With scores of alternative treatments coming to the limelight finding the right treatment and care can be challenging. Oncology is the study of cancer, and that is the best option to fight and win the battle against any cancer.
An oncologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats patients diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 2.25 million people in India are currently living with the disease. However, more than 89% of the people who receive an early diagnosis and treatment often go on to live in remission for more than ten years.
How does oncology increase one’s chances of defeating cancer?
Being diagnosed with cancer might seem like the end of the world, but modern medicine increases the chances of winning against cancer tremendously. The treatment you choose can determine your prognosis and quality of life. An experienced and competent team of the best medical, radiation, and best surgical oncologist in India can increase one’s chances of recovery dramatically.
Research shows that mainstream oncology is advancing at lightning speed. With highly targeted therapies and personalized cancer treatment, modern oncology has increased the survival rate of millions across the country.
What are the different specialties of oncology?
Today, oncology has multiple departments and specialities. Here are the leading disciplines of oncology that help people fight against cancer –
Medical oncology – they focus on the treatment of cancer using hormonal therapies, chemotherapy, and other targeted therapies. They are the primary oncologists a person with cancer refers to before he or she can make an appointment with a specialist (like those mentioned in the latter part of the list).
Radiation oncology – radiation has been the standard treatment for localized cancers. To date, many types of breast and ovarian cancers, prostate cancers, and other adenocarcinomas respond well to radiation. Around 50% of those diagnosed with cancer will undergo radiation therapy as a part of their treatment.
Surgical oncology –These are the first doctors a patient has to see if his or her primary/medical oncologist suspects the presence of cancerous cells. Surgical oncologists often perform tissue biopsies. The best surgical oncologist in India should be capable of operating on thoracic cancer, GI tract cancer, gynecological cancer, breast cancer, and urinary tract cancer. They are the ones who perform surgery for the removal of cancer or tumor and the surrounding tissues before or after chemotherapy.
Hematological oncology – Blood cancers are often complicated. They require different treatment than adenocarcinomas, sarcomas, and mesotheliomas. Only the doctors who specialize in treating blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma are hematologic oncologists, and they are the best options for anyone with blood cancer.
Gynecological oncology – cervical cancer and ovarian cancer are two of the most common cancers affecting Indian women. Cancers of the reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, vulva, vagina, and uterus, demand special attention, treatment, and care. The intervention of a trained and experienced gynecological oncologist can increase one’s chance of survival after an early diagnosis significantly.
Pediatric oncology – sadly, cancer in children is becoming more common by the day. More than 175,000 children receive cancer diagnosis across the globe per year. Treatment in children differs from the treatment of cancer in adults. The doses of chemotherapy, radiation, and even personalized therapy can vary considerably. An essential part of a pediatric oncologist’s job is educating the family of the child regarding their treatment, quality of life, and future possibilities.
There are many types of cancers, and hence they demand different approaches to treatment. Oncology is an umbrella term that encompasses the study of all cancer types, and the research conducted on the treatment of cancer using modern medicine.
An oncologist knows about not only the types of cancer but also the potential treatment that will work best for an individual.
Hence most people in India and abroad undergo combinatorial treatments under the guidance of their team of oncologists. Approaching a dedicated cancer specialty hospital gives the patient access to groups of experienced oncologists, who can ensure that he or she gets the surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy necessary to fight the particular type of cancer.
Oncology is a holistic approach to understand any cancer and treat it. Therefore, it remains the best option to fight cancer.