Medical oncologists have knowledge of all aspects of cancer treatment including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, biological therapy and hormone therapy. With this comprehensive base of knowledge, a medical oncologist oversees patient care while consulting with other cancer specialists (surgeons and radiation oncologists) to determine the best combination of treatment options.
Medical oncologists will also prescribe drugs for treatment, determine the dosage and how often they should be taken. They are also experts in pain management and have options to help treat side effects from chemotherapy. In addition to the physical treatments, a medical oncologist also considers the patient's psychological and social needs and will make referrals to appropriate support services.
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