Briefly, oncology is the study of cancer. The word "onco" translated means bulk, mass, or tumor; and of course, "-logy" means study. More precise then, cancer is a branch of study that deals with cancerous masses or tumors in the body, and the various types of cancers.

Every cell in the body is a tightly controlled system responsible for growth, maturity, reproduction, and eventually death. Normal cells reproduce, grow, and keep the body alive, until they no longer do so. However, cancer begins due to out-of-control cell growth. They no longer grow normally. Though there are many kinds of cancers, one thing they all have in common is they start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells.

There are millions of people throughout the world who have had cancer, are living with cancer, or have died due to cancer. It is the second leading cause in the U.S. It is predicted that nearly 1/2 of men and 1/3 of women will develop a type of cancer during their lifetimes.

Cancer has always existed and one of the earliest found evidence was among fossilized bone tumors found in human mummies in ancient Egypt. Evidence was also discovered in ancient manuscripts. The bone cancer found in the mummies is called osteosarcoma. In the manuscripts, evidence was found to show the condition detected that was like cancer ws also incurable. It describes tumors or ulcers of the breast that they tried to treat using cauterization. It dates to about 3000 BC.

An oncologist is a cancer specialist and a medical professional. They are medical doctors with specific roles, helping diagnose cancer, and then helping in staging the cancer and grading the aggressive nature of the cancer. In other words, they determine the magnitude and severity of a cancer.

The tools used to do this include the clinical history of the patient, and whether there is a presence of various symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, unexplained anemia, fever of an unknown origin, or others. Oncology and cancer research also involves screening the general population for cancer and screening the relatives of patients to determine if the cancer may be hereditary.

Oncologists often take a biopsy or a removal of bits of a tumor tissue to determine if it is cancerous, examining it under a microscope. Other tools will include endoscopy for the gastrointestinal tract, imaging studies like X-rays, CT scanning, MRI scanning, ultrasound and other radiological techniques. A blood test is also used for biological or tumor markers, and there is a rise in these markers it may indicate cancer.

Therapy for cancer depends on the grade and stage of the cancer. Oncologists help plan the therapy customized for each of their patients. This could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other modalities. Other specialists involved in treatment include surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiotherapists, and others, all coordinated by the oncologist.

Oncologists are also responsible for follow-up care of the patient, whether there is a relapse or remission. Some patients may also have terminal cancer, and the oncologist coordinates their care as well.

Because cancer is becoming more common in society, oncologists and a team of medical professionals are needed to continue the diagnosis, treatment, and research of cancers.

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