Job description: Oncologist

At the crossroads of science and humanity, oncologists wage a daily battle against one of the most dreaded diseases of all: cancer. This specialized physician not only diagnoses and treats, he also becomes the guide, confidant and ally of his patients on their journey to cure.

Armed with the latest therapeutic advances and in-depth knowledge of cell biology, the oncologist creates personalized strategies, juggling chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. His expertise extends far beyond pure medicine: he must demonstrate attentive listening, empathy and a mentality of steel to accompany his patients and their loved ones through this process.

In a field where every day brings its share of challenges and disappointments, the oncologist embodies hope and perseverance. Each victory over disease is a reminder of why so many doctors choose the profession of oncologist. Together, let's dive into the details of an extraordinary profession.

What is an oncologist?

Définition et rôle de l’oncologue

The oncologist is a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cancer. His role is to develop therapeutic strategies tailored to each patient, depending on the type of cancer and its stage of progression. He coordinates all care in consultation with other health professionals. In addition to proposing treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the oncologist accompanies the patient through the entire care process, from diagnosis to cure, or in the case of incurable cancer, through palliative care.

Types of cancer treated by an oncologist

The’oncologist treats a wide érange of cancers, affecting various organs and tissues of the human body. The main types of cancer include:

• Solid cancers, such as those of the breast, lung, heart or prostate.
• Hematological cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
• Rare or pediatric cancers, for which specialized oncologists may be required.

The skills needed to become an oncologist

In order to practice the métier of oncologist with confidence, a certain number of skills must be acquired and mastered, including:

• In-depth knowledge of cancerology: the oncologist must possess a comprehensive understanding of the different types of cancer, their biology and evolution. This expertise covers tumor development mechanisms, risk factors and the latest scientific and technological advances in the field of cancerology. Constant monitoring of new medical developments is essential in order to propose the most effective and appropriate treatments.
• Maîtrise des traitements et techniques de soins : la maîtrise des traitements anticanceacute;reux est essentielle pour postuler une offre d’emploi oncologue. This includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies, which target specific abnormalities in cancer cells. The oncologist must also be able to manage the side effects of treatment and ensure that the patient enjoys an optimal quality of life during the period of care.
• Human qualities: empathy and patient support:beyond medical skills, the oncologist must demonstrate empathy and understanding. The diagnosis of cancer is often a very difficult time for patients and their families, and the oncologist plays a crucial role in providing moral support. They must be able to communicate clearly, show compassion and respect patients' choices, while guiding them in their treatment decisions.

The training path to becoming an oncologist

The academic pathway required in order to become an oncologist is one of the longest in the French university system. It lasts 10 years and requires advanced medical skills. This specialization includes internships, research and training. It consists of a first year of study in the Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS) or Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS), followed by two years of general medical studies to obtain the Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM), followed by a further three years to obtain the Diplocirc;me de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM). Finally, the young graduate will have to take the end-of-clerkship tests (EDN and ECNOS) and specialize in oncology. He then became an intern for four years, before officially becoming an oncologist. To find out more about oncology studies, see our oncology studies fact sheet.

After the oncology training, some practitioners choose to specialize in specific fields, such as radiotherapeutic oncology, surgical oncology, oncology of the heart, oncology of the brain, oncology of the brain, oncology of the brain, oncology of the brain, oncology of the brain, oncology of the brain, oncology of the brain;surgical oncology, hémato-oncology, pédiatric oncology, neuro-oncology, gynaécological oncology or digestive oncology.

The responsibilities and missions of an oncologist

On a daily basis, the oncologist has to deal with many different cases. The associated tasks are therefore complex and varied. These include:

• Cancer diagnosis : the oncologist analyzes a series of medical tests, such as biopsies, imaging results (MRI, CT, PET scan) and blood tests, to make a precise diagnosis of the type and stage of cancer. He must determine the tumor's location, size, extent and, if applicable, its metastatic nature.
• &Developing the treatment plan: once the diagnosis has been made, the oncologist creates a personalized treatment plan based on the characteristics of the cancer and the patient's overall state of health. This plan may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these approaches. The oncologist takes into account the potential effects of treatments on the patient's quality of life and adjusts according to response to treatment.
• Monitoring patients during treatment: the oncologist monitors patients' response to treatment in advance, to assess its effectiveness and manage side effects. This includes regular consultations, reviewing test results and adjusting medication doses. He may also decide to change treatment if results are unsatisfactory.
• Pain and symptom management: an essential part of the oncologist’s job is to ensure that the patient suffers as little as possible from the effects of cancer or treatment. This involves prescribing analgesics and other drugs to manage nausea, fatigue or other symptoms associated with the disease or treatments. In the terminal phase, this mission often takes the form of palliative care to maintain the best possible quality of life.
• Collaboration with other medical specialists : the oncologist works in close cooperation with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists, psychologists and other health professionals. This collaboration makes it possible to coordinate care and discuss the best therapeutic plans for each case.
• Psychological support: the oncologist not only looks after the medical aspect of cancer, but also the psychological well-being of patients. He or she must be compassionate and supportive of patients and their families at every stage of the treatment process. They can also refer patients to psychological support services or aid associations.
• Participation in clinical research: many oncologists are also involved in clinical trials aimed at testing new therapies or improving existing treatments. By participating in research programs, oncologists contribute to the advancement of knowledge and treatment in cancerology, while offering patients the possibility of access to innovative treatments.
• &Patient education: the oncologist plays an important role in informing patients about their disease, treatment options and potential side effects. He explains each treatment step in detail and helps patients make clear decisions based on their personal circumstances and medical situation.

The challenges and career prospects for an oncologist

Managing complex situations and heavy treatments

The work of an oncologistcan be extremely demanding, both emotionally and physically. Cancer patients often require complex and lengthy treatments, with significant side effects. The oncologist must be able to manage these difficult situations and provide adequate support to his or her patients, while juggling crucial therapeutic decisions.

&Evolving technologies and care protocols

Oncology is a constantly evolving field. Technological advances such as personalized medicine and new forms of immunotherapy are transforming the way cancers are diagnosed and treated. To stay up to date, an oncologist must continually educate himself and integrate new knowledge into his daily practice.

Research opportunities in oncology

For the métier d’oncologist, research represents an opportunity to contribute to the evolution of cancer treatments. Clinical trials, the development of new drugs and innovative therapeutic techniques offer exciting prospects for those wishing to combine clinical practice with scientific research. Oncologists who engage in research can thus play a key role in improving care for future generations of patients.

In résumé, the carrière of’oncologistis as rewarding as it is challenging. Between making vital decisions, providing psychological support to the patient and collaborating with other professionals, this cancer specialist has a rich, fast-paced career in the midst of some of the most important aspects of human life.

Did you like this article and want to read on? Find our oncologist salary sheet!