited use to an oncologist who does not keep abreast of the most up-to-date developments in the field of cancer treatment. The field of cancer research is such that there is virtually a new breakthrough in terms of treatment and patient care every year. As such, while there is probably no single cure for cancer, a well-informed doctor should be able to advise his patients on the options best suited to them.
The field of oncology is a fascinating area of study, even to the layman. Researchers and oncologists will be kept busy in the years to come as long as human bodies continue to malfunction.
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