Duties of Oncology
Medical professionals who work in the field of oncology study, research and treat cancer in patients. The field offers positions for nurses, assistants and therapists as well as physicians. Additionally, oncology is broad enough that doctors, known as oncologists, frequently specialize in certain types of cancer or patients. For example, a hematologist treats cancers and blood-related diseases while a pediatric oncologist works with cancer patients who are children.
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Patient Interactions
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Doctors and nurses in the field of oncology discuss with patients their illnesses and symptoms. Furthermore, oncologists present patients and their families with treatment options and discuss the benefits, side effects and outcomes of each option. Oncology professionals will monitor patients with medical machinery but also through oral communication during and after treatment to ensure effectiveness and comfort. In cases where a patient's cancer is terminal or treatment causes uncomfortable side effects, oncologists work to ensure that the patients have a comfortable quality of life. Those who work in the field of oncology care for a patient's mental health as much as her physical health.
Diagnosis
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Oncologists develop a diagnosis after performing tests such as X-rays or other radiographic images. Oncology professionals will perform physical examinations of patients to gain more information about their health. Oncology professionals will also consult a patient's records for medical history and glean information about his condition by talking with him. A doctor of oncology may perform tests to eliminate potential diagnoses as some conditions can cause similar symptoms in patients.
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Treatment
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An oncologist will determine which treatment options are available and, after consulting with the patient and his family, will administer treatments. Oncologists may also treat or help the patient to prepare the side effects like pain or nausea that may rise from treatments. Chemotherapy is a common form of treatment for cancer patients. Oncologists may also consider treatments such as surgery to remove cancerous cells and tumors from a patient's body. Some oncologists may specialize in surgery while other focus on chemo- and radiotherapy treatments. An oncologist may initially administer one treatment but revise her decision if the treatment is not effective.
Miscellaneous
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Oncology professionals, like other medical professionals, must document patient interactions, treatments and results in the patient's medical records. Oncologists may also provide screening to the patient's family members to determine if they suffer from the same cancer. Additionally, when treatment is successful and a patient's cancer goes into remission, the oncologist will conduct periodic evaluations to track her progress and suggest follow-up treatments. According to New Zealand's Career Services organization, oncologists will also train other oncology professionals. Depending on where an oncology professional works, he may be required to perform clinical duties and outpatient care.
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