Oncologists Provide Guidance on Cancer Diagnosis and Specialized Treatment

The Cleveland Clinic Definition of Specialized Cancer Physicians

Because cancer is a complex disease, patients often work with several types of oncologists, including surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists. Surgical oncologists focus on the physical removal of tumors and surrounding tissues, while medical oncologists manage treatments like chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and immunotherapy. Radiation oncologists utilize specialized radiation therapy to either shrink tumors prior to surgery or target remaining cancer cells post-surgery. Other specialists, such as gynecologic oncologists, focus on specific areas of the body, and hematology oncologists treat blood disorders and blood cancers, including anemia, sickle cell disease, and thrombosis. As medical doctors, oncologists undergo rigorous training that begins in medical school, followed by a two- to five-year residency program—typically in internal medicine or surgery—and the completion of a fellowship program in their chosen oncology specialty. They must also obtain a medical license and pass board certification exams. If you have concerns about your cancer risk, it is important to consult a qualified healthcare professional. Your general practitioner or family doctor may refer you to an oncologist to test an unusual growth or lump, as individual doctor’s offices are not always equipped to diagnose a cancerous tumor. Seeking an early diagnosis is often beneficial, as many cancers are more treatable in their early stages.

Dr. Mark Ashamalla on Cancer Risk and Dietary Habits

### Long-Term Habits Over Short-Term Fixes

When discussing cancer prevention, experts emphasize that diet is a “modifiable factor,” meaning it is something you can control. Dr. Mark Ashamalla, MD, the chief of radiation oncology at Episcopal Health Services, notes that while diet plays a meaningful role, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Other factors influencing risk include genetics, age, tobacco use, alcohol use, weight, physical activity levels, and environmental exposures.

Dr. Ashamalla advises against obsessing over every item you eat, noting that what you consume the majority of the time is more significant than what you have on special occasions. He states, “Diet can play a meaningful role in cancer risk, but cancer is not caused by one food or one condiment. Risk develops over time.”

US Air Force Reserve Oncologist Dr. Avishek Kumar on Prevention

This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Avishek Kumar, MD, an oncologist and lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force Reserve serving as a flight surgeon. Dr. Kumar explains to his patients that cancer prevention is rarely about one “perfect meal.” Instead, he says, “It is about the habits you repeat for years.”

Scientific Research Findings on Diet and Lifestyle Modifications

### Practical Dietary Guidance

According to scientific research, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can lower the risk of cancer by between 30 and 40%. When patients ask for specific advice, Dr. Kumar suggests keeping it simple: focus on eating more “real food” and less “highly processed food.”

His recommendations include:
* Increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains, and nuts.
* Incorporating more fish and lean proteins.
* Reducing the consumption of processed meats, excess alcohol, sugary drinks, and foods loaded with added sugar.

By focusing on whole, minimally processed food sources, individuals can better manage their dietary habits for the long term. If you are uncertain about how to adjust your diet to lower your specific risk, consult a qualified medical professional or registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance based on your health history.

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