Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist.[1] The name’s etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος (ónkos), meaning “tumor”, “volume” or “mass” and the word λόγος (logos), meaning “speech”.
The three components which have improved survival in cancer are:
1. Prevention – by reduction of risk factors like tobacco and alcohol consumption
2. Early diagnosis – screening of common cancers and comprehensive diagnosis and staging
3. Treatment – multimodality management by discussion in tumor board and treatment in a comprehensive cancer centre
