Oncology is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer.

The signs and symptoms of cancer can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer. Common signs include unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, lumps or masses, changes in the skin, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and unexplained pain.

Cancer diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), and biopsies (removal of a tissue sample for examination under a microscope).

Cancer treatment options depend on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. They may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy.

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness like cancer, with the goal of improving the patient’s quality of life. Hospice care is a form of palliative care provided to patients with a terminal illness when curative treatment is no longer possible.

Cancer staging is a way of describing the extent and spread of cancer in the body. It helps determine the prognosis and guides treatment decisions.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections.