Oncology (/ɒŋˈkɒlədʒi/), the study and treatment of tumours, is a term frequently encountered in IELTS listening and reading passages, particularly those related to healthcare and medical research. Understanding “oncology” and its related vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high band score in your IELTS exam.
Here are some synonyms and related terms for “oncology” that you might find useful:
- Cancer medicine: (n) /ˈkænsə ˈmɛdsɪn/ The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer. Example: Advances in cancer medicine have led to improved survival rates.
- Tumour biology: (n) /ˈtjuːmə ˌbaɪˈɒlədʒi/ The study of the biological properties of tumors. Example: Researchers in tumor biology are working to develop new targeted therapies.
- Cancer treatment: (n) /ˈkænsə ˈtriːtmənt/ The methods used to treat cancer, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Example: Access to quality cancer treatment is essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Malignant: (adj) /məˈlɪɡnənt/ Describes a tumor that is cancerous and likely to spread. Example: A biopsy revealed the presence of malignant cells.
- Benign: (adj) /bɪˈnaɪn/ Describes a tumor that is not cancerous and unlikely to spread. Example: Thankfully, the lump was determined to be benign.
Understanding “Oncology”:
Oncology encompasses a broad range of medical specialties that focus on:
- Diagnosis: Identifying the presence and type of cancer.
- Treatment: Developing and administering therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
- Research: Investigating the causes, prevention, and potential cures for cancer.
“Oncology” in IELTS:
The term “oncology” frequently appears in IELTS:
- Listening: You might hear it in lectures about medical breakthroughs or in conversations between doctors and patients.
- Reading: Passages about medical research, healthcare systems, or personal stories of battling cancer may use this term.
Sample IELTS Usage:
Listening:
- You hear: “The patient was referred to the oncology department for further evaluation.”
- You understand: The patient likely has a tumor or cancer, and they need to see specialists in cancer treatment.
Reading:
- You read: “The university received a grant to further its research in pediatric oncology.”
- You understand: The university will be focusing on research related to cancer in children.
Writing Task 2:
- Prompt: “Some people believe that prevention is better than cure. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement, particularly in the field of oncology?”
- Sample sentence: “While advancements in oncology offer increasingly effective treatments, promoting healthy lifestyles and early detection remain paramount in the fight against cancer.”
Collocations with “Oncology”:
- Clinical oncology: Deals with the direct treatment of cancer patients.
- Medical oncology: Focuses on using medication like chemotherapy to treat cancer.
- Surgical oncology: Involves surgically removing cancerous tumors.
- Radiation oncology: Uses radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells.
Idioms & Expressions:
While there aren’t specific idioms using “oncology,” you can use phrases like:
- “A breakthrough in oncology” to describe a significant discovery.
- “The challenges of oncology” to refer to the difficulties in treating cancer.
Conclusion:
Mastering the vocabulary related to “oncology” is essential for understanding complex medical texts and dialogues in the IELTS exam. By familiarizing yourself with the term’s various applications and related vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to confidently approach any cancer-related topic in the exam. Remember to practice using these terms in context to solidify your understanding and improve your fluency.