When facing a cancer diagnosis, one of the first and most crucial steps is assembling the right medical team. Understanding who will be guiding your care is essential for feeling informed and empowered throughout your treatment journey. You may be wondering, What Is A Cancer Doctor Called? The answer is straightforward: a doctor who specializes in cancer is called an oncologist. However, the field of oncology is broad, encompassing various specialties to address the complexities of different cancers.
Navigating the world of oncology can feel overwhelming, but knowing the different types of oncologists and their roles is a vital first step in ensuring you receive the best possible care. Finding an oncologist you trust and with whom you feel comfortable is paramount. This doctor will be your partner, guiding you through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care. It’s wise to discuss with your primary care physician or the doctor who initially diagnosed your cancer about the urgency of finding a cancer specialist and whether you have time to explore your options.
What is an Oncologist?
An oncologist is a physician who has specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. These specialists are at the forefront of cancer care, utilizing a range of treatments and strategies to combat the disease. Oncologists manage a patient’s care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, often overseeing survivorship or palliative care as needed. They play a critical role in coordinating care, communicating with patients and their families, and ensuring a comprehensive approach to cancer management.
Oncologists work in various settings, including hospitals, cancer centers, and private practices. Within oncology, there are several distinct subspecialties, each focusing on particular aspects of cancer care. Understanding these different types of oncologists is key to building your ideal cancer care team.
Types of Oncologists
Depending on the type of cancer you have and the stage of your disease, you may be treated by one or more types of oncologists. Here are some of the most common oncology specialties:
Medical Oncologists
Medical oncologists are often considered the primary cancer doctors for many patients. They specialize in treating cancer using medication, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. These treatments are systemic, meaning they work throughout the body to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing and spreading.
Medical oncologists are involved in diagnosing cancer, determining the stage of the disease, developing treatment plans, and managing the overall medical care of cancer patients. They work closely with other specialists to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive approach.
Alt text: Medical oncologist explaining treatment options to a patient in a clinic setting, emphasizing patient communication and care.
Surgical Oncologists
Surgical oncologists are surgeons who specialize in using surgery to treat cancer. They perform biopsies to diagnose cancer, remove tumors and surrounding tissue, and sometimes perform surgeries to relieve cancer symptoms or restore bodily function.
Surgical oncology is a highly specialized field requiring extensive training in surgical techniques specific to cancer. They work closely with medical and radiation oncologists to plan and execute the most effective treatment strategy, especially when surgery is a primary treatment modality.
Radiation Oncologists
Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy to treat cancer. Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells or damage them so they cannot grow and multiply. Radiation can be delivered externally using machines or internally through radioactive materials placed in or near the tumor.
Radiation oncologists are experts in planning and delivering radiation therapy safely and effectively. They work to minimize damage to healthy tissue while maximizing the impact on cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used to cure cancer, control its growth, or relieve symptoms.
Alt text: Radiation oncologist reviewing medical imaging for radiation therapy planning, demonstrating expertise in treatment technology and precision.
Hematologist-Oncologists
Hematologist-oncologists specialize in cancers of the blood, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as other blood disorders. Hematology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases.
These specialists have expertise in diagnosing and treating blood cancers using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplantation, and other treatments. They also manage non-cancerous blood disorders.
Pediatric Oncologists
Pediatric oncologists are doctors who specialize in treating cancer in children and adolescents. Cancers in children are often different from those in adults, and pediatric oncologists have specialized knowledge in diagnosing and treating these unique cancers.
They are experts in the specific needs of young cancer patients and their families, providing care that addresses the physical, emotional, and developmental aspects of childhood cancer. Pediatric oncologists often work in children’s hospitals and specialized cancer centers.
Gynecologic Oncologists
Gynecologic oncologists specialize in cancers of the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. They are surgeons with specialized training in treating these specific types of cancers.
Gynecologic oncologists provide comprehensive care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, for women with gynecologic cancers. They also focus on preserving fertility and sexual health when possible.
Dermatologic Oncologists
Dermatologic oncologists specialize in skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. These specialists are dermatologists with further training in the management of skin cancers.
They are experts in diagnosing skin cancers through biopsies and imaging, and they provide treatment options ranging from surgical removal and Mohs surgery to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies for advanced skin cancers.
Choosing the Right Cancer Doctor
Selecting the right oncologist is a personal but critical decision. Consider these factors when making your choice:
Experience with Your Cancer Type
It’s essential to choose a doctor who has significant experience treating your specific type of cancer. Oncologists who specialize in certain cancers are often more familiar with the latest research, treatment guidelines, and innovative therapies relevant to your diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to ask a potential oncologist about their experience with your specific cancer type and the treatment approaches they typically use.
Insurance and Network
Ensure that the oncologist you choose is within your health insurance network. Confirming that a doctor is a “preferred provider” or accepts your insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Check your insurance provider’s directory or contact their member services to verify coverage.
Hospital Affiliation
Consider the hospitals or cancer centers where the oncologist has admitting privileges. Doctors can only admit patients to hospitals where they have privileges. Choosing a doctor affiliated with a reputable cancer center can provide access to comprehensive resources, multidisciplinary teams, and cutting-edge technology. Think about which hospitals are geographically convenient and align with your preferences.
Personal Comfort and Communication
Your relationship with your oncologist will be long-term and deeply personal. Choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable communicating openly and honestly. Consider factors like communication style, personality, and whether you feel heard and respected. Some patients value a doctor with a business-like approach, while others prefer someone more emotionally supportive. Trust your instincts when assessing your comfort level with a potential oncologist.
Finding Cancer Doctors
Finding potential oncologists can involve several strategies:
Referrals
Start by asking for referrals from trusted sources. Your primary care physician or the doctor who initially diagnosed your cancer is an excellent starting point. Ask them, “If you or a loved one had this cancer, who would you see for treatment?” They can often provide names of respected oncologists and their specialties. You can also ask friends or family members who have had cancer for their recommendations.
Online Directories and Resources
Utilize online directories and resources to find oncologists in your area. Many hospitals and cancer centers have physician finders on their websites. National directories of medical doctors also exist, often allowing you to search by specialty and location. These directories can provide information on doctors’ expertise, certifications, office locations, and languages spoken. However, remember that inclusion in these directories is not an endorsement.
Questions to Ask Potential Doctors
Once you have a list of potential oncologists, contact their offices to gather more information. Inquire if they are accepting new patients and if they participate in your insurance network. You may also want to ask about their affiliated hospitals and cancer centers. If possible, schedule initial consultations with a few oncologists. During these meetings, ask about their experience treating your type of cancer, their treatment philosophy, and their approach to patient communication.
Consider these questions to assess your comfort and confidence in a potential oncologist:
- Do they give you ample opportunity to ask questions?
- Do you feel they are actively listening to your concerns?
- Do they answer your questions clearly and thoroughly?
- Do they communicate in a way you can understand?
- Do you feel respected and valued as an individual?
- Do they discuss treatment options and consider your preferences?
- Do they spend adequate time with you during appointments?
Second Opinions
Even after choosing an oncologist, seeking a second opinion is often a wise step, especially when you feel uncertain about the recommended treatment plan. A second opinion can provide reassurance or offer alternative perspectives and treatment options. Discuss your desire for a second opinion with your oncologist; they should be supportive of your decision to seek further expert advice.
Other Important Considerations
When evaluating oncologists, consider these additional factors:
Board Certification
Board certification indicates that a doctor has undergone extra training in a specialized area of medicine and has passed rigorous exams. While not all excellent doctors are board certified, it demonstrates a commitment to expertise and ongoing professional development. You can verify a doctor’s board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website.
Experience and Expertise
Inquire about the oncologist’s experience level. How long have they been in practice? How many patients with your specific cancer type have they treated? If surgery or a specialized procedure is involved, ask about their experience performing these procedures and their success rates. Understanding their experience can provide valuable insight into their proficiency.
Hospital Privileges
Confirm at which hospitals or cancer centers the oncologist has privileges. This will determine where you would receive inpatient care if hospitalization is necessary. Ensure these affiliated hospitals are within your insurance network and meet your standards for quality and convenience.
Medical School Affiliation
Affiliation with a reputable medical school can be an indicator of an oncologist’s engagement with the academic and research aspects of their field. Doctors who teach and are involved in medical schools may be more likely to be aware of and utilize the latest advancements in cancer treatment.
By understanding what a cancer doctor is called – an oncologist – and the different types of specialists within this field, you can navigate your cancer journey with greater clarity and confidence. Choosing the right oncologist is a crucial step in ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your individual needs. Remember to prioritize clear communication, personal comfort, and expertise when building your oncology team.
- Written by
- References
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as editors and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
American Board of Medical Specialties. About Board Certification. Accessed at www.abms.org/About_Board_Certification/ on September 15, 2021.
American College of Surgeons. Commission on Cancer: Improving Outcomes for Patients with Cancer. facs.org. Accessed at https://www.facs.org/quality-programs/cancer/coc on September 15, 2021.
National Cancer Institute. Finding Health Care Services. Cancer.gov. Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/services on August 3, 2021.
Last Revised: September 17, 2021
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