Oncologist are highly trained medical professionals responsible for staging and diagnosis of cancer and explaining and offering treatment options.1,2 With their competency in the field and the as the field of cancer treatment is rapidly evolving, oncologists are best suited to ensure safe, evidence-based, and cost-effective therapies.2 As part of their training and practice, oncologists keep up with the growing number of molecular based therapies to provide the most fitting care while preserving quality of life. Some cancers may be complex and require a team of oncologists with the same goal of optimizing treatment.2 Following diagnosis, oncologists oversee the course of treatment including managing any side effects from the disease or treatment plan.1,2
Research has highlighted cancer as a heterogeneous complex and systemic disease which requires a comprehensive approach to care and a multidisciplinary team with an oncologist as a core member of the team.1,2 Since most oncologists have not managed diabetes since their Internal Medicine residency training, many are not comfortable providing this care.3 In order to provide high quality cancer care, oncologists serves as a link in patient care by collaborating with primary care physicians or endocrinologists to manage comorbidities such as diabetes.2
References
- Moryl N, Carver AC, Foley KM. The Role of the Oncologist. In: Kufe DW, Pollock RE, Weichselbaum RR, et al., editors. Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine. 6th edition. Hamilton (ON): BC Decker; 2003.
- Popescu RA, Schäfer R, Califano R, Eckert R, Coleman R, Douillard JY, Cervantes A, Casali PG, Sessa C, Van Cutsem E, de Vries E, Pavlidis N, Fumasoli K, Wörmann B, Samonigg H, Cascinu S, Cruz Hernández JJ, Howard AJ, Ciardiello F, Stahel RA, Piccart M. The current and future role of the medical oncologist in the professional care for cancer patients: a position paper by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Ann Oncol. 2014 Jan;25(1):9-15. doi: 10.1093/annonc/mdt522.
- Cho J, Nilo D, Sterling MR, Kern LM, Safford MM, Pinheiro LC. Eliciting primary care and oncology provider perspectives on diabetes management during active cancer treatment. Support Care Cancer. 2021 Nov;29(11):6881-6890. doi: 10.1007/s00520-021-06264-z.
