Meaning & use
oncology
Last updated
UK/ɒŋˈkɒlədʒi/
US/ɑːŋˈkɑːlədʒi/
Meaning
noununcountable
The area of medicine that studies and treats cancer.
Grammar: Like other subject names, no plural or article: she works in oncology.
Patterns
- work in oncology
- oncology department
She trained in oncology and now treats breast cancer patients.
The hospital opened a new oncology ward last year.
Common combinations
- medical oncology
- Medical oncology uses drugs such as chemotherapy.
- oncology department
- The oncology department is on the third floor.
- pediatric oncology
- He works in pediatric oncology.
- oncology nurse
- The oncology nurse explained the treatment.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cancer medicine
- Is the plain-language way to say the same thing, less formal than oncology.
Word family
- oncologist noun
- a doctor who treats cancer
- oncological adjective
- relating to cancer medicine
- oncogene noun
- a gene that can cause cancer when altered
Commonly confused: oncology or urology? oncology or oncologist?
oncology vs urology
Urology is the study of the urinary system, a different specialty.
oncology vs oncologist
An oncologist is the doctor; oncology is the field.
Practice
A doctor who specializes in cancer treatment works in ___.
Choose one answer.
Oncology is the branch dealing with cancer. Cardiology covers the heart, dermatology the skin, and neurology the nervous system.
Make it your own
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