Oncology in Turkey

What is Oncology?

Oncology is the branch of medicine dedicated to studying, diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancer. It encompasses a broad range of disciplines and techniques aimed at combating the many forms of cancer affecting various parts of the body. Oncologists, the doctors specializing in this field, are committed to understanding how cancers develop, spread, and can be controlled or eradicated. This field is divided into three main areas:

• Medical Oncology: Focuses on treating cancer using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and other medications.
• Surgical Oncology involves the surgical removal of tumors and surrounding tissues and the performance of biopsies to aid in diagnosis.
• Radiation Oncology: Utilizes high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Understanding oncology and its complexities is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and providing comprehensive care to patients battling cancer.

Types of Oncology Tests

Effective cancer treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis, achieved through various oncology tests. These tests are vital for determining the type of cancer, its stage, and the most effective treatment approach. Some common types of oncology tests include:

• Biopsy is the most definitive way to diagnose cancer. It involves removing a small piece of tissue from the suspected area and examining it under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Blood Tests: Certain cancers release substances called tumor markers, which can be detected in the blood. Blood tests also help assess the functioning of organs that might be affected by cancer.
• Imaging Tests: These include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasounds, which help visualize the tumor and assess its size, location, and potential spread to other areas.
• Genetic Tests: Analyze genes, chromosomes, or proteins to predict cancer risk, diagnose certain cancers, and identify specific treatments likely to be effective.
• Endoscopy: Allows doctors to look inside the body using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end.

Each test provides crucial information that helps oncologists tailor treatment plans to each patient's needs.

Types of Oncology Treatments

Oncology treatments vary widely based on the type of cancer, its stage, and other individual factors. The main goal is to eliminate cancer, reduce its spread, and manage symptoms associated with the disease. Here are some common types of cancer treatments:

• Surgery: Often the first line of treatment, especially if cancer is localized. Surgery aims to remove as much of the cancer as possible.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or stop cancer cells from growing and dividing. Depending on the type and location of the cancer, it can be administered orally, intravenously, or through other routes.
• Radiation Therapy: Involves using high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be targeted to specific body areas to minimize damage to healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: Employs the body's immune system to fight cancer by stimulating it to attack cancer cells more effectively.
• Targeted Therapy: Targets specific genes or proteins contributing to cancer growth and survival. This treatment can block the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to normal cells.
• Hormone Therapy is used primarily for cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as breast and prostate cancer. It blocks the body's ability to produce certain hormones or interferes with hormone action, stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.

Side Effects of Oncology Treatments

Oncology treatments, while life-saving, often come with a range of side effects, which can vary widely depending on the type of treatment and the individual's health. Patients need to understand these potential side effects to manage them better and communicate effectively with their healthcare team.

• Chemotherapy: causes nausea, vomiting, hair loss and fatigue.
• Radiation Therapy: May lead to skin changes (similar to sunburn.)
• Surgical Oncology: Post-operative pain, risk of infection, and potential for scarring are common concerns.
• Immunotherapy: Often causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and muscle or joint pains.

Oncology Treatments Results

The results of oncology treatments can vary significantly from person to person based on the cancer type, stage, overall health, and how the cancer responds to treatment.

In some cases, treatment can eliminate cancer, leading to a cure. For many cancers, the primary aim is to control the growth and spread of cancer to prolong life and improve quality of life.

When curing cancer is not possible, treatments may focus on reducing the severity of symptoms to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Patients need to have realistic expectations and discuss potential outcomes and treatment goals with their oncologist.

How to Prepare for Oncology Treatments

Preparing for oncology treatments involves both physical and psychological preparation. Here's how patients can ready themselves for the journey ahead:

• Medical Evaluations: Undergo all required pre-treatment tests such as blood tests, scans, and consultations.
• Nutritional Status: Work with a dietitian to ensure the body is well-nourished, which can help withstand the effects of cancer treatments.
• Exercise: As recommended by a healthcare provider, engaging in light exercise can boost energy levels and improve overall health.
• Mental Health Support: To address any fears or anxieties about treatment, consider speaking with a counselor or joining a support group.
• Education: Learn about the treatment plan, potential side effects, and the recovery process to reduce surprises and manage expectations.
• Financial Planning: Review insurance coverage, apply for financial aid if available, and set a budget for unexpected expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is cancer called oncology?

The term "oncology" comes from the Greek word "onkos," which means mass, burden, or tumor. Oncology is the medical specialty dedicated to studying, diagnosing, treating, and preventing cancer.

Why are you referred to oncology?

You might be referred to an oncologist if your primary care doctor suspects or has diagnosed you with cancer. Oncologists specialize in managing cancer through various treatments and therapies and are equipped to provide the specialized care required for cancer patients.

Can Stage 4 cancer be cured?

While Stage 4 cancer is often not curable due to its spread to distant organs, it can still be treated to prolong life and improve symptoms. The focus may shift from curative treatment to palliative care to enhance quality of life.

Can cancer be cured?

Some cancers can be cured, especially if detected and treated early. The possibility of a cure depends on the type, stage, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.

What kind of doctor treats cancer?

Oncologists are the doctors who specialize in treating cancer. Depending on the treatment methods they specialize in, there are several types of oncologists, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

Which cancers are 100% curable?

No cancer is 100% curable, as recurrence is always possible. However, some cancers, such as certain types of testicular cancer and thyroid cancer, have very high cure rates when detected early and treated properly.

Is Stage 4 cancer 100% death?

Stage 4 cancer is not necessarily 100% fatal, but it is generally considered advanced and has a lower survival rate than cancer detected at an earlier stage. Treatment aims to extend life and improve the quality of life.

Which cancer is not curable?

Some cancers, such as certain types of pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, are often considered incurable because they are typically diagnosed at an advanced stage and do not respond well to current treatments.

How does cancer start?

Cancer starts when cells in a body part begin to grow out of control. These cancerous cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other body parts. The exact triggers for this cell growth vary widely among cancer types and patients.

Is cancer genetic?

Cancer can be genetic in the sense that genetic predispositions influence some types passed down from family members. However, most cancers result from genetic factors and environmental exposures.

Does cancer have pain?

Cancer itself may not always cause pain, but cancer treatments and tumor growth can cause discomfort and pain depending on the location and size of the tumor.

What is the biggest cause of cancer?

The biggest cause of cancer is a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Tobacco use, exposure to harmful radiation, certain infections, and lifestyle choices such as diet and physical inactivity are significant contributors.

How to prevent cancer?

Cancer prevention involves reducing risk factors where possible. This includes not smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding excessive sun exposure, getting vaccinated against viral infections like HPV and Hepatitis B, and participating in recommended cancer screening programs to detect cancers early.