Cancer is a serious disease due to the spread of abnormal cells in the body. There are several stages of cancer, each with its unique set of characteristics and treatment options. World Cancer Day states that cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide.
Medical tourism platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking treatment for various stages of cancer with international hospitals and facilitators for affordable and quality treatments without long waiting periods.
In this article, we will discuss the various stages of cancer, how they are diagnosed and treated, and how medical tourism in India, Thailand, and Turkey can help the patients’ access quality cancer care.
Diagnosis of cancer
Diagnosing cancer typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans can help detect the presence and extent of cancer in the body. Laboratory tests such as biopsies, blood tests, and tumor marker tests can help confirm the diagnosis of cancer and determine the stage of cancer.
Various stages of cancer
Stage 1 cancer is the earliest stage, where cancer cells are confined to the organ or tissue of origin. Treatment for stage 1 cancer usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue or radiation therapy to destroy the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is rarely used for stage 1 cancer.
Stage 2 cancer is when the cancer has spread beyond the organ or tissue of origin to nearby lymph nodes but has not yet spread to distant organs. Treatment for stage 2 cancer may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Stage 3 cancer is when the cancer has spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or organs. Treatment for stage 3 cancer may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Stage 4 cancer when it has spread to distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, or brain. Treatment for stage 4 cancer is focused on controlling the growth and spread of cancer cells, relieving symptoms, and improving quality of life. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these therapies.
National Cancer Institute states that as of January 2022, it is estimated that there are 18.1 million cancer survivors in the United States, which represents approximately 5.4% of the population.
Medical tourism and cancer treatment
India, Thailand, and Turkey offer a range of cancer treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy at affordable prices.
India is known for its advanced cancer treatment centers, including the Tata Memorial Hospital and the Apollo Hospitals Group. These centers offer world-class cancer care, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, and palliative care.
Thailand has a range of private hospitals and cancer treatment centers that offer state-of-the-art cancer care. Some of the top cancer treatment centers in Thailand include the Bangkok Hospital and the Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Turkey is also emerging as a leading destination for cancer treatment. The country has a range of modern hospitals and cancer treatment centers that offer advanced cancer care, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Companies like Medditour help the cancer patients to get their treatments combined with vacation.
In conclusion, cancer is a complex disease that requires specialized care at different stages. Patients can benefit from the range of cancer treatment options available in India, Thailand, and Turkey, where high-quality cancer care is offered at a fraction of the cost of developed countries.