29^th International Oncology Summit

General oncologic issues

Oncology is the study of cancer. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. An oncologist may also be called a cancer specialist. The field of oncology has 3 major areas based on treatments: medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Some of the most common types include: Carcinomas: cancers of the skin or the tissues that line the internal organs.

There are a number of recurring ethical questions and dilemmas in oncological practice. These include:

What information to give the patient regarding disease extent/progression/prognosis.

Entry into clinical trials, especially in the face of terminal illness.

Withdrawal of active treatment.

"Do Not Resuscitate" orders and other end of life issues