| The three
branches of oncology are:
1.
Preventive oncology
2. Interventional oncology
3. Palliative oncology
Oncology is a holistic discipline.
Therefore oncology management requires a holistic approach.
Holistic approach applies more to
preventive oncology and palliative oncology. The term 'clinical
oncology' usually refers to interventional oncology.
Traditionally, in
interventional oncology, the treatment is targeted specifically at
the disease process. However , modern thinking is beginning to
understand the importance of multi-disciplinary approach in
clinical oncology,
1. Preventive oncology
Look at this definition.
"Preventive Oncology is the study of interactive etiologic
factors in cancer development and their impact on prevention,
detection, and management of neoplastic diseases. It is focused on
advances in genetics, molecular medicine, and biotechnologies that
have an impact on clinical oncology modalities"
This definition is for doctors.. For the general public, the
question is what must I know or do so that I can prevent myself
from getting cancer. Right. Yes, of course.
The above definition will be translated into evidence based
medicine so that doctors and scientists can tell the differences
among myths, hypothetical facts and evidenced based or proven
facts.
For laymen application purposes, you need to know the recipe to
reduce the risk of cancer. Generally, these factors are a healthy
lifestyle, good sleep, adequate rest, exercise and balanced diet
as well as free from exposure to known and probable carcinogens.
Ask yourself. How do these factors work? Go through these
mental exercises at your knowledge level. For example, healthy
lifestyle means no smoking......bla....bla...bla..... Good sleep,
rest, exercise, means stronger immunity to fight cancer
cells.....Give examples of diet which are carcinogenic, give
examples of diet which are cancer protective.
2. Interventional Oncology.
If you or the person you look after suffers from cancer, then
this topic is for you. Your doctor must have explained to you the
investigative findings, the diagnosis and the options for clinical
intervention.
Commonly used procedures are surgical removal, irradiation, and
chemotherapy. Which method or combination of methods is
appropriate depends on many factors-- cost, facilities, expertise
of the clinical oncologist, practice
guidelines of the institutions. All these factors have to be
applied to the unique holistic characteristics of the cancer
patient at that particular cancerous stage.
With so many factors to consider, you can
see that decision making is not straightforward. At times,
decision making is best left to the expert. At times, patients and
their carers may participate in decision making.
3. Palliative oncology
If the cancer is no longer responsive to
curative treatment , do not give up. Palliative oncology is a
relatively new medical discipline. It is here to help you till
your last days of life. With palliative oncology by your side, you
will accept each day as a bonus. In addition, palliative medicine
also look after the carers especially in the area of bereavement.
Palliative intervention is very different
from curative intervention. Comfort, quality of life, spiritual
meanings of life and death becomes a priority and a reality. Pain
control is the number one priority.
Palliative medicine is still a new concept
in underdeveloped and developing countries. Always remember that
palliative oncology is here to help you. Support it. Use it.
If you have questions related to this article you may e-mail me
at doctor@soontongkiong.com quoting the contents of the article.
About the author
DR SOON is a medical practitioner. He holds four degrees. MBBS
(University of Malaya), MBA (University of East Asia), LLB (Hons)
(University of Wolverhampton), Master of Medicine (Edith Cowan
University
:Dr SOON is the owner of AskMyVisitor.com and MyScriptDoctor.com
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information
on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
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