Oncology FAQ

No. Cancer does not pass from one person to another; cancer cells from another person are destroyed by a healthy immune system, and kissing, sharing food or sexual contact do not transmit it. What can be transmitted are certain viruses, such as HPV and hepatitis B, which raise the risk of some cancers over many years. Vaccines and screening programmes exist for these infections [3][5].

Most cancers are not inherited. In roughly five to ten percent of cases an inherited gene change plays a part [4][5]. The same cancer occurring at a young age or in several members of one family is a reason to assess hereditary risk. The assessment uses a blood test together with genetic counselling; details are on the hereditary cancer risk assessment page.

No. A raised tumour marker on its own does not diagnose cancer. Markers such as CEA, CA 125 and CA 19-9 can also rise with inflammation, liver disease, smoking and benign cysts [4][5]. In practice these tests are used more to follow treatment response and detect recurrence than to make a diagnosis. A raised value is interpreted by the physician together with imaging and, where needed, a biopsy.

SUV is a number that describes how much of the sugar-based tracer an area has taken up on a PET scan; a higher value means the cells there are using sugar faster [5]. Cancer cells often show high uptake, but infection, inflammation and healing tissue can too. SUV does not diagnose cancer on its own, and different scanners give different values, so the number is read alongside the clinical picture and the other tests.

Yes. Stage 4 (metastatic) cancer can be treated; the aims are to keep the disease under control, extend life and relieve symptoms [1][2]. In some cancers, targeted therapy or immunotherapy can keep the disease controlled for long periods. The outcome depends on the type of cancer, its molecular findings and the patient's general condition, and it varies from person to person. The aim of treatment is discussed openly at the first consultation.

It depends on the type of cancer, the stage and the aim of treatment. Preventive chemotherapy after surgery usually lasts three to six months; hormonal therapy for breast cancer five to ten years; in metastatic disease, treatment continues for as long as it is working [1][2]. Immunotherapy is planned for up to two years in many cancers. Details are on the chemotherapy and immunotherapy pages; your own plan is set at the consultation.

Many patients continue to work during treatment; whether this is possible depends on the nature of the job, the treatment schedule and side effects [4]. Tiredness and nausea are usually most noticeable in the first few days after each cycle, and time off or flexible hours can be planned for those days. Jobs with a high risk of infection need extra precautions. Work and any sick-leave documentation are discussed with the physician around the treatment calendar.

A temperature of 38 °C or higher during chemotherapy is an emergency: go to a hospital emergency department without waiting, or call 112 in Türkiye [7]. Chemotherapy can temporarily lower the white blood cells, and an infection can become serious within hours. Tell the emergency team that you are on chemotherapy and give the date of your last cycle; a blood count will be taken and intravenous antibiotics started if needed. Taking a fever tablet and waiting at home is not advised.

Non-live vaccines, such as those against influenza, pneumococcal disease and COVID-19, can be given during chemotherapy and immunotherapy and are recommended; the timing is chosen with the physician around the treatment calendar [1][4]. Live vaccines, such as measles, chickenpox and yellow fever, are not given while the immune system is suppressed. Vaccinating the people you live with also protects you. The vaccine plan is reviewed with the physician at the start of each treatment.

Procedures such as tooth extraction should be done before treatment starts where possible, because bleeding and infection are more likely on the days when blood counts are low during chemotherapy [4]. Non-urgent dental work is planned between cycles, when the blood count allows and with the physician's agreement. Patients taking bone-strengthening drugs (bisphosphonates or denosumab) need a separate assessment before any extraction. Always tell the dentist that you are having cancer treatment.

There is no proven alternative treatment for cancer. So-called cancer vaccines sold outside clinical trials, high-dose vitamins, herbal regimens and similar products are not listed as treatment options in any guideline [1][2][4]. They can delay standard treatment or interact with cancer drugs and cause harm. Complementary approaches such as exercise and relaxation techniques can be used to ease side effects with the physician's knowledge. Tell the physician about every product you use.

The aim during treatment is to avoid losing weight and muscle. A balanced diet with enough protein (meat, fish, eggs, pulses, dairy), vegetables, fruit and whole grains is recommended [8][3]. On days with nausea, small frequent meals help; when appetite is poor, small high-protein portions are useful. There is no special cancer diet. If you lose a noticeable amount of weight, a dietitian assessment is requested.

No. Cutting out sugary food does not starve a tumour; every cell in the body uses glucose, and blood glucose is produced from healthy foods too [3][4]. Eating a lot of sugar can raise the risk of some cancers indirectly, through weight gain and diabetes, so moderation is sensible. Restricting the energy intake of a patient who is losing weight during treatment is harmful. Nutrition during treatment is planned around adequacy, not prohibitions.

Herbal products, black seed, turmeric supplements and high-dose vitamins can interact with chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs; some change the level of the drug in the blood or put extra strain on the liver [3][4]. For this reason herbal products are not taken during treatment without asking the physician first. Tell the physician about every product you use, with the dose and how long you have taken it. Ordinary spices used in cooking are not a problem.

Tumour genomic testing (comprehensive genomic profiling) is requested when a gene change that could change the choice of treatment is being looked for. The ESMO 2024 recommendations advise broad panel testing in advanced lung, colorectal, prostate, ovarian and bile duct cancers [9]. In early-stage disease, testing is usually limited to specific markers. The decision is made by the physician according to tumour type and stage; details are on the comprehensive genomic profiling page.

Tumour testing looks for changes in the tumour tissue itself (somatic changes) and is used to choose treatment; hereditary testing is done on a blood sample and looks for changes carried from birth (germline changes) [9][1]. Somatic changes are not passed on to children; germline changes concern family members as well. If a tumour test shows a finding that might be inherited, a confirmatory blood test and genetic counselling are recommended.

A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) is a change found in a gene whose link to disease is not yet known [9]. It is not used to estimate cancer risk or to decide treatment, and most VUS findings are reclassified as harmless over time. Relatives are not offered testing for a VUS. The finding is reviewed at the molecular tumour board against evidence databases such as ClinVar and OncoKB, and it may be reinterpreted in future.

A second opinion is a review of your existing diagnosis and treatment plan by another medical oncologist. It is your right, and it does not mean rejecting your first doctor's plan [1][4]. Send your pathology report, imaging reports and treatment summary by WhatsApp or email; they are reviewed before the consultation, which can be held in person or remotely. The plan is compared with current guidelines and you receive a written summary. The process is described on the second opinion page.

Write in English to +90 533 398 50 77 on WhatsApp or to drpetekkaya@gmail.com, giving your name, diagnosis and whether you want a first assessment or a second opinion, and attach your reports. They are reviewed remotely before any decision to travel, and a written opinion is sent. If a visit to Izmir is appropriate, the appointment is planned around your travel. Replies are sent during working hours, Turkish time (UTC+3). Details are on the international patients page.

The frequency of follow-up depends on the cancer type and stage. For most cancers, guidelines recommend a visit every three to six months for the first two to three years, then every six to twelve months [1][2]. A visit includes an examination and blood tests, with imaging when needed; imaging is not required at every visit. After five years, visits become less frequent. If a new symptom appears, contact the physician without waiting for the next visit.

Yes. Once your records have been reviewed and a consultation or treatment in Izmir has been agreed, the hospital can issue a letter confirming the appointment for your visa application. Whether you need a visa, and which type, depends on your nationality; many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online, and others apply through a Turkish consulate. Check the current rules on the official e-Visa and Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites before travelling [10][11].

Usually not. Standard travel insurance covers unexpected illness on a trip; it generally excludes treatment that was planned before departure and often excludes complications of a known cancer diagnosis [3]. Read the policy wording and ask the insurer in writing before you travel. Planned treatment in Türkiye is normally paid for by the patient directly or through a private health plan that has agreed to it in advance; the hospital's international office can explain what documentation it needs.

Prescription medicines for personal use can generally be brought into Türkiye in quantities that match the length of your stay, in their original packaging and with a copy of the prescription or a doctor's letter in English. Controlled medicines, such as strong painkillers, need particular care and may require additional documentation. Confirm the current rules with Turkish customs and with your airline before travelling. Bring a full list of your medicines to the consultation.

Go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 112, the national emergency number in Türkiye, which is free from any phone. If you are receiving treatment at Egepol Hastanesi, its emergency department is open around the clock and has access to your treatment record. Carry your treatment summary and medicine list with you. Tell the emergency team that you are having cancer treatment and the date of your last cycle. WhatsApp and email are not for emergencies.