Oncology

Comprehensive Cancer Care with a Patient-Centred Approach

Oncology is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of cancer. Cancer care can involve different specialists and treatment approaches depending on the type, stage and individual characteristics of the disease. At our hospital, oncology care is centred around accurate diagnosis, thoughtful treatment planning and continuous support throughout the patient's journey.

Our oncology services bring together medical expertise, diagnostic evaluation and coordinated care to help patients understand their condition and make informed decisions about treatment.

Cancer Diagnosis and Evaluation

An accurate diagnosis is an important first step in cancer treatment. Depending on the patient's symptoms and medical history, evaluation may include laboratory tests, imaging studies, biopsy and other specialised investigations. These results help the oncology team understand the type and extent of cancer and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Patients may also require additional testing, including biomarker or molecular testing, when clinically appropriate. Such information can help doctors determine whether certain targeted treatments or other therapies may be suitable.

Cancer Treatment Options

Cancer treatment varies from one patient to another. Some cancers may require a single treatment, while others may benefit from a combination of therapies. Common oncology treatment approaches include:

Medical Oncology

Medical oncology uses medicines to treat cancer and may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and hormone therapy. A medical oncologist may also coordinate care with surgeons, radiation oncologists and other specialists.

Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy uses carefully planned doses of radiation to treat cancer cells. It may be recommended before or after surgery, together with other treatments, or as part of treatment for certain advanced cancers.

Surgical Oncology

Surgical oncology focuses on the surgical treatment of cancer. Depending on the cancer type and location, surgery may be used to remove a tumour, examine affected tissue or support other stages of cancer treatment.

Cancers We Treat

Oncology teams may care for patients with a wide range of cancers, including:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Stomach and gastrointestinal cancers
• Liver and pancreatic cancers
• Head and neck cancers
• Prostate and other urological cancers
• Gynaecological cancers
• Blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma
• Skin cancers
• Bone and soft-tissue cancers

The appropriate treatment depends on the specific cancer, its stage, overall health and other individual factors.

Personalised Cancer Treatment

There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every cancer patient. Our oncology team considers the diagnosis, cancer stage, pathology findings, medical history and other relevant clinical information before recommending a treatment plan.

Where appropriate, patients may benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, in which medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other healthcare professionals work together to coordinate care.

Supportive and Follow-Up Care

Cancer treatment involves more than treating the disease itself. Patients may need support with treatment-related symptoms, nutrition, pain management, emotional wellbeing and rehabilitation. Regular follow-up appointments also help the healthcare team monitor recovery, treatment response and any changes that may require further evaluation.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer, speaking with a qualified oncologist can help you understand the diagnosis and available treatment options. Early medical evaluation of concerning or persistent symptoms can also help ensure that appropriate investigations are considered without unnecessary delay.

Disclaimer: Cancer treatment is individualised. The information provided here is for general educational purposes and should not replace advice from a qualified medical professional.