Oncology

Since cancer can develop from any type of cell in our body, cancer diseases constitute a wide spectrum. In addition, factors such as age, gender, ethnicity and race increase this diversity. Since the last quarter of the twentieth century, as a result of intensive studies on cancer diseases, the fact that each cancer type and tumor types present in each patient may contain different features at the molecular level, therefore, the applicability of “personalized” treatment approaches under the guidance of tumor genetic markers has come to the fore. Based on the data obtained on the development mechanisms of the disease, drugs and treatment methods called “smart molecules” have been developed for today and they are becoming more and more used in the treatment of our patients day by day.

The methods used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer must be at a level that requires the contribution of almost all medical branches. It is essential to apply a multidisciplinary approach (a joint effort of many medical branches) both in diagnosis and in the planning and implementation of treatment. It is also known that early diagnosis saves lives and enables effective treatment of the disease. For this reason, it is important to treat patients diagnosed with cancer by experienced physicians in specialized centers. In addition, providing the most effective psychological support and rehabilitation opportunities to patients both during their treatment and during the follow-up periods also contributes to the person’s overcoming the disease process with the least amount of problems.

In addition to the professional planning and implementation of the treatment after the diagnosis of cancer, it is also important to follow up normal individuals through screening programs for early diagnosis. Taking precautions before the disease occurs is a much more effective and easier approach than trying to treat the disease after it develops. In this century, where the average life expectancy continues to increase, it is expected that there will be an increase in the incidence of cancer diseases, which generally increase with aging. This reveals the necessity of using preventive medicine measures more effectively.

In 2016, 29,800,000 new cancers were diagnosed in the world and 353,660 new cancers were diagnosed in our country (Ministry of Health Turkey Cancer Statistics, 2016). According to the estimates of the World Health Organization, this figure will double in 2030. Thanks to the developments in diagnostic methods, the increase in the applicability of surgical techniques, and the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in the postoperative period, and targeted therapies, patients can regain their health. Today, high rates of success are achieved in cancer treatment, where the most intensive research on health is carried out and developments at a dizzying speed.

In order to achieve a “complete state of well-being” in terms of physical, mental and social aspects required by the definition of being healthy, it becomes important to carry out these treatments in centers where many branches plan and apply treatment with a common perspective from the moment of diagnosis.