ROJoson PEP Talk: Oncologists - What and When

ROJoson PEP Talk: Oncologists - What and When

1. August 24, 2024 1400H - 1500H Via Zoom ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management.

2. August 24, 2024 1400H - 1500H Via Zoom ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management. Welcome all! MUTE yourself but always show your video picture. Sign in your name, FB account, or email address in the Chat Box! Include names of companions attending. Use the Chat Box to ask questions and make comments while the PEP TALK is on. There will be group pictures at start and end of PEP TALK – show your face in video.

3. Reminder after the PEP Talk: Take the Online Learning cum Evaluation Test Exercise (OLETE) for mastery of learning and have a perfect score to get a Certificate. Link is in Chat Box.

4. Reminder: 25 OLETE Certificates = 1 Voucher for ROJoson Medical Consultation either Face-to-Face or Telemedical.

5. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management. ROJOSON’S REQUEST: FEEDBACK TO THIS PEP TALK! Pls. type in your feedback in the chat box during the open forum and before we adjourn! Thank you!

6. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management. LET’S NOW HAVE A GROUP PICTURE TAKING BEFORE WE START PEP TALK PROPER IN 2 MINUTES! Pls. turn on your video! Show your face!

7. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management. ROJoson PEP Talk I have a Patient Empowerment Program in which I like to empower the lay people or patients to take control in the management of their health.

8. I started the PEP Talk on May 15, 2021 during the COVID19 Pandemic. There are 3 courses in the PEP Talk. I completed the Core Course on October 9, 2021.

9. From October 23, 2021 onwards, I have been tackling Health Disorder and Health Issue Courses. May 18, 2024 marks the start of YEAR 4 of ROJoson PEP Talk. How long the PEP Talk will last will depend on our enthusiasm , discipline and perseverance .

10. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management. My PEP TALK today is entitled: ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

11. kind Contents What are oncologists? What are the different kinds of oncologists? What are the training usually undergone by the different kinds of oncologists? What are the other types of oncologists? When does one see an oncologist? Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Disclaimer: ROJoson PEP Talk contains ROJoson’s Thoughts, Perceptions, Opinions and Recommendations (TPORs) culled from experiences of ROJoson and writings of other health professionals . ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

12. What are oncologists? Oncologists will be operationally defined here as medical doctors (physicians) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment and management of patients with cancer. Above definition refers to CLINICIAN ONCOLOGISTS, a clinician means a physician with direct contact and responsibility for patients rather than one involved in a laboratory or research setting. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Treatment vs management Treatment – specific interventions Management – comprehensive interventions

13. hem What are oncologists? Oncologists will be operationally defined here as medical doctors (physicians) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment and management of patients with cancer. ONCOLOGISTS IN LAYMAN’S TERM ARE CANCER SPECIALISTS. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Treatment vs management Treatment – specific interventions Management – comprehensive interventions

14. What are different kinds of oncologists? Three basic kinds of oncologists based on the conventional cancer treatment modalities (drugs, surgery and radiation): Medical oncologists Surgical oncologists Radiation oncologists ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

15. What are different kinds of oncologists? MEDICAL ONCOLOGISTS These are cancer specialists who treat patients with cancers with drugs and not using  surgical and radiation means. They treat cancers with drugs such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, immunotherapy and other targeted treatments. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

16. What are different kinds of oncologists? SURGICAL ONCOLOGISTS These are cancer specialists who treat patients with cancers using surgical means or OPERATIONS. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

17. What are different kinds of oncologists? RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS These are cancer specialists who treat patients with cancers using radiation. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

18. What are training usually undergone by the various oncologists? MEDICAL ONCOLOGISTS – residency in internal medicine (3 years) and then a fellowship in medical oncology (2 years). ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

19. What are training usually undergone by the various oncologists? GENERAL SURGERY SURGICAL ONCOLOGISTS – residency in general surgery (5 years) and then a fellowship in surgical oncology (2 years). Note: there are other types of surgical oncologists (to be explained later). ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

20. What are training usually undergone by the various oncologists? RADIATION ONCOLOGISTS – residency in radiology (3 years) and then a fellowship in radiation oncology (1 year). There are now straight training program in radiation oncology (4 years). ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

21. What are the other types of oncologists? There are other types of oncologists that have evolved from the three basic kinds of oncologists: Oncologists who specialize in the use of DRUGS (non-surgical and non-radiation) to treat cancers: Medical oncologists (adult) Pediatric oncologists ( pedia ) Hematologic oncologists (blood cancers) ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

22. What are the other types of oncologists? There are other types of oncologists that have evolved from the three basic kinds of oncologists: Oncologists who specialize in using SURGERY to treat cancers Surgical oncologists Breast surgical oncologists Head and neck surgical oncologists Gynecologic oncologists Orthopedic oncologists Etc. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

23. What are the other types of oncologists? There are other types of oncologists that have evolved from the three basic kinds of oncologists: Oncologists who specialize in using RADIATION to treat cancers Radiation oncologists Nuclear medicine oncologists ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

24. What are the other types of oncologists? There are other types of oncologists that have evolved from the three basic kinds of oncologists: Oncologists who specialize in using ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE to treat cancers Alternative medicine oncologists Naturopathic oncologists ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

25. When does one see an oncologist? One should see an oncologist or a cancer specialist if one has symptoms of a possible or probable cancer being present in his / her body. One should know the alert signals for cancer. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Alert or warning symptoms of cancer: Change in bowel or bladder habits A sore that does not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing Obvious change in a wart or mole Nagging cough or hoarseness There are other warning symptoms but the above are the more common ones.

26. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Once cancer is suspected, there are at least 3 options on which physicians to first consult. If one is not sure on the organ of involvement of the possible cancer, one can consult a FAMILY PHYSICIAN first (which ideally one must always have). This is regardless of specialization of the FAMILY PHYSICIAN (whether general practitioner or any medical specialty even outside non-oncologists). The best scenario is that the FAMILY PHYSICIAN is an oncologist (any type will do). ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Why your FAMILY PHYSICIAN first? He/she knows you already. He / she is one whom you can trust / can easily talk to. He / she will help you further in the diagnosis, more definite than yours. He / she will advise you on what to do next. He / she might know an oncologist who best fit your need to refer you to, if indicated.

27. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? If one is sure on the organ of involvement of the possible cancer, 2 options: choose / look for a physician specializing in the management of all diseases of the identified organ (which may include cancer). [GENERALIST SPECIALIST] choose / look for a physician specializing in the management of cancer in the identified organ. [SPECIFIC ORGAN ONCOLOGIST] ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Examples of SPECIFIC ORGAN ONCOLOGISTS: Gynecologic Oncologists Breast Oncologists Examples of GENERALIST SPECIALISTS: OB-GYN General Surgeons

28. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? If one is sure on the organ of involvement of the possible cancer, 2 options: choose / look for a physician specializing in the management of all diseases of the identified organ (which may include cancer). [GENERALIST SPECIALIST] choose / look for a physician specializing in the management of cancer in the identified organ. [SPECIFIC ORGAN ONCOLOGIST] ONCOLOGISTS – What and When ADVICE: *Go for a SPECIFIC ORGAN ONCOLOGIST if you can identify one in your community. If not, can start with a GENERALIST SPECIALIST. * For more efficient, comprehensive and specialized mgt.

29. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? If one is sure on the organ of involvement of the possible cancer and there are 3 oncologists who are known to treat the specific cancer (such as breast cancer and such as medical, surgical and radiation oncologists), to whom to go first? One can choose anyone if one is not sure of the best priority and best sequence. But know the priority for cost-effective management. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When For example: Breast Cancer 1 st oncologist to consult is Breast Surgical Oncologist or General Surgeon Surgical Oncologist primarily because of the need to make a definitive diagnosis usually through a biopsy (done by surgeon). Not medical or radiation oncologists.

30. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? If one is sure on the organ of involvement of the possible cancer and there are 3 oncologists who are known to treat the specific cancer (such as breast cancer and such as medical, surgical and radiation oncologists), to whom to go first? One can choose anyone if one is NOT sure of the best priority and best sequence. But try to know the priority for cost-effective management. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When For example: Gynecologic Cancer 1 st oncologist to consult is Gynecologic Oncologist primarily because there is a need to make a definitive diagnosis by the gynecologist-oncologist usually through a biopsy procedure and other operative procedure. Not medical or radiation oncologists.

31. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Here is guide on which oncologist to consult first: Blood cancer in adult- adult hematologic-oncologist Blood cancer in children – pediatric hematologic-oncologist ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

32. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Here is guide on which oncologist to consult first: Solid cancers in adults – usually surgical oncologist first, then medical oncologist then radiation oncologist ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

33. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Here is guide on which oncologist to consult first: Gynecologic cancers – gynecologic oncologist Orthopedic cancers – orthopedic oncologist Pediatric solid cancers – pediatric surgical oncologist Breast cancers – breast surgical oncologist ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

34. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Here is guide on which oncologist to consult first: Head and neck cancers – head and neck oncologist Colorectal cancers – colorectal surgical oncologist Hepatobiliary and pancreatric cancers – hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgical oncologist ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

35. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Here is guide on which oncologist to consult first: Urologic cancers – urologic surgical oncologist Brain cancers – neurosurgical oncologist Thoracic cancers – thoracic surgical oncologist ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

36. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? When cancer treatment involves several oncologists, the primary orchestrator or coordinator will be determined by the primary cancer treatment modality to be used for treatment. (but the various kinds of oncologists involved work as a team). For examples: Nasopharyngeal cancers – head and neck surgical oncologist Breast cancers – breast surgical oncologist ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

37. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Choosing a Cancer Doctor During your cancer treatment you may see more than one kind of cancer doctor, but your cancer and treatment type will determine who your main cancer doctor will be. Carefully choosing the doctor you need will help you navigate treatment. Your relationship with this person will probably last through treatment into long-term follow-up care. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/finding-care/where-to-find-cancer-care/choosing-a-cancer-doctor.html ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

38. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Choosing a Cancer Doctor Before you start looking for a doctor, think about the qualities you want your doctor to have. A few ideas are listed below, but there may be others you want to add. Choose a doctor who has experience treating your type of cancer. You want someone who is familiar with and uses the latest standards, guidelines, and research. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/finding-care/where-to-find-cancer-care/choosing-a-cancer-doctor.html ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

39. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Choosing a Cancer Doctor You’ll need a doctor who is part of your health insurance plan (often called a preferred provider) and/or accepts your health insurance. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/finding-care/where-to-find-cancer-care/choosing-a-cancer-doctor.html ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

40. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Choosing a Cancer Doctor Pick a doctor who practices (has privileges) at a cancer center or hospital that you’re willing to use. Doctors can only send patients to cancer centers or hospitals where they have admitting privileges. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/finding-care/where-to-find-cancer-care/choosing-a-cancer-doctor.html ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

41. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Choosing a Cancer Doctor Choose a doctor you feel comfortable with. Languages spoken, sex, and education may be important to you. You may also have strong feelings about personality and how they should communicate with you. Some people want their doctors to have a business-like manner, while others value a doctor who can help with their emotional health as well as their medical needs. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/finding-care/where-to-find-cancer-care/choosing-a-cancer-doctor.html ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

42. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Choosing a Cancer Doctor Some questions to ask: What is their specialty? Do they have a subspecialty? Are they board-certified? How many patients with my type of cancer have they treated before? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/finding-care/where-to-find-cancer-care/choosing-a-cancer-doctor.html ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

43. Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer? Choosing a Cancer Doctor ROJoson advice: Choose an oncologist who will treat your cancers as best as he/she can AND who is patient-centered and compassionate AND who will provide comprehensive and holistic management (including psychological and psychosocial support). Don’t go for an oncologist who will treat your cancer only and then leave you alone after (you are on your own already). ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

44. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Summary Take Away Contents What are oncologists? What are the different kinds of oncologists? What are the training usually undergone by the different kinds of oncologists? What are the other types of oncologists? When does one see an oncologist? Which oncologist/s to choose to see to consult and for management for a possible or probable cancer?

45. Take Away in relation to Patient Empowerment Be always in touch with reliable medical information on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When. Knowledge is power; it gives power. Use the 4Ks of Patient Empowerment: Kaalaman , Kakayanan , Karapatan and Kapangyarihan to gain greater control over decisions / make better decisions on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of your health management. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

46. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management. This ends m y PEP TALK today on: ONCOLOGISTS – What and When

47. Reminder after the PEP Talk: Take the Online Learning cum Evaluation Test Exercise (OLETE) for mastery of learning and have a perfect score to get a Certificate. Link is in Chat Box.

48. Reminder: 25 OLETE Certificates = 1 Voucher for ROJoson Medical Consultation either Face-to-Face or Telemedical.

49. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management. ROJOSON’S REQUEST: FEEDBACK TO THIS PEP TALK! Pls. type in your feedback in the chat box during the open forum and before we adjourn! Thank you!

50. ONCOLOGISTS – What and When Empowerment objective - for laypeople to have an essential  understanding on ONCOLOGISTS – What and When as part of their health management. LET’S NOW HAVE A GROUP PICTURE TAKING BEFORE WE START Q&A AND INTERACTIONS! Pls. turn on your video! Show your face!