As is well known, there are many cancer patients in our country. The course of treatment is one of the most important concerns for those diagnosed with cancer. Another key issue is which cancer medications are covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK). First, let’s look at cancer in general. The exact cause of cancer remains unknown. Risk factors for cancer vary depending on lifestyle, age, sex and family history. Environmental factors are another important risk factor.
Early detection of cancer in children and young people is often difficult because cancer can present in diverse or subtle ways. If symptoms appear in children or young people, or persist beyond a reasonable time, medical attention should be sought. Common general symptoms of cancer include:
- Fever.
- Paleness.
- Low energy and difficulty concentrating.
- Delayed growth and development.
- Weight loss.
In cancer, malignant cells in the affected organs divide repeatedly and multiply. As they accumulate, they can cause narrowing or obstruction in the area. This leads to various symptoms. Localized signs of cancer may include:
- Localized swelling and pain.
- Vision problems.
- Altered consciousness, paralysis, or seizures.
- Bone pain when cancer involves the bone marrow.
Cancer cells can also produce substances that interfere with the normal function of organs, disrupting their processes and causing illness. There are many types of cancer, and the diagnosis and treatment approach differ for each type.
One of the main concerns for cancer patients is which expenses the state will cover. For example, the leaflet for drugs containing the active ingredient erlotinib indicates effectiveness in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have previously received at least one line of chemotherapy without adequate response, or who have locally advanced or metastatic disease and are non-smokers. When used under the specified conditions, the cost of this medication can be reimbursed.
Cancer drugs are available in hospitals, but their prices can be very high. The need for continuous medication imposes a heavy financial burden on families.
Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer. Chemotherapy is an intensive treatment often used to try to cure a life-threatening disease, and these medications play a central role in the treatment process. However, chemotherapy drugs can be very expensive. The cost varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and the progression of the disease, so different drugs have different prices.
Outside of chemotherapy cycles, targeted cancer medications and other oral cancer treatments are also used during standard care. Chemotherapy is typically an intensive intravenous treatment, while many cancer drugs are taken orally and are separate from chemotherapy regimens. These medications also represent a significant financial burden for families. Both chemotherapy and cancer drugs may be covered by SGK, meaning the state pays for eligible treatments.
SGK covers treatment costs for patients with social security, such as those insured under the Pension Fund, Bağ-Kur, and SSK. Coverage generally includes the provision of cancer medications, but certain specialized tests and examinations are not always covered. In addition, some cancer drugs administered during outpatient care are not reimbursed by the Social Security Institution.