For the past ten years, Turkey has been among the most preferred countries for medical tourism. Medical travelers usually prefer Turkey because of the availability of quality medical services available there. Moreover, the cost of treatment in Turkey is comparatively lower as compared to Western nations. Turkey is among the top ten countries with hospitals accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), which provides services in international accreditation services.
When talking about medical treatment, cancer has been reported among the top five reasons behind patients traveling to Turkey. Most of the cancer patients traveling to Turkey were reported to be traveling for the treatment of lung cancer. Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Izmir, and Mugla are among the top destinations preferred by travelers coming to Turkey for cancer treatment.
Given the increasing number of cancer patients seeking treatment in Turkey, understanding the role of oncologists becomes crucial.
What is an Oncologist?
An oncologist is a specialist/doctor who specializes in the treatment and management of cancer. They are experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing various types of cancer. You may see an oncologist if you have symptoms that could indicate cancer or if you have a family history of cancer.
What are the Different Types of Oncologists?
Different types of oncologists are:
- Medical Oncologists – Use medication to treat cancer
- Surgical Oncologists – Perform surgical removal of cancerous tumors
- Radiation Oncologists – Use radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
- Neurological Oncologists – Specialize in cancers affecting the brain and nervous system
- Gynecologic Oncologists – Treat cancers affecting the female reproductive system
- Pediatric Oncologists – Treat childhood cancers
Contact EdhaCare if you want to travel to Turkey for cancer treatment. Based on your medical requirements, we will get you in touch with the top Turkish oncologists.
Who are the top 10 Best Oncologists in Turkey?
Turkish oncologists are highly qualified professionals some of whom have been trained internationally. They are known for their compassionate care and empathetic approach. Some of the top 10 best oncologists in Turkey are listed below:
Dr. Nil Molinas Mandel
- Dr. Nil Molinas Mandel is a Medical Oncologist with over 45 years of experience.
- She is proficient in the treatment and management of insulinoma, hepatoblastoma, lip cancer, liposarcoma, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, etc.
- She completed her medical education and internal medicine residency from Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University in 1978 and 1983 respectively.
- She has 39 articles published in international scientific journals and 31 articles published in national scientific journals.
Prof. Dr. Fatih Agalar
- Prof. Dr. Fatih Agalar is a Surgical Oncologist with over 35 years of experience.
- He is proficient in robotic surgery (abdominal, coloproctology, breast, thyroid surgery), endocrine surgery, intensive care of surgical patients, abdominal wall reconstruction and soft tissue surgery, oncoplastic breast surgery, etc.
- He completed his Diploma from Ankara University, in 1986 and specialization in general surgery from the Hadjeteppe University Clinic, Turkey in 1994.
- In 1998, he further completed a postgraduate course in general surgery at the Hadjeteppe University Clinic, Ankara, Turkey.
Dr. Abdullah Buyukcelik
- With 30 years of experience, Dr. Abdullah Buyukcelik is a renowned Medical Oncologist.
- He specializes in the treatment and management of different types of cancers, including breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers.
- He treats and manages esophagus cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, neuroblastoma, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), multiple myeloma, uterine sarcoma, oral cancer, leukemia, and many more.
- He completed his medical education at Istanbul University and Istanbul and Ankara University.
Dr. Mustafa Ozdogan
- Dr. Mustafa Ozdogan is a distinguished Medical Oncologist with over 30 years of experience.
- He specializes in various cancer treatments, including innovative therapies like immunotherapy, gene editing, and minimally invasive procedures.
- He also focuses on cancer prevention, nutritional support, and advanced chemotherapy techniques.
- In 1993, he completed his degree in general medicine from Erciyes University.
- He further completed his specialization in internal medicine and specialization in medical oncology from Akdeniz University in 2000 and 2003 respectively.
Prof. Dr. Savas Tuna
- Prof. Dr. Savas Tuna is a renowned Medical Oncologist with over 30 years of experience.
- He specializes in the treatment and management of lung cancer, skin cancer, sarcomas, etc.
- He is proficient in cancer chemotherapy, targeting drugs in cancer treatment, immunotherapy, cancer vaccines, complementary and supportive therapies, etc.
- He completed his medical education and specialization from Istanbul University Oncology Institute.
Dr. Ahmet Bilici
- Dr. Ahmet Bilici is a surgical oncologist with over 25 years of experience.
- He specializes in the treatment of cancer of internal organs, including cancer of the colon, liver, intestines, lungs, prostate, etc.
- He is also proficient in immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and smart drug therapy.
- In 1998, he completed his undergraduate education at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine and received the title of Medical Doctor.
Prof. Dr. Deniz Yamac
- Prof. Dr. Deniz Yamac is a renowned medical oncologist with over 25 years of experience.
- She treats and manages all types of cancers, particularly breast cancer and head-neck cancer.
- She also trains healthcare professionals on supportive care and communication strategies for cancer patients.
- She has been instrumental in establishing a support group for breast cancer survivors.
- After graduation from Ankara University, she completed her specialty education and training in Medical Oncology and Internal Diseases from the School of Medicine, Gazi University.
Dr. Emel Ceylan Gunay
- With more than 17 years of experience, Dr. Emel Gunay is a well-known Nuclear Medicine Specialist practicing in Turkey.
- She specializes in nuclear oncology, radionuclide therapies, and routine nuclear medicine applications.
- She obtained her medical education and degree in nuclear medicine from the Hacettepe University Faculty of Nuclear Medicine.
- She has authored many articles published in international medical journals.
Assoc. Dr. Fatih Selcukbiricik
- Assoc. Dr. Fatih Selcukbiricik is a Medical Oncologist with over 20 years of experience.
- He is proficient in the treatment and management of liposarcoma, colon cancer, rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, throat cancer, etc.
- He is skilled in immunotherapy and targeted therapy,
- He completed his medical education and medical oncology fellowship from Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University in 1999 and 2005 respectively.
- In 2012, he completed his internal medicine residency from Istanbul School of Medicine, Istanbul University.
Dr. Mustafa Yaylaci
- With over 17 years of experience, Dr. Mustafa Yaylaci is a well-known Medical Oncologist.
- His areas of expertise lie in all organ cancer follow-up, chemotherapy, etc.
- He completed his graduation from Hacettepe University and post-graduation from the GATA Haydarpasa Training Hospital, Istanbul.
New Cancer Treatment Technologies Used in Turkey
Hospitals in Turkey boast modern state-of-the-art technologies being used for cancer treatment. Some of these include the following:
- Gamma knife
- CyberKnife
- da Vinci robot
- TrueBeam
- Trilogy
- Rapidarc
Thanks to modern equipment and technologies used in Turkish hospitals, the chance of recovery from cancer significantly increased.
Conclusion
With its advanced medical infrastructure, experienced oncologists, and innovative treatment options, Turkey has established itself as a leading destination for cancer care. By understanding the role of oncologists and exploring the expertise of top professionals like those mentioned above, patients can make the right decisions about their treatment plans. If you are considering cancer treatment in Turkey, consulting with a trusted medical tourism facilitator like EdhaCare can help you with the process and connect with the best possible care.