Cancer is a global issue. According to the latest data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2020, more than 19 million people were diagnosed with this disease, and 9,9 million died from it. To date, no method guarantees a complete cure. Therefore, the problem of cancer survival remains relevant. Early detection of the disease significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. About 85% of patients diagnosed with early-stage tumours are completely cured of cancer or achieve sustained remission. To prevent cancer, doctors around the world recommend annual check-ups. Read the article to find out what a cancer check-up is, where to get one, and how much it costs.
Cancer screening: what is it?
A comprehensive programme of diagnostic tests used for the early detection of cancer is called cancer screening. Such ‘checks’ of the body should be carried out regularly. This is especially true for people over 40 and those with a family history of cancer.
The role of check-ups in oncology
Cancer check-ups are recommended to detect the disease before symptoms appear, which in turn gives the patient a better chance of successfully fighting this serious illness. Advances in modern medicine make it possible to accurately diagnose cancer even at stage zero. It is also important to note that the cost of treating a malignant neoplasm that has just begun to develop is 2-4 times cheaper than treating an advanced tumour.
In Europe, preventive examinations have become part of everyday practice, so every year more and more diseases are detected at an early stage, and survival rates are increasing. For example, according to Eurostat data, in 2021, 80% of women aged 50 to 69 in Denmark, Finland and Sweden had been screened for breast cancer in the previous two years. Similarly, around 75% of women aged 20 to 69 in Sweden and the Czech Republic had been screened for cervical cancer in the previous three years. Nearly 80% of people aged 50 to 74 in Finland had been screened for colorectal cancer in the previous two years.
However, the situation in countries with less developed healthcare is different. According to information from the World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Europe, a study was conducted on the incidence of breast cancer. The results showed that one in four cases is detected at a late stage, when cure is difficult or even impossible. An early breast cancer diagnosis programme offers the best chance of rapidly reducing mortality from this dangerous disease.
5-year survival rates for early and late stage cancer for different types of cancer (data from Cancer Research UK):
| Type of cancer | Early stage survival rate | Late stage survival rate |
| Breast cancer | Almost 100%. | Approximately 30% |
| Bowel cancer | More than 90% | Approximately 10% |
| Lung cancer | Approximately 60% | Less than 10% |
Read: The World Health Organisation has compiled a list of cancers for which regular screening tests are most relevant and appropriate. These include:
- breast cancer (women aged 50 and over);
- cervical cancer (from first sexual intercourse);
- colon cancer (men and women aged 50 and over);
- prostate cancer (men aged 40 and over);
- lung cancer (men and women aged 40 and over);
- stomach cancer (men and women over 40);
- skin cancer (women and men over 50).
Endoscopic examinations to diagnose polyps in the rectum and stomach are recommended for everyone over 40. In most cases, a biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose a malignant neoplasm.
Sign up for a cancer check-up
If you would like to undergo a full oncological examination, send your request to our coordinating doctors, and we will advise you on the check-up packages offered by foreign clinics.
What does a cancer check-up involve?
A cancer check-up programme consists of a specific set of tests (laboratory tests, visual tests, biopsies, etc.), the list of which can be supplemented at the patient’s request. When choosing between basic and advanced screening, the person’s gender and age are taken into account.
As a rule, a cancer check-up involves consultation with specialists who determine the need for certain tests, analyse the data obtained, and provide recommendations for the treatment or prevention of identified pathologies. A thorough diagnostic programme provides reliable and comprehensive information about the patient’s health.
A basic examination for the most common types of cancer in women (breast, cervical and uterine cancer, ovarian cancer) involves visits to a gynaecologist, mammologist and oncologist.
Women over 40 are required to undergo mammography, pelvic ultrasound, chest X-ray and other imaging tests (CT, MRI). Tests for tumour markers are also provided: cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) for ovarian cancer, chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) for germ cell tumours.
The basic cancer screening for men differs from that for women and involves visits to specialists such as a urologist and oncologist. Men undergo a prostate ultrasound and chest X-ray. They also take a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test to detect prostate cancer, undergo laboratory tests, etc.
Sign up for a cancer check-up
Our medical coordinators will advise you on the best clinics to visit for an oncology check-up and help you organise your trip.
How much does an oncological check-up abroad cost?
In foreign clinics, patients can undergo a check-up without queues and in a relaxed atmosphere, choosing a convenient time for the examination. A comprehensive cancer diagnosis programme does not take much time. As a rule, the patient completes everything in 1-3 days, and the results are given to them in person or sent digitally within a week.
The price of a cancer check-up abroad depends on the set of procedures included in a particular diagnostic programme. The cost is also influenced by the level of the clinic and the pricing policy of the country. The cheapest cancer screening is available in Turkish and Korean clinics.
The approximate cost of a comprehensive cancer check-up is:
| Country | Cost |
| Israel | from $2,000-3,500 |
| Spain | from €1,800-3,400 |
| Germany | from €1,500-3,500 |
| Turkey | from $1,500-2,600 |
| Korea | from $1,800-2,400 |
Where can you get tested for cancer abroad?
According to data from the international medical platform MediGlobus, the most popular clinics for cancer check-ups abroad are:
Liv Clinic
Reviews of the clinic:
“Impressive service. An exemplary organisation that maintains a high level of patient satisfaction. Thank you.”
“All the staff are very attentive to patients. The hospital is very clean. The ward I was in was very spacious and comfortable (I had 35 m²). This hospital took care of my comfort. I am very satisfied!”
Navarra University Hospital
Reviews about the clinic:
“The clinic is located in Pamplona. It is worth coming here to take advantage of their medical services. In my case, they provided unlimited possibilities. All the staff are attentive and explain each procedure in detail. Everything is tidy, and there are specialists for everything. Appointments are usually scheduled on time, and the waiting time is short. There is a car park right in front of the clinic. We will be coming back, and I recommend this clinic.”
Assuta Clinic
Reviews of the clinic:
“A 21st-century hospital: modern, clean, well-organised, with caring staff and high-quality service. Two benefits: high-speed Wi-Fi and mobile phone chargers in the waiting room.”
“Excellent staff, calm and attentive. I felt like I was staying at a hotel, with dinner and breakfast served in bed. The room had its own bathroom. The room was cosy and had air conditioning. Thank you to the staff for their care!”
Cologne University Clinic
Reviews of the clinic:
“I have been to this hospital twice, and each time I felt that I was well cared for. The nurses and doctors are very friendly, despite their busy work schedule, and the procedures were explained in detail.”
“I have never seen such professional cooperation between all hospital staff. The medical equipment here is the best. The wards are bright and as comfortable as possible. The medical staff is a well-coordinated team that not only competently but also compassionately cares for patients and is always ready to help.”
Memorial Şişli Clinic
Reviews about the clinic:
“An excellent clinic. I had a women’s check-up after 40. The examination took one day. Thank you to the staff, they are well organised, respond quickly to all questions, and are friendly and cheerful.”
“Overall, I was very satisfied with the check-up service I received. The coordinator was very interested and friendly. The examinations and doctor’s check-ups were quite detailed.”
SoonChunHyang Hospital
Reviews of the clinic:
“A huge area with all kinds of departments. Convenient service for foreigners. Friendly atmosphere.”
“‘If you are a foreigner, this hospital may be a good choice, as it has a multilingual support service.
Vienna Private Clinic
Reviews about the clinic::
“Excellent personal service, cosy wards, very good food. From a medical point of view, everything is top-notch!”
“A good hospital, excellent staff and modern equipment. We have been coming here for check-ups for several years. There are no queues, all tests are done on site, and the results come back quickly; the doctors do their job perfectly and don’t push anything unnecessary.”
Koç Clinic
Reviews about the clinic:
“The cleanest hospital I’ve ever seen and a place where you can receive the highest-quality medical services. The doctors are the best.”
“Many thanks to the international patient department for their excellent organisation. Everything went very well, quickly and smoothly. Yes, we paid more than we would have in our home country, but we received accurate information and are very happy with the results. Thank you to the doctors and organisers.”
Check-up with MediGlobus — patient testimonial
MediGlobus is often contacted to organise check-ups abroad. We provide comprehensive assistance in choosing a clinic, organising travel and coordinating the examination process. One of our clients shared their impressions of working with us:
“I recently discovered ‘medical tourism’ with the assistance of the Mediglobus platform. I am 33 years old and decided it was time to undergo a medical examination to check for any potential issues. I was planning a short trip to several cities in Spain and decided to have a check-up in Madrid. Since I don’t speak Spanish and don’t really know anything about medicine in Spain, I found several companies online that organise trips abroad specifically for medical treatment. After talking to representatives of these companies, I chose Mediglobus. They quickly found me several options, from which I chose the one that best suited my itinerary and budget. We adjusted the scope of the tests, and the patient support centre coordinator made the reservations. When I arrived at the hospital, an interpreter was already waiting for me at the reception desk. We quickly completed the registration process, and I was taken to see the doctor for a consultation. The next two days were spent undergoing tests. Based on the results, I received a report with recommendations from the doctor. While I was at the clinic, the coordinating doctor from Mediglobus stayed in touch with me, constantly asking how the examinations were going and whether I needed anything else. To sum up, I can say that I am satisfied with the quality of the medical care and service provided by Mediglobus. I wish the management and the team working on my case every success and prosperity, and I recommend their services to anyone in need of medical assistance.”
To sign up for a check-up, click on the button below and leave your contact details for a callback.
Summary
- A cancer check-up is recommended to detect the disease before symptoms appear, which in turn gives the patient a better chance of successfully fighting a serious illness.
- When cancer is detected at an early stage, the 5-year survival rate is almost 100% for women with breast cancer, 90% for bowel cancer, and over 60% for lung cancer.
- Advances in modern medicine make it possible to accurately diagnose cancer even at stage zero. It is also important to note that the cost of treating a malignant tumour that has only just begun to develop is 2-4 times cheaper than treating an advanced tumour.
- The cancer check-up programme consists of a specific set of examinations (laboratory tests, visual tests, biopsies, etc.), the list of which can be supplemented at the patient’s request.
- The cost of a cancer check-up abroad starts at $1,500. Our patients most often choose clinics in Turkey, Spain, Germany, Austria, and South Korea.
- To choose a clinic for a cancer check-up and organise your medical trip, contact the specialists at MediGlobus. Our coordinators’ services are free of charge for patients. Submit your request and we will contact you as soon as possible.
