Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with cancer. Oncology is concerned with:

• Treatment (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other modalities)

• Follow-up of cancer patients after successful treatment

• Palliative care of patients with terminal malignancies

• Screening for early detection of cancer

• Preventive Oncology, aimed at reducing cancer risk

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Medical oncologists are physicians trained in the medical management of cancer. Their main area of expertise is in the systemic or drug treatment of cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and, increasingly, new molecular targeted therapy. These may be given in order to cure the disease, or for palliative care, although as treatments have improved advanced cancer is becoming a longer-term chronic disease for many patients. Medical oncologists work with surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, specialist nurses and allied health professionals, all contributing to the care of patients at different stages.