Who is an oncologist? Let's talk about this!

Sometimes our doctor refers us to another specialist, right? When we are referred like that, especially when we are told to see a "cancer specialist", it is normal to feel a little scared and nervous. You may think, "Oh, do I have cancer?" But just because someone says that, it does not mean that I have cancer. Today, let's talk about who this cancer specialist (Oncologist) is, what he or she does, and what happens when you go to see them.

Who is an Oncologist?

Simply put, an oncologist is a doctor who has received special training in cancer. They are responsible for diagnosing cancer, assessing its status (i.e. how far the cancer has spread, what stage it is in, etc.), and treating it. In medicine, this is called ``Oncology''.

Seeing an oncologist is a great opportunity to talk to someone who understands your situation. They can also help you deal with the stress and fear that comes with knowing you may have cancer. They are always there to help you, and they will be with you every step of the way.

What does an oncologist do?

Oncologists can:

• Get the tests needed to diagnose cancer. This may include blood tests, imaging tests (scans), and sometimes a biopsy (taking a small piece of tissue for examination).
• If you have been previously diagnosed with cancer, get a second opinion .
• Help identify which treatment options are right for you.
• Discuss the benefits and side effects of each treatment option clearly with you .
• Monitor your cancer treatment progress . This means checking to see if the treatments are working properly and if you are having any problems with them.
• Follow the necessary instructions and follow-up to take care of yourself after treatment .

Does seeing an oncologist mean you definitely have cancer?

No, that's not true. Being referred to an oncologist doesn't always mean you have cancer. They only refer you to a specialist if you have symptoms that suggest you might have cancer.

Imagine, if you have a persistent cough, or weight loss, or an unusual lump somewhere on your body, your family doctor might recommend that you see an oncologist. That is, to find out the exact cause of those symptoms.

So, if your doctor refers you to an oncologist, it's best to make an appointment right away, without delay. Because, if there is any kind of cancer, if it is detected early, it is much easier to treat and the chances of recovery are higher.

Are there different types of oncologists?

Yes, cancer is a very complex disease. Therefore, a person with cancer may need not only a single oncologist, but a multidisciplinary team. These different specialists come together, using each other's knowledge and expertise to provide you with the best treatment. Everyone works with the same goal, in cooperation with each other, and with kindness.

Some oncologists have specialized training in certain treatments:

• Surgical Oncologists: If your biopsy shows that you have cancer cells, these doctors will perform surgery to remove any cancer cells and surrounding tissue that has not spread. They will help you prepare for surgery and help you recover after surgery. For example, they may perform a lumpectomy for breast cancer or a partial colonectomy for colon cancer.

• Medical Oncologists: These are the doctors who treat cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, immunotherapy, and other targeted treatments. Many people think of this medical oncologist as their primary cancer doctor. This is because they are the ones you see most often. Many medical oncologists also specialize in hematology, which is the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases and blood cancers.

• Radiation Oncologists: These doctors use radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation therapy can shrink tumors before surgery or kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery. Radiation therapy is sometimes given as a single treatment or in combination with other treatments.

There are other oncologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating certain specific types of cancer:

• Gynecologic Oncologists: They treat gynecologic cancers in women, such as cervical cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer.
• Pediatric Oncologists: These doctors treat types of cancer that are more common in children than in adults. Examples include childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Ewing sarcoma, and childhood brain tumors.
• Neurological Oncologists: These specialists treat people with brain tumors and cancers that affect the nervous system .

What to expect when you see an oncologist for the first time?

It's normal to feel a lot of uncertainty and fear when you first see an oncologist. "Do I really have cancer?", "How long have I had this?", "What will my life be like now?", etc. You are not alone, many people feel this way. Your doctor is here to help you with these feelings.

At your first appointment, the oncologist will:

• Ask about your symptoms in detail (e.g. how long they have been present, how they feel, and whether there have been any other changes).
• You will be physically examined.
• Your previous medical records, family medical history, and other current health conditions will be reviewed.
• If they need to know more about your symptoms , they may order further tests (such as imaging tests or blood tests).
• They will decide whether you need a biopsy, a tissue test, or not.

After gathering the necessary information in this way, the doctor:

• They will talk to you about the results of your test reports.
• He will also inform the doctor who referred you of his findings.
• It will tell you whether you have cancer or not, and if so, what type of cancer it is.
• They will talk to you about the different treatment options available to you.
• He listens to your worries and fears.
• Provides information about other resources and support groups that can help you.

Your first oncologist appointment may last up to three hours. In addition to talking to your doctor, you may also meet with counselors, social workers, or other oncologists.

Follow-up appointments with the oncologist

You will need to see your oncologist regularly during your cancer treatment. How often you need to see your oncologist will depend on the type of cancer you have and the treatment you are receiving. Your doctor will tell you about this at your first appointment.

What questions should I ask my oncologist?

Here are some questions you can ask your oncologist:

• Where is my cancer located?
• How big is it?
• What stage of cancer do I have?
• What is the average survival rate for people with my diagnosis?
• How long will my treatment take?
• Will I be able to go to work during treatment?
• Will the treatment affect my fertility (ability to have children)?
• Do I need to do more tests?
• How often will I have to come for follow-up appointments?
• How should I take care of myself during treatment?
• Are there support groups where I can get help?
• How do I tell my family about my diagnosis?

It's important to ask these questions because you have the right to know everything clearly. It also helps to dispel any fears or doubts you may have.

When should I talk to my oncologist?

If you are already being treated by an oncologist, you should call your doctor right away if certain things happen. Call your oncologist right away if you experience any of the following:

• If you have a fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) .
• If any new symptoms appear.
• If there is a sudden major change in your current symptoms .
• If you have pain that doesn't go away even after taking medicine.
• If you experience symptoms of a stroke (sudden weakness on one side of the face, confusion, dizziness, severe headache, and vision problems).
• If you experience symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and/or shoulder pain).

It is very important to tell the doctor without delay at times like this .

What kind of education is needed to become an oncologist?

Becoming an oncologist is not an easy journey. It requires a lot of dedication and a long period of education. First, you need to get a bachelor's degree, then a medical degree. Then, you need to complete residencies and fellowship programs to gain expertise in areas such as medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, or hematology oncology. All told, it usually takes between 14 and 16 years to become an oncologist.

In summary: something for you to consider.

When you go to see an oncologist, you may feel scared, "I don't know if I have cancer." Or, if you are diagnosed with cancer, you may feel anxious, "What will happen next?" Sometimes you may feel frustrated, because there are no easy, straightforward answers to all the questions you have. All of these feelings are very normal. Your oncologist understands these feelings, and they are ready to help you in any way they can. Remember that you are not alone.

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