Each year, more and more North American patients travel to Europe
for advanced cancer treatment at one of the specialized oncology centers.
It’s all about having better access to the best possible cancer treatments. For private-paying Americans, the cost of specialized health care in Europe can be very attractive compared to the same treatment options in the USA. The main pull factor for Canadians will be the shorter wait times for essential tests and treatment when time is pressing.
Making it happen can be a daunting task, though. First, you need to select a good hospital. Then, crossing the Atlantic and physically getting to the hospital when catching a flight is easier said than done. This blog was written to help make it easier by answering the two most common questions: which oncology hospitals in Europe accept international patients for advanced cancer treatment, and how do they travel safely to Europe with cancer?
Europe: highly-specialized hospitals for advanced cancer treatment
Oncology is a fast-developing and much-needed area of medicine. As one of the first fields of nuclear medicine, cancer treatment has experienced the development of highly refined medical treatment protocols and new surgical techniques over the years. Case in point: The World Health Organization (WHO) added 34 cancer medications to the Essential Medicines List in 2022. Diagnostic and surgical options have become better and more specific to different cancer types.
With a population of over 450 million people and multiple busy urban areas, it is not uncommon for large hospital groups in Europe to have dedicated oncology hospitals with easy access to multidisciplinary teams specializing in specific cancer types, rare tumours or advanced stages. Said hospitals specialized in cancer treatment offer better results and faster recovery for many patients who could not access the same care back home for different reasons. This has increased the influx of international patients for cancer treatment in Europe.
Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
The Comprehensive Cancer Center is Finland’s largest and most versatile cancer treatment center. It has exhibited internationally recognized expertise in cancer treatment. With exceptional competence and modern technology, it offers treatment options for international patients older than 16. In addition, it provides an exceptionally well-developed program for palliative care and end-of-life care.
As the first Nordic center to have undergone Organization of European Cancer Institute accreditation, the Comprehensive Cancer Center collaborates with international networks for world-class cancer research and continuous improvement of treatment results. Its areas of specialty include:
- Non-surgical treatment of solid tumors.
- Treatment of hematological diseases.
- Breast-conserving surgical management of breast cancer.
- Clinical drug trials.
- Palliative care.
Its focus on personalized treatment emphasizes its openness to cater to the individualistic needs of international cancer patients. Also, the English language is commonly spoken by personnel in the medical field.
The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
Internationally recognized as the world’s first hospital dedicated to diagnosing, educating, researching, and treating cancer, the Royal Marsden Hospital is rated outstanding globally. This oncology hospital has ensured accurate diagnosis and treatment of all sorts of cancers through tests and investigation since 1851.
Its specialty includes using cutting-edge technology for extensive genomic tests that are individually personalized, theragnostic image analytics and in-depth research for personalized molecular radiotherapy. Through collaborative efforts, the Royal Marsden uses cancer imaging, molecular pathology, and clinical trials to develop scientific findings into new cancer therapies.
To emphasize its dedication to providing the best cancer treatment options for international patients, Royal Marsden has a special international team to assist them. This includes the provision of translators and coordinators. Also, they cater to international cancer patients’ religious and cultural needs.
Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
The oncology team of La Paz University Hospital focuses on personalized and precise treatment of complex cancers. Through its multidisciplinary management, it provides comprehensive health care to its patients. Its participation in national and international clinical trials has positioned it at the forefront of research and innovative treatments for different types of cancer.
The La Paz University Hospital is home to reputable medical professionals with specialties in cancer of the head and neck area, breast cancer, lung cancer, brain tumours, gynecological tumours, and melanoma, amongst others. In its dedication to developing new treatments, the oncology hospital has over 100 open clinical trials for the most common tumours in various stages. As one of Europe’s best international cancer hospitals, it has a state-of-the-art molecular biology laboratory.
University of Leuven Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
The University of Leuven is recognized as Belgium’s largest and most prestigious university hospital, with over 1,700 beds, a wide range of sub-specialties and a long history of groundbreaking achievements. Its oncology services engage world-class clinical research to provide innovative and specialized care for international patients.
The Leuven Cancer Institute holds a reputation as a pioneer in the research of CART cells, a newly discovered type of immunotherapy that uses the patient’s immune cells to recognize and attack the cancer cell. Its medical services include immunotherapy and molecular target therapy. They also include the combination of various methods tailored to a patient’s individual needs to treat cancer. International patients are provided with optimum medical care and attention, including special arrangements to facilitate smooth transitioning for international patients.
Charite Comprehensive Cancer Center, Berlin, Germany
Commonly called the certified oncology center of excellence in Berlin, the Charite Comprehensive Cancer Center ensures precision treatment through molecular tumor diagnostics and interdisciplinary therapy. Its oncology services include:
- The most up-to-date diagnostics.
- Therapy.
- Personalized cancer medication.
- Advanced pain management.
- Comprehensive palliative care.
- Clinical trials.
It also offers psycho-oncological services, such as emotional and psychological support for inpatients and their relatives and respite care in acute crises.
The Charite Cancer Center conducts over 800 clinical trials at different stages annually, enhancing its cancer treatment expertise.
How to travel to the best cancer centers in Europe
Jet Companion offers assisted medical transport for cancer patients
travelling to Europe. Here’s what they provide:
Bedside Nursing and In-flight Care: A professional nurse will accompany the patient from their home or community to the referral hospital in Europe and provide uninterrupted care, such as pain management, mobility assistance, medication administration, oxygen, and toileting assistance.
Logistics: A team of case managers will organize the medical transfer from start to finish and handle communication with the hospitals, paperwork, fit-to-fly clearance, and booking of airport transport, airline tickets, and hotels.
Language support: The team includes personnel fluent in Dutch, Spanish, French, and German.
Conclusion
Cancer patients require ongoing professional care and attention when travelling to Europe for medical treatment. A medical escort can make the transition easier and more comfortable. The support and supervision offered by a professional flight nurse is the best guarantee for an uncomplicated trip and a safe arrival at the treatment center in Europe. Contact us today to get started.