Surgical oncology focuses on the surgical management of tumors, especially cancerous tumors.

A surgical oncologist is a well-qualified surgeon who has obtained additional education and experience in the multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer patients, and who devotes a major portion of his or her professional practice to these activities and to cancer research. Surgical oncologists interact with other oncologic disciplines and provide leadership to the surgical, medical, and lay communities in matters pertaining to cancer.