Cancer hospitals play a crucial role in providing necessary care for those diagnosed with cancer. Prospective patients and their families need to understand various aspects related to the chosen cancer hospital. Let's explore the details further!

Cancer, one of the leading causes of death globally, continues to increase in prevalence every year, particularly in Indonesia. Various factors, including unhealthy lifestyles, environmental factors, and genetic or hereditary factors, can trigger the onset of this malignant disease.

Understanding the Field of Oncology

In a cancer hospital, Oncology is the specialized field of medicine dealing with the treatment and prevention of cancer. A doctor specializing in oncology is referred to as an oncologist. Clinically, oncology is divided into three main fields:

• Surgical Oncology: Focuses on cancer treatment through surgery, such as the removal of tumor tissues and biopsies.
• Hematologic Oncology: Concentrates on the treatment of blood cancers, such as lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia.
• Radiation Oncology: Focuses on cancer treatment using radiation therapy or radiotherapy.

In addition to providing treatment, oncology specialists in cancer hospitals are responsible for recommending medical interventions based on patients' needs, evaluating treatment outcomes, and caring for patients post-treatment. If a cancer patient requires specialized treatment, oncologists collaborate with doctors from other fields to facilitate the treatment process.

Medical Conditions Addressed by Oncology

Oncology specialists can treat all types of cancer depending on their specialization. Some oncologists specialize in specific therapies, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. Moreover, oncologists may focus on treating cancers specific to organs, such as:

• Bone cancer
• Blood cancer
• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer
• Testicular cancer

When individuals exhibit symptoms suggestive of cancer, general practitioners or other specialists may refer them to oncologists in cancer hospitals. The choice of treatment will depend on the stage of cancer and the potential risk of complications. Therefore, in determining the appropriate treatment, doctors require comprehensive examinations and observations. Here are several medical procedures conducted by oncologists:

• Cancer Diagnosis: Involves testing for unusual growths or lumps through physical examinations, blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests (CT scans, MRIs, PET scans), and biopsies.
• Radiation Therapy: Aimed at slowing down tumor growth without damaging healthy tissues.
• Surgery: Removal of tumors.
• Targeted Therapy: Restricts the spread of tumors to other areas of the body.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: Replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow stem cells.
• Chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells.
• Self-preventive efforts: Assisting patients in routine check-ups or vaccinations and other tests.
• Post-cancer treatment. Considering cancer is a complex disease, post-cancer treatment is necessary to prevent the recurrence of cancer.

Preparation Before Meeting an Oncology Specialist

Several preparations are essential before meeting a doctor in a cancer hospital to facilitate the determination of the right treatment. These include:

• If you're still unsure about chooCreating detailed records of complaints and symptoms.
• Bringing previous examination results, such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, or biopsies.
• Informing the doctor of any prior cancer diagnosis and its severity.
• Bringing family members for support during oncology examinations.
• Inquiring about available treatment options, their success rates, and associated risks.

sing the right doctor, you can seek recommendations from general practitioners who have examined you. Additionally, you can consult and visit the best cancer hospitals affiliated with IHH Healthcare Malaysia. The sooner cancer is diagnosed and treated, the higher the likelihood of successful cancer treatment.