Understanding the different types of oncologists can help you make sense of who does what during your cancer care. In the UK, cancer treatment is often managed by a team of specialists within the NHS known as an MDT (Multidisciplinary Team). Each doctor and clinician plays a specific role in diagnosing, planning and delivering your care.
This guide explains the main types of oncology specialists in simple terms and how they work together to support patients at every stage of diagnosis and treatment.
It is intended for general education and should not replace medical advice from your hospital or oncology team.
What Does “Oncology” Mean?
Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support of people with cancer. It includes everything from confirming a cancer diagnosis and planning treatment to managing symptoms and providing follow-up care.
As Tannock, Hill, Bristow, and Harrington (2019) explain, “oncology is a multidisciplinary specialty that integrates diagnostic procedures, systemic and local therapies, and supportive care to manage patients throughout the continuum of cancer treatment” (p. 4).
Oncology is not the work of a single doctor but a whole field made up of many professionals who each bring different skills to your care.
Some specialise in giving treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy, while others focus on surgery, imaging, or emotional and nutritional support.
Together, these specialists form a coordinated network to help you through each stage of your cancer journey.
Oncologist vs Cancer Specialist vs MDT
In the UK, cancer care is usually managed by what’s called a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
As National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2018) explains, “the multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach brings together healthcare professionals from different specialties to make joint decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care, ensuring coordination and consistency across the NHS” (p. 12).
This means several healthcare professionals work together to make decisions about your diagnosis, treatment plan and supportive care.
The MDT approach is standard across the NHS and ensures that your care is safe, well-coordinated and based on collective expertise.
A typical MDT may include:
- An oncologist (clinical or medical) who oversees cancer treatment plans.
- A surgeon who performs operations or biopsies to remove or assess tumours.
- A radiologist who interprets scans and imaging results.
- A pathologist who examines tissue samples to confirm the cancer type and grade.
- A specialist cancer nurse who supports you through treatment and helps with symptom management.
- A pharmacist who checks medications, including chemotherapy and targeted therapy, for safety and accuracy.
By working together, your MDT ensures that every part of your care, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, is reviewed, discussed and agreed upon by the right experts for your condition.
The Main Types of Oncologists
The titles and roles of cancer specialists can differ between countries. In the UK, the two main oncology specialties are medical oncology and clinical oncology.
Clinical oncologists often provide both radiotherapy and systemic treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, while medical oncologists focus on systemic treatments only.
These doctors work closely with your MDT to plan and monitor care, ensuring your treatment is coordinated safely across the NHS or private system.
Medical Oncologist: What They Do
A medical oncologist is a doctor who specialises in systemic anti-cancer treatments, therapies that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells throughout the body. As Longo, Fauci, Kasper, Hauser, and Jameson (2018) describe, “medical oncologists are responsible for the administration of systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted agents, immunotherapies, and hormonal treatments, designed to eradicate or control malignant disease throughout the body” (p. 543).
This includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone-based treatments.
Medical oncologists oversee the planning and delivery of these therapies, carefully monitoring how patients respond and managing any side effects.
They coordinate closely with clinical oncologists, pharmacists, and specialist nurses to ensure each treatment remains safe, effective, and suited to the individual’s needs.
Clinical Oncologist: What They Do (UK)
In the UK, a clinical oncologist is a consultant doctor who provides both radiotherapy and some forms of systemic treatment. They are responsible for designing precise radiotherapy plans, calculating doses, and ensuring healthy tissues are protected as much as possible.
Clinical oncologists also review patients regularly to monitor progress, manage side effects, and adjust treatment where needed.
In some NHS or private centres, these roles may be divided, with separate doctors managing radiotherapy and systemic therapy depending on service structure.
Radiation Oncologist vs Clinical Oncologist
Internationally, the term radiation oncologist is often used for specialists who focus exclusively on radiotherapy. In the UK, this role is usually referred to as a clinical oncologist.
The work is similar, but the UK title reflects the broader scope of practice that can include radiotherapy and drug-based treatments.
Surgical Oncologist (and Cancer Surgeons): What They Do
A surgical oncologist, or cancer surgeon, performs operations to remove tumours, carry out biopsies, or reconstruct areas affected by cancer.
In the UK, most cancer surgery is performed by surgeons who specialise in a specific body area, such as breast, colorectal, or lung surgery, rather than by generalists. Surgical oncologists work closely with the MDT to decide when surgery is appropriate and to plan recovery and follow-up care.
They play a vital role in diagnosis and treatment, often being among the first specialists a patient meets.
Paediatric Oncologist: What They Do
A paediatric oncologist specialises in diagnosing and treating cancers in children, teenagers and young adults. They work in specialist NHS centres designed to provide family-focused, age-appropriate care, often supported by dedicated nursing, psychological and educational teams.
Paediatric oncologists coordinate long-term follow-up to monitor development and wellbeing after treatment, helping young patients move forward confidently after care.
Haemato-Oncologist / Haematologist: Blood Cancers
Blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma are usually managed by doctors in haematology, the branch of medicine dealing with blood disorders. Specialists in this area are often referred to as haemato-oncologists when they focus on blood cancers specifically.
These consultants oversee complex treatment plans that may include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or stem cell transplants, and they coordinate closely with laboratory teams to monitor blood counts and response to treatment.
Gynaecological, Urological and Neuro-Oncology (Site Specialists)
Many oncologists specialise by cancer site. Examples include gynaecological oncologists for female reproductive cancers, urological oncologists for prostate or bladder cancers, and neuro-oncologists for brain and central nervous system tumours.
Other site-specific specialists focus on breast, lung, or gastrointestinal cancers.
These consultants often work within specialist MDTs to ensure each patient receives care tailored to their cancer type, stage and individual circumstances.
Other Key Cancer-Care Professionals You May Meet
Cancer care in the UK involves many healthcare professionals, not just oncologists. Each plays a vital role in diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Understanding who does what can help you feel more confident when meeting new members of your MDT. You may come across professionals such as radiologists, pathologists, radiographers, oncology pharmacists, specialist nurses, dietitians, psychologists or counsellors, and physiotherapists.
All of these individuals work closely with your oncology team to provide safe, well-rounded care.
Radiologist vs Oncologist
A radiologist is a doctor who interprets medical images such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. They help identify where a tumour is, whether it has changed, and how treatments are working. Radiologists may also perform image-guided biopsies to take tissue samples for further testing.
Although radiologists are essential members of the MDT, they do not prescribe or deliver cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, those responsibilities belong to oncologists.
Pathologist: How Biopsies Are Interpreted
A pathologist is a doctor who examines tissue and cell samples under a microscope to confirm whether cancer is present. Their analysis identifies the type, grade and sometimes the genetic features of a cancer, helping the MDT choose the most appropriate treatment.
The pathologist’s report forms the scientific foundation of your diagnosis, guiding key decisions about surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Specialist Cancer Nurse: Your Care Coordinator
A Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or specialist cancer nurse is often your main point of contact during treatment. They help coordinate your care, explain what to expect at each stage and ensure your questions are answered.
Your specialist nurse provides symptom management advice, emotional support and practical guidance on areas such as appointments, medications, and community resources.
They can also arrange referrals for dietitians, counsellors or physiotherapists to help manage side effects and improve day-to-day comfort.
Specialist nurses are central to the UK’s patient-centred approach, ensuring you always have someone knowledgeable and approachable to turn to throughout your cancer care journey.
How Oncology Teams Work in the UK
In the UK, most cancer care follows a structured NHS pathway designed to make sure every patient receives timely, safe and coordinated treatment.
The process usually begins with a referral from your GP or another specialist if cancer is suspected. You will then have diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, scans or biopsies, to confirm a diagnosis and gather information about your condition.
Your results are reviewed by a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), which brings together experts such as medical oncologists, clinical oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and specialist cancer nurses.
The MDT discusses your test findings and agrees on the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, or supportive care.
Once the plan is confirmed, your care team will explain the next steps, arrange appointments, and provide ongoing support.
When Would You See Each Type of Oncologist?
The type of oncologist you see may vary depending on your diagnosis, treatment plan and overall health needs. For example:
- You may see a medical oncologist to discuss drug-based treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
- You may meet a clinical oncologist if you are having radiotherapy or a combination of radiotherapy and systemic treatment.
- You may be referred to a surgical oncologist or site-specific surgeon if an operation or biopsy is needed.
- You may see a haemato-oncologist if you are diagnosed with a blood cancer such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma.
- You may also meet other specialists, such as a paediatric oncologist (for children and young adults), or a gynaecological, urological or neuro-oncologist, depending on where the cancer has developed.
Throughout your care, your MDT will coordinate all treatments and follow-up appointments, ensuring that everyone involved is updated on your progress.
Questions to Ask at Your Oncology Appointment
Having a list of questions can help you feel more informed and confident during your appointment. Here are some you may find helpful, grouped by topic:
Understanding your diagnosis
- What type of cancer do I have, and where is it located?
- What tests have confirmed my diagnosis?
- How will my MDT decide on the best treatment approach?
Treatment goals and options
- What are the main goals of my treatment?
- Which treatments are being recommended, and why?
- Will I need chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery, and what does each involve?
Side effects and symptom management
- What side effects might I expect, and how can I manage them?
- Who should I contact if I experience new or worsening symptoms?
- Are there ways to reduce fatigue, nausea, or pain during treatment?
Supportive and integrative care
- Are there supportive therapies, such as nutrition advice, counselling or physiotherapy, that might help me?
- Can I continue with complementary therapies if I already use them?
- How does the oncology team coordinate with other supportive care providers?
Practicalities and second opinions
- How will my treatment be scheduled around my daily life?
- Who should I contact if I have questions between appointments?
- Can I get a second opinion, and how would I arrange that?
Bringing these questions with you can help guide your discussions and ensure you fully understand your diagnosis, treatment and available support.
Red Flags and How to Check Credentials
When choosing where to receive cancer care or supportive therapies, safety and transparency are essential. In the UK, all practising doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), which ensures they meet national standards of training, conduct and governance.
You can verify a doctor’s registration by visiting the GMC’s online register and checking their licence to practise.
Look for clinics and consultants that operate within clear clinical governance frameworks, meaning they have protocols for consent, confidentiality, record keeping and medical oversight.
Costs and treatment plans should be explained clearly before you begin any service. A trustworthy clinic will encourage coordination with your NHS oncology team, share updates when appropriate and always place your safety and wellbeing first.
How Supportive and Integrative Care Fits Alongside Oncology Treatment
Supportive care, sometimes called integrative or complementary cancer care, focuses on improving comfort, managing symptoms and supporting physical and emotional wellbeing.
It works alongside hospital oncology treatment rather than replacing it. This approach may help patients cope with fatigue, anxiety, digestive changes or other side effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy.
At Wellbeing Medical Group, supportive and integrative care is coordinated carefully with existing MDT and NHS pathways to ensure every recommendation aligns with your medical treatment plan.
therapies are chosen for safety, evidence base and suitability, with communication between your oncology team and supportive clinicians at the centre of care.
Supportive Care Examples Patients Often Use
Supportive care may include
- Nutrition counselling to help maintain strength, weight and appetite
- Symptom support for issues such as fatigue, nausea or pain
- Mind body therapies such as relaxation, meditation or counselling for stress and anxiety
- Gentle movement and rehabilitation to improve strength and flexibility
- Sleep support to manage insomnia or restlessness related to treatment
These approaches should always be discussed with your oncology team to ensure they are appropriate for your individual treatment plan and do not interfere with prescribed medicines.
Coordinating with Your Oncology Team (Why It Matters)
Clear coordination between your supportive care providers and oncology team is essential for safety and effectiveness.
Sharing information about medications, supplements and therapies allows doctors to check for potential interactions, adjust doses when needed and plan treatment timing appropriately.
In some cases, your team may also monitor laboratory results or adjust supportive therapies based on blood counts, kidney or liver function.
Regular communication helps maintain trust, prevent complications and ensure that every part of your care, medical and supportive, works together smoothly for your wellbeing.
Book an Oncology Consultation (Supportive Care Planning)
If you would like to explore how supportive or integrative care can complement your current cancer treatment, our team at Wellbeing Medical Group is here to help.
We offer private consultations in London and UK wide via telemedicine to review your medical history, discuss your goals and suggest safe, evidence informed supportive options. During your session, we can also review your medications and answer questions about coordinating care with your NHS oncology team.
Please note that Wellbeing Medical Group does not replace hospital based oncology care. We do not provide chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. Our service focuses on supportive therapies that work safely alongside your existing treatment plan.
Contact our team today to book your consultation or request a confidential discussion about your supportive care options.
FAQs
How many types of oncology are there?
There is no fixed number. Oncology is usually grouped by treatment type, such as medical, clinical, radiation and surgical oncology, or by cancer site, like breast, lung or urology. Blood cancers are managed within haematology.
What are the main branches of oncology?
The main branches of oncology are medical and clinical oncology for drug and radiotherapy treatments, and cancer surgery for operations. All work together within an MDT to deliver coordinated care.
What are the three pillars of oncology?
The three core areas of cancer treatment are surgery, systemic therapy and radiotherapy, supported by care that manages symptoms and quality of life.
Which type of oncologist is best?
There is no single best oncologist. The right specialist depends on your diagnosis and treatment plan, with an MDT ensuring the right experts are involved at the right time.
What are eight types of cancer treatment options?
Common cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell or bone marrow transplant, and supportive or palliative care for symptom management and wellbeing.
What disease is under oncology?
Oncology covers all types of cancer, including solid tumours and blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, which are usually managed by haematology teams.
What is the name of oncology as a field?
The medical specialty is oncology, with related fields including haematology for blood cancers and palliative medicine for symptom and comfort care.
What major is best for oncology?
In the UK, oncologists first complete a medical degree such as an MBBS or MBChB, then undertake postgraduate training in medical oncology or clinical oncology under GMC supervision.
Are oncologists the same as cancer surgeons?
No. Surgeons perform cancer operations and biopsies, while oncologists plan and oversee treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, depending on their specialty.
Do I need an oncologist for every type of cancer?
Many patients will meet an oncologist at some point in their care, but not always. Some treatment pathways are led by surgeons or haematology teams, depending on the cancer type and treatment approach.