What is cancer & oncology?
Cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the body grow in an abnormal, uncontrolled way. There are over 100 different types of cancer.
Benign tumours
These tumours usually grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumours only become a problem if they grow very large, taking up space and affecting the way the body works.
Malignant tumours
These tumours are made up of cancer cells. They are usually faster growing, can destroy tissue and have the ability to spread to other parts of the body.
An oncologist is a doctor that specialises in treating cancer. Oncologists support patients from diagnosis, through treatment and into survivorship as part of a multidisciplinary team. While some oncologists specialise in certain types of cancer (e.g. breast cancer), others treat a wide range of different cancer types. Oncologists also conduct research into cancer to improve our understanding of the disease and its treatment.
There are four main types of oncologists:
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Haematologists
Doctors who specialise in treating cancers affecting the blood/bone marrow (e.g. leukaemia) and lymphatic system (i.e. lymphoma), and often perform bone marrow transplants
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Clinical oncologists
Doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating solid tumours (e.g. cancerous tumours in the lung, breast or bowel) with the use of chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapy and hormone therapies as well as radiation therapy.
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Medical oncologists
Doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating solid tumours (e.g. cancerous tumours in the lung, breast or bowel) with the use of chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapy and hormone therapies
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Radiation oncologists
Doctors who specialise in treating cancer using radiation therapy
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Surgical oncologists
Doctors who specialise in removing cancerous tissue through surgery
Types of cancer treatmentsCancer treatments
Oncology at Icon Cancer Centre
As a global dedicated cancer care provider, Icon’s team of highly-experienced oncologists understand how to support you and your loved ones with compassion, knowledge and hope. Our cancer care centres are dedicated specifically to the treatment of cancer comprising targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Icon is committed to delivering clinical trials and research programs to our patients and is Australia’s largest private clinical trials program in oncology research.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the details, or time consuming and stressful to find the additional information you’re looking for.
Our website hosts a selection of resources to help you take the next step and navigate this difficult time. We hope you find these resources helpful in gaining a better understanding of a cancer diagnosis.
Make An Appointment
We are here to help you navigate this difficult time and to focus on the individual needs of our patients and their families offering both in-person and telemedicine consultations. Make an appointment today.
Medical Concierge
Providing support for patients throughout the ASEAN region. Get in touch with us today!
Cancer Information Library
A library of articles and resources developed by Icon to help you gain a better understanding of a cancer diagnosis and treatments.
Families and carers
Helpful information on finding the right support when caring for a loved one with cancer.