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A Overview of Cancer and Its Treatment in Turkey

Our body contains about a trillion cells that constantly divide to form new cells and replace the old ones. It is only when a type of cell starts dividing incessantly and directionless it turns into what we call cancer. 

According to a report published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, around 233,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in Turkey in 2020. Lung cancer was the most commonly and frequently diagnosed cancer, followed by prostate, colorectal, bladder, and stomach cancer. 

Turkey has been a most sought-after medical tourism destination, especially for cancer treatment. The country has invested heavily in developing its healthcare infrastructure. It uses the latest interventions to treat cancer, like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, gamma knife, etc. 

The cost of cancer treatment in Turkey depends on the type & stage of the cancer and the treatment received. Generally, cancer treatment cost in Turkey is USD 15,000. 

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What is Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases marked by the unregulated growth of cells. Once the cancer is developed, the new cells formed are no longer defined in terms of size, shape, or function. The cancerous cells are abnormal and do not perform any function. 

In the malignant form of cancer, they can spread and invade the surrounding cells and also reach distant places through blood or the lymphatic system to form new tumors. However, benign tumors are usually confined to one location and do not spread to the surrounding areas.

What are the Risk Factors of Cancer?

The doctors think that there is no single cause of cancer. Instead, it is a combination of multiple factors which poses a risk or a threat for cancer. 

These factors may be social, environmental, or genetic. Some of the most common risk factors for cancer are:

  • Family history or genetics: Anyone who has a family member, such as a grandparent, parent, or sibling, having a medical history of cancer is more prone to develop cancer.
  • Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle habits such as excessive smoking, drinking, or increased consumption of junk food pose a significant threat to developing cancer in adults. 
  • Occupational factors such as working with toxic chemicals for years may also lead to cancer.
  • Exposure to certain viruses: Viruses, including Epstein - Barr virus and HIV, are the leading causes behind AIDS (Auto-Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which in turn leads to an increased risk of cancer, especially in children. Some examples of such cases are Hodgkin's Lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  • Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to environmental chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers also causes cancer. 
  • Other than this, children exposed to high-dose chemotherapy or radiation in the prenatal stage or otherwise have increased chances of malignancy later. Even a cancer treatment or a different type of cancer can lead to a second malignancy.

What are the Ways in Which Cancer Can Affect Our Bodies? 

There are multiple ways in which cancer can affect our bodies.

  • As a tumor grows, it pushes the surrounding structures, such as nearby organs, blood vessels, or nerves.
  • Any tumor in critical areas, such as the brain, even a tiny tumor, can cause severe symptoms. 
  • On the other hand, in organs such as the pancreas, cancer may not manifest any symptoms until it grows large enough.
  • Tumors growing around the bile duct block the flow of bile juices and show symptoms of jaundice.
  • Other than the area-specific symptoms, cancer can also involve some general signs and symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or unexplained weight loss. This is because the cancerous cells consume most of the body's energy and affect the immune system.

Common Signs and Symptoms Associated with Cancer are:

  • Abnormal weight changes 
  • Lump under the skin 
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Unexplained bleeding or bruising
  • Hoarseness of voice
  • Changes in bladder or bowel habits
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Changes in skin color
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Fever

What are the Different Stages of Cancer?

Cancer staging is very important as it simplifies the location of cancer, the extent to which it is spread, and also tells if it has spread to other parts of the body. The staging is helpful to the doctors and the patients in the following ways:

  • Plan treatment for the case, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgical intervention.
  • Predict the chances of cancer recurrence.
  • Predict the chances of recovery
  • To discuss the exact diagnosis of the case

TNM Staging System

The TNM staging system is one of the most widely used methods by doctors. This classification can convey the following information about a case:

  • T - How large is the primary tumor, and where is it located?
  • N - Has the cancer spread to the surrounding lymph nodes, and if yes, how many?
  • M - Has cancer infected other body parts; if yes, how much?

It can also tell if there are any biomarkers linked to cancer.

The TNM staging is combined with I to IV classification:

  • Stage 0 - This means cancer has not spread to the surrounding structures. This type of cancer can be treated easily, mostly by surgically removing the tumor.
  • Stage I - The tumor is still small and has not spread deeper into the tissues or lymph nodes. The cancer is still curable and is known as early-stage cancer.
  • Stage II and III - These stages indicate a larger cancer that has gone deep into the tissues and may also have spread to the lymph nodes. However, it is still not metastatic.
  • Stage IV - This indicates advanced or metastatic cancer which has spread to other parts of the body.

How is Cancer Diagnosed in Turkey?

The most common tests used by oncologists in Turkey for diagnosing cancer are as follows:

  • Clinical or Physical Examination - After asking you several questions and taking a medical history, the doctor will clinically evaluate you for any lumps or thickening of the skin, color changes in the skin, or enlargement of any organ. This evaluation gives a rough idea about the presence of cancer and also its location.
  • Laboratory Tests - These tests include urine and blood tests used to identify the abnormalities in the cell number, function, structure, etc. For example, a CBC test can reveal an extremely high number of cells which indicates leukemia.
  • Imaging Tests - Tests such as computerized tomography or CT scan, bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, positron emission tomography or PET scan, ultrasound, and x-ray are used to evaluate the bones and other internal organs non-invasively.
  • Biopsy - A sample of affected cells is taken and sent to the laboratory. A biopsy helps in providing a definitive diagnosis of cancer. Depending upon the way of extracting the cells, the biopsy is of the following types:
    • Needle biopsy
    • CT-guided biopsy
    • Ultrasound-guided biopsy
    • Bone biopsy
    • Skin biopsy
    • Surgical biopsy
    • Punch biopsy

What are the Treatment Methods Available in Turkey for Cancer?

While deciding the exact treatment for a particular case, doctors have to consider three types of treatment objectives for treating cancer. These are:

  • Primary Treatment - The objective of primary treatment is to remove the malignant cancerous cells from the body. The most common form of primary treatment is surgery.
  • Adjuvant Treatment - This type of treatment acts as a supplement therapy to kill the remaining cells left after the primary treatment to reduce any chances of recurrence. This mainly involves radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. 
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy - This is similar to adjuvant therapy but is used before the primary treatment to make it more effective and easier.
  • Palliative Treatment - This treatment helps eliminate the side effects of any given treatment or the symptoms of cancer. Any treatment, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, can be used. Palliative treatment can be used along with any other remedy simultaneously. 

Common Treatments Used for Cancer are:

  • Surgical Intervention - Most commonly used to treat cancer at early stages.
  • Chemotherapy - Medications are injected systemically to kill the cancerous cells.
  • Radiation Therapy - High-power beams, such as x-rays or protons, are used to kill cancerous cells. Radiotherapy can be in the form of external beam radiation or brachytherapy.
  • Immunotherapy - This includes the use of the body's own immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognize cancer cells as abnormal cells and fight against them. 
  • Hormone Therapy - Some cancer types occur due to hormone imbalance, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. Therapies targeting hormonal levels can help in stopping the progression of cancer.
  • Targeted Drug Therapy - Targeted drugs are used to focus on the specific abnormalities within the cancer cells.

What is the Cost of Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

On average, cancer treatment can cost you around USD 15,600 to USD 19,100 in Turkey. However, the exact cost may vary from case to case. The price includes consultation charges, hospital stay, medication costs, and postoperative follow-ups. 

Various factors are involved in deciding the overall cost of cancer treatment in Turkey. A few of these factors are – 

  • The total number of days the patient is hospitalized.
  • Type of cancer and its stage. 
  • Hospital choice and type of room opted.
  • The number of diagnostic tests like PET CT done.
  • Other investigations are done post-surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
  • Cost of accommodation after a patient is discharged.
  • The number of people accompanying the patient. 

Which are the Best Hospitals in Turkey for Cancer Treatment?

  • Medical Park, Bahcelievler Hospital: Established in 1995, it is one of the largest private hospitals in Istanbul under the Medical Park Group of Hospitals. The hospital specializes in treating cancer of various body organs like the liver, pancreas, lungs, kidney, gallbladder, bones, and gynecologic tumors. 
  • İstinye Hospital, Bahçeşehir: With a bed capacity of 390 beds, İstinye Hospital, Bahçeşehir, is known as one of the best cancer hospitals in Turkey. It uses the latest modifications as diagnostic tools and treatment, such as Da Vinci Robot, CyberKnife, and TrueBeam linear accelerator.
  • LIV Hospital: Recognized as one of Turkey's most prestigious super specialty hospitals, LIV Hospital performs over 13,000 surgeries annually. The hospital uses the latest advancements in medical technology like Da Vinci Surgical System for robotic surgery, linear accelerator TrueBeam STx, and Acuros XB for precise radiation therapy. Using a multidisciplinary approach, it offers excellent medical care to cancer patients. 
  • Hisar Intercontinental Hospital: It is another popular multi-specialty hospital in Turkey, specializing in oncology treatment. Founded in 2005, the hospital has been certified by JCI (Joint Commission International) for compliance with international treatment quality and safety standards.

Turkey has emerged as a popular medical tourism destination and receives patients from over 144 countries. The country is highly preferred by patients looking for cancer treatment as it offers excellent results. If you plan to visit Turkey for your medical treatment, gather all the relevant information for a hassle-free trip. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What is the best treatment for cancer?
Ans. The best treatment for cancer depends upon the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient's overall health. An oncologist specializing in diagnosing and treating cancers decides the best medical treatment for you. The general treatment plan involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical removal of the tumor.

Ques. Will cancer be fully cured? 
Ans. We cannot say that cancer can be fully cured as there are always chances of cancer returning. Oncologists use the word complete remission when there are no signs and symptoms of cancer after it is treated.

Ques. How does cancer start? 
Ans. Cancer starts when there are mutations in the genes. Changes in the genes disrupt the normal cell division cycle, making cells undergo unregulated divisions. These cells then form a cluster known as a tumor.  

Ques. What types of cancer cannot be treated? 
Ans. There are treatments available for each type and stage of cancer. However, the success rate of these treatments is highly variable. Cancers that are detected in the later stage are relatively difficult to treat compared to early-stage cancers.

kavreen Author Name
kavreen

Dr. Kavreen Arora

Dr. Kavreen studied medicine and actively practised for few years before she decided to share her knowledge through medical blogs and articles. Since then, Dr. Kavreen has written several articles about the recent advances in various medical treatments, life expectancies, and the best hospitals & doctors across the nation. 

She is a keen observer and likes to keep herself updated with the new technologies. She is an avid reader and an earnest writer in the medical field.

This content meets Vaidam Editorial Policy and is reviewed by
Dr. Ankita Wadhwa Reviewer Name
Dr. Ankita Wadhwa

Dr. Ankita Wadhwa has 14+ years of experience in handling patients for health-related issues. With an in-depth understanding of different medical procedures, she has handled several complex cases. She has also worked in many reputed hospitals such as Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, CK Birla Hospital, and Paras Healthcare.

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