Cancer Treatment and Us

Medical Oncologist and Memorial and Medstar Cancer Center President Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özdoğandescribed their cancer treatment achievements..

Knowledge is now accessible within minutes. The key is reaching changing strategies, interpreting international trials and translating findings into practice. No institution or person monopolizes knowledge. Our physicians assimilate and rapidly provide the latest therapies. Technology, multidisciplinary teamwork and comfortable facilities are changing quickly. The public should know we are as good as the West and ahead in some areas. No healthcare group worldwide can surpass our country in valuing patients and families and offering compassion and affection, essential parts of cancer treatment.

Our Antalya Memorial & Medstar group created an organization following knowledge and technology, maximizing interdisciplinary communication and making families secure. Since November 2011, we have served over 6000 patients. In under 4 years, nearly 500 marrow transplants offered hope. Over 200 patients from Russia, Ukraine, Turkic republics, Iraq, Libya and Europe received successful care. Nearly 4000 underwent oncological surgery or radiation. “Cancer School” informed thousands through public meetings. Breast imaging, surgery and medicine nearly surpassed Western standards. While national breast loss exceeds %60, advanced reconstruction reversed that in our center. We continued this organization in lung, stomach, pancreas, prostate, brain and colorectal cancer. We introduced chemotherapy units as art houses, showing success requires more than correct oral or intravenous drugs: love, respect, hope and trust matter. Art and music teachers, theater, choir and yoga help patients look forward. We separately addressed physical, sexual and psychological rehabilitation to fill major holistic-care gaps.

I believe these efforts will bring fresh approaches to our country's cancer care and inspire rapidly increasing and developing examples.