Career as oncologist

Careers in oncology

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally despite cutting-edge technological advancements and groundbreaking research over the years. While 26.7 million people suffered from cancer in 2021, the number is expected to rise to 29.8 million by 2025. Such scenarios create a demand for oncologists in the country. If you are a medical science student looking to pursue a specialisation in oncology, you are in the right direction. What are the educational qualifications, skills, traits, and career progressions an oncologist in India requires?

Cancer specialists or oncologists are health professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage cancer patients. Oncologists confirm the diagnosis, describe the stage of cancer, provide all the options and suggestions, monitor treatment plans, be a part of treating the patient along with other expert staff, and support the patient with medication and dealing with adverse effects. Oncologists sometimes are also experts in treating diseases related to haematology (blood).

Key specialisations

Radiation oncologist: An expert who treats cancer patients by giving radiation therapy.

Medical oncologist: Treats cancer using medication, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgical oncologist: An expert in treating cancer patients by removing cancerous cells or tissues. They are well-versed in carrying out biopsies to examine cancer, its stage, and related casualties.

After graduation, those who wish to be oncologists have to pursue specialisation for three years and then super specialisation. Diagnosis, research, medical and surgical procedures, and interpersonal and intrapersonal skills are some of the major skills. Further, like in any field, a person treating cancer patients needs the right attitude. They need to understand that it is a chronic condition and that dealing with the reports and harsh treatments can break the person mentally. Unlike other countries, cancer awareness has been slow to spread in India and we are still stuck with societal stigmas related to the disease as well as treatment measures. An oncologist needs to have accurate knowledge and a kind approach when treating a cancer patient.