MedSpot 01: Oncology

Created by: Kylie Kirkham (President) 25’

Oncology is the study of cancer. The doctors need to have strong knowledge of cancers and cancer treatment options. They should have strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Oncologists are the leaders of a cancer treatment team which includes various healthcare professionals. Types of these cancer treatments include chemotherapy (a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body) and immunotherapy (uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to boost the immune system and help the body find and destroy cancer cells). They may also treat patients with radiation therapy while also focusing on helping a patient by alleviating their pain.

What is cancer?

A disease caused when cells divide uncontrollably spreading into surrounding tissues. Cancer is caused by changes to DNA, our genetic material that decides who we are through deciding our eye color, height and more.

What schooling do you need?

A bachelor's degree, (4 years) a degree from a medical school, (4 years) and, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.

Credit to -

“The Complete Guide to Becoming an Oncology Doctor.” BMJ Careers, BMJ Careers, 5 Oct. 2021, www.bmj.com/careers/article/the-complete-guide-to-becoming-an-oncologist.

“What Is Cancer?” National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer#:~:text=Cancer%20is%20a%20disease%20caused,are%20also%20called%20genetic%20changes. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.