An oncologist specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. They’ll identify treatment options and discuss each option’s benefits and side effects. They’ll also oversee your treatment and manage your post-treatment care. Many oncologists go through training to provide a particular type of cancer treatment, like surgery or radiation therapy.
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An oncologist is a cancer doctor. These healthcare providers specialize in oncology — the branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, staging and treating cancer.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
A visit to an oncologist gives you an opportunity to talk with a specialist who understands what you’re going through. Oncologists also have experience in helping people cope with the stress and anxiety a possible cancer diagnosis can bring. They’re ready to help, and they’ll walk with you every step of the way.
Oncologists can:
Seeing an oncologist doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. An oncologist gets involved if you have symptoms that might be cancer. If your healthcare provider refers you to an oncologist, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better. Many cancers are more treatable in the early stages.
Cancer is a complex disease. People with cancer often need multiple oncologists on their healthcare team. This multidisciplinary approach allows each specialist to focus on a different area of your treatment with a common goal of collaborative, compassionate care.
Some oncologists specialize in certain treatments:
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Other oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating certain kinds of cancer:
Meeting with an oncologist for the first time can bring a sudden sense of uncertainty. Do I have cancer? How long have I had it? What will my life look like now? If these are the questions racing through your mind, you’re not alone. Your oncologist is here to help you navigate these emotions.
During your first visit, your oncologist will:
Once your oncologist gathers the information they need, they’ll:
Your first oncology visit may take up to three hours. Besides talking with your medical oncologist, you might also meet with counselors, social workers or other oncology specialists.
You’ll see your oncologist regularly during cancer treatment. How often you have appointments depends on the type of cancer you have and your current treatment regimen. During your first visit, your oncologist can tell you what to expect.
Here are some questions you might want to ask your oncologist:
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If you’ve already started cancer treatment with an oncologist, some things warrant an immediate phone call to your provider. Call your oncologist right away if you develop:
All oncologist educations begin with obtaining a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree. Oncologists who specialize in medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology or hematology oncology complete residencies and fellowship programs before obtaining licensure and certification. All in all, it takes about 14 to 16 years to become an oncologist.
You might be anxious about seeing an oncologist because you’re worried you could have cancer. And if you’re diagnosed with cancer, you may wonder what your future looks like. It’s normal to feel frustrated, too, because you have questions for which there are no easy, black-and-white answers. Your oncologist understands those emotions, and they’re here to help however they can.
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Last reviewed on 11/25/2024.
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