Oncologist: history and fun facts
Everything a curious kid might want to know about this job.
Did you know?
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Doctors who care for people with a serious illness in the body's cells are called oncologists. The word comes from a Greek word that means 'mass' or 'swelling'.
Through history
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Long ago
People have been writing about illnesses that grow inside the body for thousands of years. Doctors have been learning how to help for a very long time.
Tools of the trade
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Computer screen
An oncologist looks at pictures of the inside of the body on a screen. This helps them see how the body is doing and plan the best care.
A day in the job
- LunchtimeThe oncologist meets with a team of nurses and other doctors. Together they make a plan to help each person feel stronger.
Words to know
- Cells
- Cells are tiny parts that make up our bodies, and most are too small to see without a microscope. An oncologist is a doctor who helps people whose cells grow in a harmful way.
Quiz time
Oncologists only look after people's teeth.