Oncology: the science that studies cancer

What is oncology?

The term “oncology” comes from the Greek word onkos (meaning mass or volume) and the suffix -logia (meaning study). Consequently, oncology is a branch of medicine and science dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of neoplasms.

Neoplasms, or tumors, are abnormal masses of cells that grow in the body’s tissues and can spread to other parts of the body in an uncontrolled manner. These masses can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Therefore, it is the role of oncology to identify the different types of tumors and determine the most appropriate approach for each one, taking into account the factors that affect the patient’s life and health.

What is cancer?

Cancer encompasses a group of diseases that manifest as tumors and can invade adjacent tissues and organs.

However, there are more than 100 types of cancer, and some types—such as leukemia (which develops in the blood)—do not form tumor masses. For this reason, it is difficult to generalize about cancer, since each type has its own characteristics and challenges.

To gain a deeper understanding of what this disease is and how it affects different parts of the body, we recommend reading: “What Is Cancer?” and “Cancer: What It Means and How to Cope With It.” These resources provide detailed information on the types of cancer, treatment options, and strategies for coping with both the physical and emotional challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

What is the role of an oncologist?

The oncologist is the physician responsible for diagnosing and treating various types of this disease, such as:

• Breast cancer;
• Prostate cancer;
• Cervical cancer;
• Colorectal cancer;
• Lung, bronchial, and tracheal cancer;
• Pancreatic cancer;
• Stomach cancer;
• Among others.

In oncology, the patient is cared for by a multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, radiologists, physical therapists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals specializing in this field. It is the oncologist’s responsibility, however, to oversee the overall care, refer patients, and supervise both treatment and post-treatment care.

What are the goals of cancer treatment?

After diagnosis, the oncology team will then consider the available treatment options, as well as the method to be used, taking into account the patient’s condition and needs.

As such, cancer treatment is based on three pillars:

A cure

The ultimate goal of treatment is a cure—that is, to eliminate all traces of cancer cells from the body.

To achieve this, the oncologist will choose the most appropriate approach, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Throughout this process, it is essential that the patient follow all medical recommendations to maximize the chances of a cure.

Remission

In cases where a cure is not possible, the focus shifts to the second goal: remission. Remission is the state in which the disease is either absent or under control.

In these cases, treatment aims to keep the disease under control and prevent it from spreading or growing. The patient may also need regular follow-up care and to maintain a healthy lifestyle to support the remission process.

Palliative Care

When a cure or remission cannot be achieved, the goal shifts to palliative care. In oncology, this treatment aims to improve the patient’s quality of life and relieve symptoms, as well as reduce physical and psychological suffering.

This care is provided by a multidisciplinary team and may include treatments such as pain management, nursing care, and psychological support. The focus is on the patient’s comfort and dignity throughout the entire process.

Prevention and Education in Oncology

Prevention is one of the fundamental pillars in the fight against this disease. Educating the public about risk factors and prevention methods can significantly reduce the incidence of many types of cancer.

Modifiable Risk Factors

Many risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes, such as:

• Quitting smoking: Smoking is associated with various types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder cancer.
• Maintaining a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the risk of this disease.
• Regular exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of various types of this disease.
• Limiting alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of various types of cancer, including liver, breast, and colon cancer.
• Sun protection: Using sunscreen and avoiding excessive sun exposure can reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Early Diagnosis

In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle and having regular checkups with your doctor, early diagnosis is crucial for successful cancer treatment. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of a cure or remission.

Therefore, it is important to be alert to any suspicious symptoms and to undergo screening tests recommended based on your age and medical history. These measures are also complemented by prevention strategies.

Prevention Strategies

Cancer prevention can be divided into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention.

• Primary prevention: This involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and eliminating known risk factors. Awareness campaigns about the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, as well as regular physical activity, are essential. Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B also plays a crucial role.
• Secondary prevention: This focuses on early detection through regular screenings and diagnostic tests, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and can save lives. Educating the public about the importance of these tests and ensuring easy and equitable access to health care services are crucial steps.
• Tertiary prevention: This refers to improving quality of life and reducing complications in people who have already been diagnosed with this disease. This includes effective treatments, rehabilitation, palliative care, and psychological support. Educating patients about the importance of ongoing medical follow-up and adherence to recommended treatments is vital for minimizing recurrence and improving prognoses.

Role of Research and Education

Ongoing research is essential for progress in oncology. Clinical and laboratory studies enable the identification of new diagnostic and treatment methods, the refinement of existing therapies, and the development of prevention strategies.

Innovative Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine is transforming the treatment of this disease by tailoring therapies to the specific genetic and molecular characteristics of each tumor. Currently, there are already many therapies targeting genetic alterations present in the tumor that have been approved for use in many types of cancer and are now part of routine clinical practice—for example, PARP inhibitors, which are effective in treating tumors with BRCA mutations. In addition, innovative therapies are under development, such as the use of CAR-T cells, which are genetically modified to attack cancer cells.

Strengthening the Defense Against Cancer

Prevention and education in oncology are interconnected and essential components for effectively combating this disease. Through a comprehensive approach that includes healthy lifestyle habits, vaccination, regular screenings, and quality patient care, it is possible to significantly reduce the incidence and impact of this disease on society.

Laboratory Medicine Center – Germano de Sousa

Oncology is a constantly evolving field, and it is crucial that patients are well-informed about the available options. Research in oncology continues to advance, offering new hope and possibilities for patients around the world.

If you wish to undergo a test, whether as a precaution or on medical advice, please contact our Collection Points.

At Germano de Sousa, we are a national leader in Clinical Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Testing. We are fully equipped to provide all the necessary support to aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.