Oncology is the study and treatment of cancer and tumors. An oncologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats cancer patients. The oncologist sometimes uses chemotherapy, and consults with other physicians to coordinate other methods of cancer treatments for a patient. Cancer patients need to take in to account the likelihood of a cure, or of prolonging life when cure is not possible, the effect of treatment on their symptoms, and the side effects of the treatment. People who are candidates for radiation therapy or anti-cancer drugs need to understand the risks involved with treatment. An oncologist can help to counsel a patient on treatment options and what to expect.

Physicians in this specialty treat patients suffering from numerous diseases and illnesses, but some of the most common are colon cancer, breast disease, spinal cord tumors, melanoma, skin cancer, breast cancer, bone marrow, hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, mesothelioma, sarcoma, lung cancer, leukemia, pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, mesothelioma cancer (asbestos cancer), brain cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and bone cancer.

Once properly diagnosed, practitioners can perform numerous procedures on patients including colonoscopy, breast reconstruction, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, cryosurgery, mastectomy, cryotherapy, cabg, breast surgery, surgery, radiotherapy, bone marrow transplantation (bmt), adjuvant therapy, monoclonal antibody treatments, external beam radiotherapy, hormone manipulation, and immunotherapies.

To diagnose patients with possible illnesses and diseases, specialists will often perform one of many tests including biopsy, mri scanning, beta- hcg, ct scanning, x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (mri), computed axial tomography (ct or cat scan), ultrasound, endoscopy, nse, cea, blood tests, ca 125, tumor markers, beta hcg, positron emission tomography, scintigraphy, psa, and alpha fetoprotein.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Hawaii has 37 practicing oncologists. Broken out by city, oncology doctor density in Aiea is 7, in Ewa Beach is 1, in Hilo is 3, in Honolulu is 28, in Kaneohe is 3, in Lahaina is 2, in Lihue is 5, in Makawao is 2, in Mililani is 2, and in Wailuku is 3.

One of the more popular vacation destinations in the world, Hawaii’s lush tropical environment invites all to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Popular Hawaiian activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, biking to one of Hawaii’s volcanoes, or enjoying a helicopter or horseback ride. Learn about Hawaii’s natural history and culture by attending a luau and watching a traditional hula dance. Hawaii’s population is 1,275,194, and the capital city is Honolulu. Statehood was achieved in 1959, making Hawaii our 50th state. Tourism is Hawaii's largest source of outside income. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, experience history at Pearl Harbor, or take a walk on Waikiki Beach, the world’s most famous shoreline.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Hawaii has a population of 1,275,194. Of this population, 198,087 are under the age of 18 and 162,565 are at or above the age of 65.