Oncology is a branch of medical science that deals with tumors and cancer. The word Oncology originates in two senses in the Greek word “onkos” (onco) which means mass, volume, tumor and the term “logy” means study, therefore oncology is the study of tumors.
Oncology is focused on how cancer develops in the body and what is the most appropriate treatment for each type of cancer. In Brazil, Oncology is also called Cancerology.
| What is Cancer? Cancer is the generic name for a group of more than 200 diseases. Although there are many types of cancer, they all start due to abnormal and out of control cell growth. It is also known as neoplasia. |
||
| The Oncologist The oncologist is the clinical physician specialized in the treatment of cancer, he is the professional who takes care of the general approach, patient care and specifically the prescription of systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological therapy. |
||
| Multiprofessional Team Over the past few years, Oncology has become a complex science. In today’s oncology, the multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of cancer patients is of enormous importance, so the oncologist works integrated with a multidisciplinary team and has the collaboration of other medical specialties such as Pathology, Radiology, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Nursing, Psycho-oncology , Physiotherapy, Nutrition and many other professionals. |
| Objectives of Oncological Treatment Oncological
treatment must always be very individualized and it is important to observe the therapeutic needs and possibilities of each cancer patient. The goals of cancer treatment basically consist of: · Band Aid. The first objective of cancer treatment is to cure patients to restore them to a place in society. For this, a good treatment should be prescribed with the possibility of using modern medicines always with a focus on personalized medicine, that is, oriented to that patient even when the chance of cure is small.
· Disease Remission. If a cure is not possible, it is up to the oncologist to point the patient to a second objective, which aims at a satisfactory remission of the disease, making the patient feel good about himself for as long as possible, away from the effects of the disease and hospitalizations.
· Palliative care. When the chance of remission is remote, the goal becomes to control the disease and its symptoms, palliative care consists of the approach to improve the quality of life of patients and their families, in coping with diseases that pose a risk of death, through prevention and relief of suffering, treating physical, psychosocial and spiritual symptoms. |
|
||||||
| Quality of Life and Cancer
The main objective is to improve the patient’s quality of life and not just prolong a long-suffering life. The doctor must help the patient maintain his dignity, understand his weakness and avoid feelings of frustration. It is important that the doctor is able to develop good judgment for the patient’s own interest. With common sense and sensitivity these goals are attainable. |
