
The number of Cancer cases globally has been increasing over the past couple of years. Even after years of research, we have not been able to find the cause or the permanent cure for this disease.
Do you feel something is lacking and you want to do something about it? Have you ever read up about oncology and wondered what a career as an oncologist looks like?
You’ve landed on the right page! In this blog, we shall discuss everything you need to know about the career of an oncologist, what you need to study, where you can work, whether this field has the scope, and a lot more! Read on!
Learn more – How To Become An Oncologist – Detailed Guide
What Does An Oncologist Do?
Oncologists are medical health professionals who deal with patients suffering from Cancer and provide treatment. Throughout the course of the disease, oncologists specialize in managing and treating patients, which includes:
- Confirming the initial diagnosis of a patient.
- Describing cancer’s stage and diagnosis.
- Presenting all therapy options and making suggestions.
- Monitoring the treatment plan.
- Assisting patients in controlling disease and treatment-related symptoms and adverse effects.
However, they do more than just treat cancer. Many oncologists also hold board certifications in haematology, treating patients with diseases of the blood such as –
- A lack of red blood cells can cause the disorder of anaemia.
- A genetic blood condition called sickle cell disease that can impair circulation.
- Various thromboses, which happen when blood clots block blood vessels, exist
Oncologists frequently specialize in the field, so they add the appropriate medical professionals to a patient’s treatment team when needed.
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Job Roles of an Oncologist
If you want to know about the different job roles in your career as an oncologist, check out these roles.
Oncologist | A physician who focuses on treating cancer is known as an oncologist. Oncologists’ primary duties include identifying and treating cancer that has already spread as well as preventing new cases. |
Radiation Oncologist | This type of oncologist specializes in giving radiation therapy to cancer patients as a form of treatment. |
Paediatric Oncologist | These oncologists treat young children, adolescents, and newborns who have cancer. |
Gynecologic Oncologist | They are experts in identifying, managing and avoiding malignant and benign tumours in female reproductive organs. To treat their patients, they virtually always combine therapy. |
Surgical Oncologist | A surgical oncologist treats cancer by eliminating the cancerous cells or tissues that are the problem. He or she also does biopsies in order to diagnose cancer. |
Career Path To Become An Oncologist
To pursue a career as an oncologist, this is the career path you can follow.
Path 1:
Complete your 10+2 in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Clear the NEET exam and begin the 5-year MBBS program. Upon completion of MBBS, you can pursue a master’s degree since it will prove to be more valuable for you while applying for a job.
Want to boost your chances of getting admission abroad? Sign up for the Clever Harvey JuniorMBA Course and add a real industry project to your student portfolio.
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Salary In Different Stages Of An Oncologist
Your salary during your career as an oncologist will increase with experience. Take a look at this table.
Level | Salary |
Entry-level | Rs.1,888,631 |
Average | Rs.2,804,096 |
Senior-level | Rs.3,803,333 |
Skills Required To Become An Oncologist
To pursue a career as an oncologist, you must have these skills.
- Diagnostic Skills
An accurate cancer diagnosis is a crucial component of the work because many cancer types are fatal. Successful oncologists can identify the type and stage of a patient’s cancer by assessing their physical symptoms and using diagnostic tests.
- Research Skills
You need to stay up to date on the latest cancer treatments and procedures, this type of research frequently entails visiting medical conferences, reading medical journals, and attending annual training workshops.
- Medical and Surgical Procedures
Biopsies and tumour removal operations are frequently carried out by surgical oncologists. Other subspecialties of oncologists use treatment methods such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat cancer and lessen its uncomfortable symptoms.
- Interpersonal Skills
In order to be a successful oncologist and a competent medical professional, one must simultaneously maintain emotional distance from the problem. These doctors must be able to offer their patients encouragement for a full recovery.
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Is Oncology A Good Career Option?
With the rising number of Cancer cases, the demand for Oncologists is increasing. Being an Oncologist, you will get the satisfaction of treating Cancer patients. The career is extremely demanding but at the same time, it is very interesting and rewarding.
The expected increase in the demand for oncologists is more than in other professions, therefore, if you want to pursue a career in Oncology, you can go ahead. In today’s day and age, technology has advanced many folds. The field is in search of individuals who are willing to adapt to these changing technologies.
Top Recruiters For Oncologists In India

- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai
- Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru
- Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Delhi
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
- The Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai
- The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad
Courses To Upskill As An Oncologist
If you want to boost your knowledge about Oncology before starting a career as an Oncologist, consider taking these courses.
Courses | Duration |
Advanced Reproducibility in Cancer Informatics | 5 weeks |
An Introduction to Radiation Oncology: From Diagnosis to Survivorship | 2 weeks |
Certificate Course in Oncology | 3 months |
Documentation and Usability for Cancer Informatics | 5 weeks |
Lymphoedema: Monitoring & Intervention After Breast Cancer | 4 weeks |
Talking About Cancer: Reducing Risk, Early Detection and Mythbusting | 3 weeks |
Thoracic Oncology | 7 weeks |
Want to boost your chances of getting admission abroad? Sign up for the Clever Harvey JuniorMBA Course and add a real industry project to your student portfolio.
Qualifications To Become An Oncologist
If you want to know how to start your career as an Oncologist, you need to pursue your MBBS. You can also pursue other bachelor’s degrees alongside and later pursue your masters in the field of specialization you prefer. Take a look at these courses.
Degrees in India
Alternate Courses (Undergraduate) To Study Medicine In India
- B.A.M.S.: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
- B.H.M.S.: Bachelor of Homeo
- B.U.M.S.: Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
Postgraduate Courses To Study Oncology
Courses | Duration |
M.Ch. (Master of Chirurgiae) Surgical Oncology | 3 years |
M.Ch. (Master of Chirurgiae) Gynaecological Oncology | 3 years |
D.M. (Doctorate of Medicine) Medical Oncology | 3 years |
D.M. (Doctorate of Medicine) Paediatric Oncology | 3 years |
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Degrees Abroad
It is not mandatory to pursue a master’s degree after MBBS, although, it will be beneficial for you since it will enable you to have a specialization degree and boost your chances of getting selected for a job.
Postgraduate Courses For Oncology Abroad
Courses | Duration |
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Oncology) | 3-5 years |
PhD. Medical Oncology | 3 years |
MS PGDM Oncoplastic Breast Surgery | NA |
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References for Oncologist
To get additional information about a career as an oncologist, read these books to enhance your knowledge.
Books To Read
Book Name | Author |
The Anti-cancer Diet: Reduce Cancer Through the Foods You Eat | David Khayat |
The Philadelphia Chromosome | Jessica Wapner |
Pandora’s DNA | Lizzie Stark |
The Cancer Chronicles: Unlocking Medicine’s Deepest Mystery | George Johnson |
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer | Siddhartha Mukherjee |
Popular Oncologists
- Dr Ankur Bahl. Medical Oncologist
- Dr Bidhu K Mohanti. Radiation Oncologist
- Prof. Dr Suresh H
- Dr Mahadev P, Radiation Oncologist
- Dr Prasad E. Medical Oncologist
- Dr Rajesh Mistry. Surgical Oncologist
- Dr Raja Sundaram. Surgical Oncologist
- Dr Sanjay Dudhat. Surgical Oncologist
- Dr Senthil Kumar, Surgical Oncologist
- Dr Vinod Raina. Medical Oncologist. Gurgaon, India
That’s all you need to know about a career as an Oncologist. We hope this blog helped to understand how an education counselor works, what an oncologist does, and where you can study. Good luck!
FAQs about career as an Oncologist
Are oncologists in demand?
Oncologists’ demand is expected to increase by 14% in the coming years. It is much higher than for other occupations. Medical technology has also advanced over time, and oncologists who are up to date on the latest technology are now in demand.
How many hours does an oncologist work?
An oncologist works 57.6 hours per week on average.
Does oncology need NEET?
No, NEET is not required for admission to the B.Sc. in Oncology program. Although, if you want to pursue Oncology by studying for MBBS, you will have to appear for the NEET exam.
How long does it take to become an oncologist?
Oncologists typically require a bachelor’s degree, a four-year medical school degree, and three to seven years in internship and residency programs. Medical school admissions are extremely competitive. They also learn practical skills such as taking medical histories, examining patients, and diagnosing illnesses.
What are some jobs in oncology?
Gynecologic oncologist
Hematologist-oncologist
Medical oncologist
Pediatric oncologist
Radiation oncologist
Surgical oncologist
Can I become an oncologist after BAMS?
A Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Degree from an accredited college or university is required for employment as an oncologist. Oncologists should be able to tell which type of cancer their patients have and what stage they are in.