What is an oncologist? Types of cancer doctor explained

An oncologist is a cancer specialist

The US National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines an oncologist as a doctor who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer (NCI: Finding Cancer Care). Healthdirect, the Australian Government's health information service, describes an oncologist in the same way: a specialist doctor who has training to diagnose and treat cancer (Healthdirect: What is an oncologist?). The branch of medicine is called oncology.

Most people do not choose an oncologist directly. They are referred by their family doctor (GP) or by a hospital team, either because tests have found cancer or because a doctor thinks cancer is possible and wants a specialist opinion.

The main types of oncologist

Cancer care is usually shared between several specialists. Healthdirect describes the main types like this:

• Medical oncologists use medicines to treat cancer, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy.
• Surgical oncologists remove tumours and take tissue samples (biopsies) to be sent for testing.
• Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy (radiotherapy) to treat cancer. NCI describes radiation oncologists as doctors who use x-rays and other forms of radiation to diagnose and treat disease.
• Paediatric oncologists work mainly with children who have cancer.

NCI also describes two other specialists you may meet:

• Haematologists (hematologists in the US) focus on diseases of the blood and related tissues, including the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes.
• Surgeons perform operations on almost any area of the body and may specialise in a certain type of surgery.

Job titles, and how roles are divided, can differ between countries and hospitals. If you are not sure what a specialist's role is in your care, it is reasonable to ask them directly.

Oncologists usually work as a team

Healthdirect notes that the different types of oncologist often work together as a team to diagnose, treat and care for people with cancer. NCI explains that some people have only one treatment, but most often treatments are combined, which is one reason several specialists may be involved (NCI: Types of Cancer Treatment). NCI notes that care at home can also involve a team that includes doctors, nurses, social workers and physical therapists.

Our guide to types of cancer treatment explains in general terms what surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and other treatments are.

Why you might be referred

Healthdirect says your doctor may refer you to an oncologist if you have been diagnosed with cancer, or if your doctor thinks you might have cancer. A referral can also follow an abnormal screening result, such as a mammogram or bowel screening test; NCI notes that screening tests can give false-positive results, so an abnormal result is not the same as a diagnosis. Our guides to how cancer is diagnosed and cancer screening explain these steps.

A referral is a normal part of finding out what is going on. It does not by itself mean the news will be bad.

What happens at a first appointment

Healthdirect describes what usually happens at a first oncology appointment:

• the oncologist asks about your symptoms and examines you;
• they may ask about your medical history, your family's medical history and your lifestyle;
• they may arrange blood tests, a biopsy, or imaging tests and scans;
• you might need to wait for test results before a treatment plan can be discussed.

Many people find the first visit a lot to take in. Waiting for results can be one of the hardest parts, and it is fine to ask when you are likely to hear and who to contact if you have not heard.

How to prepare for your first oncology appointment

These practical steps draw on NCI and Healthdirect advice about getting the most out of appointments:

1. Find out why you have been referred. Ask the doctor who referred you what the appointment is for and which specialist you will see.
2. Gather your information. Bring a list of your medicines, any test results or letters you have, and notes on your symptoms - when they started and how they have changed.
3. Note your family history. Write down any relatives who have had cancer, which type and roughly at what age. Our guide is cancer hereditary? explains why this can matter.
4. Write down your questions. Healthdirect says it is important to ask questions, especially if you do not understand what the doctor is saying. Our list of questions to ask your doctor can help you choose.
5. Take someone with you if you can, to listen, take notes and help you remember what was said afterwards.
6. Ask for things to be explained again or written down if you need. You can also ask for printed information about your type of cancer.

Questions you might ask an oncologist

Healthdirect gives example questions, including:

• What type of cancer do I have?
• Are there any alternatives to this treatment?
• What is the aim of treatment - is it to cure the cancer, treat symptoms or stop the cancer spreading?

You might also ask about the stage and grade of the cancer (see cancer stages explained), what side effects to expect and which ones to report straight away, and who to contact between appointments.

Choosing an oncologist and second opinions

In many health systems the specialist is assigned through a referral. Where there is a choice, NCI suggests asking your primary care doctor for a recommendation or checking with your local hospital. NCI also lists things to consider when choosing a doctor, including whether they:

• have the education and training needed to meet your needs;
• explain things clearly, listen to you and treat you with respect;
• encourage you to ask questions;
• have someone who covers for them when they are unavailable and who can see your medical records;
• are easy to get an appointment with.

On second opinions, NCI says that getting one is very common, that most doctors welcome a second opinion, and that it is best to involve your doctor in the process so your records can be shared. Healthdirect notes that in Australia you need a referral from your GP to see an oncologist in a public or private clinic; rules on referrals and costs differ between countries and insurance plans, so check locally.

Support beyond the oncologist

An oncologist focuses on diagnosis and treatment, but emotional, practical and financial worries matter too. Ask the care team what support is available locally. Our guides to finding cancer support and resources and how to support someone with cancer may help you and the people around you.

Sources

• National Cancer Institute: Finding Cancer Care
• National Cancer Institute: Types of Cancer Treatment
• Healthdirect (Australian Government): What is an oncologist?
• National Cancer Institute: Cancer Screening Overview (PDQ)

Published and last reviewed: 10 November 2026.