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Specialisation Within Oncology – The Future Of Cancer Care In India
Oncology is a very vast specialisation. It is further divided into Surgical, Radiation and Medical Oncology. Within each field, Oncologists can again specialize in treating particular parts of the body. For example, a Breast Surgeon is one who deals with surgery of benign and malignant diseases of the Breast. Similarly a Breast Oncologist is one who treats the medical aspects of Breast cancer, be it chemotherapy, targeted therapy or hormonal therapy.
The question arises then, why specialize within the branch of Oncology? Most hospitals in our city have only one medical, one surgical and one radiation oncologist available, who then has to treat all types of tumours.Knowledge in our field is growing rapidly and exponentially and there is something new every day, it is impossible to keep up with the latest information on treatment of every type of cancer.
Therefore where a group of three or more medical oncologists are practicing together, site or disease Specialization within Oncology makes utmost sense. The decisions a Breast Oncologist makes vis a vis a community based general oncologist will be more informed, more balanced and precise and will likely improve the survival outcomes for the breast cancer patient.
For example, in patients with stage IV Breast cancer, the choice between using chemotherapy and hormonal therapy is very important. In many cases, one can use hormonal therapy alone with good results and without the side effects of chemotherapy. There are some patients who can live with stage IV disease on oral therapies for five or even 10 years.
Similarly, the decision to give chemotherapy or not give it to patients who have had surgery for breast cancer is also difficult and requires careful thought, knowledge and experience.
The use of targeted agents like Herceptin in Breast cancer is now commonplace for Her2-positive patients. Whether to give one targeted drug or two drugs, to give it for 6 or 12 months, are also decisions which require considerable expertise.
Molecular and Genetic testing has become important for patients with Breast cancer. The medical oncologist has to be aware of these tests and know exactly when they should be ordered during the patient’s treatment. 10% of Breast cancer run in families and have a hereditary basis. Running genetic clinics with the genetic counsellor and managing the preventive and treatment aspects for those patients with hereditary breast cancer is a complex issue and not all oncologists are familiar with it.
Therefore, breast oncology is a prime example of why specialization within the field of oncology is needed for centres and institutes of tertiary care in Tier 1 and 2 cities in India.
FAQs
What advancements are shaping the future of cancer care in India? Technologies like precision medicine, immunotherapy, and advanced diagnostics are driving progress.
How accessible is cancer care in India currently? Accessibility is improving with government initiatives and the expansion of specialised cancer centres.
What role do early detection techniques play in the future of cancer care? Early detection enhances survival rates and reduces treatment costs.
How is technology influencing cancer care in India? AI-based diagnostics, robotic surgeries, and telemedicine are transforming treatment approaches.
What challenges does India face in cancer care? Challenges include rural access, affordability, and a shortage of oncologists in remote areas.
