So, What Is a Clinical Oncologist?

The non-surgical management of patients with cancer often involves both radiation and medical oncologists. It is argued here that the term 'clinical oncologist' should encompass both specialties, but implicit in this is agreement in matters of both joint training and the delivery of treatment in integrated cancer centres. The provision of optimal care in district general hospitals as well as cancer centres also depends on a proper structure to which clinical oncologists provide the key. The newly created Joint Council on Oncology (involving representatives of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Radiologists) should facilitate these agreements, breaking down old prejudices and helping to create a better standard of treatment for cancer patients in Britain.