Understanding Your Oncology Cancer Care Team
If you or a loved one has been referred to an oncologist, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions – uncertainty, concern and questions about what comes next. Understanding what an oncologist does can help you feel more informed and prepared as you take the next steps in your care.
James McGee, MD, president, OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, explained what an oncologist is and what the different types of oncologists do.
What is an oncologist?
“An oncologist is a physician who deals with the treatment of malignant diseases, also known as cancers. It’s usually someone who has special training in that area. They confine their practice to cancer patients,” Dr. McGee said.
Oncologists often have specialized areas of expertise to provide the most effective care for each person.
An oncologist manages all aspects of cancer treatment, from diagnosis and therapy planning to ongoing monitoring and survivorship support.
What does an oncologist do?
After you receive a cancer diagnosis, your care team will connect you with an oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer and supporting you through what comes next.
At your visit, your oncologist takes time to understand you as a whole person. They’ll review your medical history, look closely at your test results and talk through treatment options that are right for you and your specific diagnosis.
Your oncologist also works closely with other specialists, such as surgeons, radiation therapists, nurses and social workers, to make sure your care is coordinated and that you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Some of the key roles of an oncologist include:
- Clearly explaining your diagnosis and the next steps
- Recommending and managing treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy
- Carefully monitoring your progress and adjusting your plan as needed
- Offering support for both the physical and emotional challenges of cancer care
Find oncologists with cancer expertise
Types of Oncologists
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you may have one or more types of treatments. Each type of oncologist focuses on a different type of cancer treatment. So, you may have one, two or all of the following types of oncologists on your cancer care team.
What is a medical oncologist?
A medical oncologist specializes in treating cancer with medications. These providers are experts in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and other drug-based treatments.
“Their approach is more to the system as a whole – the whole body. It’s given by people who are trained in internal medicine,” Dr. McGee
Medical oncologists often serve as the central coordinator of your cancer care, working closely with surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other specialists. They help ensure that each part of your treatment plan works together safely and effectively.
What is a surgical oncologist?
“A surgical oncologist is a surgeon who devotes much of their time to the treatment of cancer through surgery,” Dr. McGee said.
They perform operations to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Surgical oncologists often work together with medical oncologists to determine the best timing and approach for surgery within your overall treatment plan.
What is a radiation oncologist?
A radiation oncologist uses targeted radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors.
“Radiation oncologists train for several years in cancer and treating cancer. It may be external beam radiation, intravenous treatment or brachytherapy, which uses radiation sources that are placed in immediate contact with the tumor and are used to give very precise, very localized treatment,” Dr. McGee said.
Radiation therapy can be used alone or alongside medical treatments and surgery. Your radiation oncologist collaborates with medical and surgical oncologists to ensure the therapy complements the other treatments in your plan.
Pediatric and Other Specialized Oncologists
Some oncologists focus on specific patient populations or cancer types. For example:
- Pediatric oncologists care for children and teens with cancer, providing treatments tailored to younger patients’ unique needs.
- Neuro-oncologists specialize in cancers of the brain and nervous system.
Even when your oncologist specializes, they remain part of a larger team that coordinates care to ensure the best possible outcome.
How Oncologists Work Together
Cancer care is rarely handled by just one doctor. Instead, a team of specialists works together to look at the full picture and recommend the best care for you. This team may include medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, along with radiologists, pathologists and supportive care professionals.
“Cancer requires lots of different viewpoints for patients to get the best advice and the best treatment for their cancer,” Dr. McGee said.
Working together helps ensure that every part of your care is carefully considered – from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and follow-up – so you and your loved ones can feel informed, supported and confident in your care plan.
“Never hesitate to get another opinion,” Dr. McGee said.
Finding the Right Oncologist for You
If you’re searching for an oncologist, consider these steps:
- Ask your primary care doctor or referring specialist for recommendations.
- Look for oncologists who are experienced in your specific cancer type.
- Consider the level of support offered by the cancer care team and hospital.
If you’re exploring your care options, you may find it helpful to learn more about local cancer care programs and the specialists who provide them. This can give you a clearer picture of what types of oncologists are available in your area and help you choose the right fit for your needs.