Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups has a comprehensive list of physicians to help. Hematology / medical oncology is the field of medicine relating to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases of the blood (hematology), and cancer (oncology).
Cancer is a general name for a condition where a tumor develops, and abnormal cell growth occurs and potentially spreads to other parts of the body. Not all tumors are malignant and cancerous, but early identification, testing and treatment by a hematologist/oncologist is critical.
There is ongoing research in all types of cancer, and new treatments are being developed every day that are more targeted to attack only the cancerous cells. This means that not only are the treatments less hard on the healthy cells in your body, but they can also be more effective. Each cancer diagnosis is different, and survival rates depend on the type of cancer, how quickly the cancer is identified and how soon treatment is started.
Oftentimes, the most difficult part of a cancer diagnosis is talking about it with loved ones, friends, and co-workers. There are numerous physical side effects, like hair and weight loss, but there are psychological side effects as well.
