Which branch of medicine focuses on the study of tumors and cancer?

Q. Which branch of medicine focuses on the study of tumors and cancer?

Answer: Oncology

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. The name's etymological origin is the Greek word ὄγκος (ónkos), meaning "tumor", "volume" or "mass" and the word λόγος (logos), meaning "study".

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.

Branches of medicine

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• Anesthesiology – practice of medicine dedicated to the relief of pain and total care of the surgical patient before, during and after surgery.
• Cardiology – branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the heart and the blood vessels.
• Critical care medicine – focuses on life support and the intensive care of the seriously ill.
• Dentistry – branch of medicine that deals with treatment of diseases in the oral cavity
• Dermatology – branch of medicine that deals with the skin, hair, and nails.
• Emergency medicine – focuses on care provided in the emergency department
• Endocrinology – branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the endocrine system.
• Epidemiology – study of cause and prevalence of diseases and programs to contain them
• First aid – assistance given to any person suffering a sudden illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, and/or promote recovery. It includes initial intervention in a serious condition prior to professional medical help being available, such as performing CPR while awaiting an ambulance, as well as the complete treatment of minor conditions, such as applying a plaster to a cut.
• Gastroenterology – branch of medicine that deals with the study and care of the digestive system.
• General practice (often called family medicine) is a branch of medicine that specializes in primary care.
• Geriatrics – branch of medicine that deals with the general health and well-being of the elderly.
• Gynecology – diagnosis and treatment of the female reproductive system
• Hematology – branch of medicine that deals with the blood and the circulatory system.
• Hepatology – branch of medicine that deals with the liver, gallbladder and the biliary system.
• Infectious disease – branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and management of infectious disease, especially for complex cases and immunocompromised patients.
• Internal medicine – involved with adult diseases
• Neurology – branch of medicine that deals with the brain and the nervous system.
• Nephrology – branch of medicine which deals with the kidneys.
• Obstetrics – care of women during and after pregnancy
• Oncology – branch of medicine that studies the types of cancer.
• Ophthalmology – branch of medicine that deals with the eyes.
• Optometry – branch of medicine that involves examining the eyes and applicable visual systems for defects or abnormalities as well as the medical diagnosis and management of eye disease.
• Orthopaedics – branch of medicine that deals with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.
• Otorhinolaryngology – branch of medicine that deals with the ears, nose and throat.
• Pathology – study of causes and pathogenesis of diseases.
• Pediatrics – branch of medicine that deals with the general health and well-being of children and in some countries like the U.S. young adults.
• Preventive medicine – measures taken for disease prevention, as opposed to disease treatment.
• Psychiatry – branch of medicine that deals with the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.
• Pulmonology – branch of medicine that deals with the respiratory system.
• Radiology – branch of medicine that employs medical imaging to diagnose and treat disease.
• Sports medicine – branch of medicine that deals with physical fitness and the treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise.
• Rheumatology – branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
• Surgery – branch of medicine that uses operative techniques to investigate or treat both disease and injury, or to help improve bodily function or appearance.
• Urology – branch of medicine that deals with the urinary system of both sexes and the male reproductive system.