Definition

The area of medicine that focuses on the study and treatment of tumors, including how they develop and how to diagnose and prevent them.

Example

She decided to specialize in oncology to help patients with cancer.

Conversation

I heard you’re studying oncology now, how’s that going?

It's really interesting, but definitely challenging!

What made you choose to focus on oncology?

I’ve always wanted to help people, and cancer research is so important.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oncology → It is formed from "onkos" (from Greek, meaning mass or tumor) and "-logy" (from Greek "logia", meaning study of). The word "oncology" refers to the study of tumors or cancer.

Memory Tip

Think of 'onkos' meaning a mass or tumor, and '-logy' meaning the study of — that's why oncology is the study of tumors.

Visually Confused Words