Does a medical oncology perform hormone therapy for cancer?

This treatment may lower hormone levels or block hormones from helping cancer cells grow. The medical oncologist selects the medicine, plans monitoring and coordinates it with other cancer care.

Hormone therapy, also called endocrine therapy, is used only when the cancer is expected to respond to hormonal signals. Tumour features, previous treatment, other health conditions and medicines all influence the choice.

Depending on the plan, treatment may be given as tablets or injections. Some procedures that reduce hormone production involve another specialist, while the medical oncologist remains involved in the overall cancer plan.

Bring a complete list of prescriptions, supplements and previous cancer treatments to the appointment. Tell the team about blood clots, bone problems, heart conditions, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, because these details may affect treatment selection and monitoring.

Take the medicine exactly as prescribed and do not stop it because of side effects without contacting the oncology team. Keep a brief record of new symptoms, missed doses and any medicines started by another clinician.

Contact the oncology team promptly for side effects that are new, worsening or interfering with daily activities. Seek urgent medical care for sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing blood, fainting, or painful swelling in one leg, as these can signal a blood clot or another serious problem.

Use the contact instructions supplied by your cancer centre, including its after-hours route, rather than waiting for the next scheduled visit when symptoms are severe.

Ask which tumour feature supports hormone therapy, how the team will judge whether it is working, what side effects need a same-day call, and whether the medicine interacts with anything you already take. You can also discuss effects on fertility, sexual health, menopausal symptoms and bone health.