Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. 🧬 What Is Cancer? Cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can invade nearby tissues and sometimes spread (metastasize) to distant organs. 🔬 Types of Oncology Medical Oncology Uses chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy to treat cancer. Surgical Oncology Involves the removal of tumors and surrounding tissue through surgery. Radiation Oncology Uses radiation therapy to destroy or shrink cancer cells. Pediatric Oncology Specializes in cancers that affect children and adolescents. Hematologic Oncology Focuses on blood cancers, like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. ⚠️ Common Types of Cancer Breast cancer Lung cancer Prostate cancer Colorectal cancer Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma) Cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancer Leukemia and lymphoma Brain tumors Pancreatic and liver cancers 🩺 How Cancer Is Diagnosed Biopsy (taking a tissue sample) Imaging: MRI, CT scan, PET scan, ultrasound Blood tests (e.g., tumor markers) Endoscopy or colonoscopy 🧪 Treatment Options Chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells throughout the body. Radiation therapy: Targets specific areas to shrink tumors. Surgery: Removes localized tumors. Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's immune response against cancer. Targeted therapy: Attacks specific genes or proteins in cancer cells. Hormone therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers (like breast or prostate). 🌱 Supportive & Palliative Care Manages side effects like pain, fatigue, nausea Supports emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being Enhances quality of life — even when a cure isn’t possible 📋 Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Avoid tobacco Limit alcohol Eat a healthy diet Maintain a healthy weight Get vaccinated (e.g., HPV, hepatitis B) Regular screenings: mammograms, colonoscopy, Pap tests, etc.