oncology

American  

[ong-kol-uh-jee] / ɒŋˈkɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the branch of medical science dealing with tumors, including the origin, development, diagnosis, and treatment of malignant neoplasms.

2. the study of cancer.

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oncology British  

/ ˌɒŋkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ɒŋˈkɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the branch of medicine concerned with the study, classification, and treatment of tumours

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oncology Scientific  

/ ŏn-kŏl′ə-jē /

1. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

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oncology Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the study, treatment, and cure of cancer.

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Other Word Forms

• oncologic adjective
• oncological adjective
• oncologist noun

Etymology

Origin of oncology

First recorded in 1855–60; onco- + -logy

Example Sentences

That question remains one of the biggest challenges in modern oncology.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

“This transaction further diversifies and strengthens our position in oncology as we continue to look for opportunities to broaden our portfolio into other therapeutic areas,” said Merck CEO Robert Davis.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

And for the guideline bodies: The precision-medicine framework applied to oncology and cardiology has not yet reached metabolic pharmacology.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

The EU approval of Imfinzi for early-stage gastric and gastroesophageal cancers expands the label of one of the company’s top-selling oncology medicines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

A distinction is thus drawn between cysts and growths—one which is of daily importance in the practice of medicine—and Virchow's oncology includes the consideration of the two varieties of tumors.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various