Oncologist

A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.</P> A clinical oncologist is usually trained in one of the three primary disciplines of oncology:</P> > >Medical oncology -- the treatment of cancer with medicine, including chemotherapy.

>Surgical oncology -- the surgical aspects of cancer including biopsy, staging, and surgical resection of malignancies) >Radiation oncology -- the treatment of cancer with therapeutic radiation.</LI></UL> Once a cancer diagnosis is made, it is the oncologist's role to explain the cancer diagnosis and meaning of the disease stage to the patient; discuss various treatment options; recommend the best course of treatment; deliver optimal care; and improve quality of life both through curative therapy and palliative care with pain and symptom management.