Oncology in Brazil

Oncology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating people with cancer is called an oncologist.

An oncologist can design a treatment plan based on detailed pathology reports that shows the type of cancer the patient has, how much cancer has developed, how fast the cancer is likely to spread, and what parts of the patient's body are involved.

The field of oncology has three main areas, which include:

• Medical oncologists use chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and other types of targeted treatments to treat cancer. Most people think of medical oncologist as their primary cancer doctor. Medical oncologists help monitor and maintain patients' well-being, as well as helping patients manage side effects. Often patients follow up with their medical oncologist once their treatment is complete.
• Surgical oncologists perform the surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. They will help patients prepare for and recover from any surgical procedure they undergo during their cancer treatment. If your primary doctor suspects that you have cancer, a surgical oncologist is likely one of the first doctors you see. Surgical oncologists can perform biopsies, which involves removing a small tissue sample to be checked for cancer cells.
• Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation therapy. They use high-energy photon beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Approximately one-half of all cancer patients will undergo radiation treatment during their cancer care.

Because most cancers are treated with a combination of therapies, you could see two or all three different oncologists during the course of your treatment.

Besides the three main areas, there are also several other areas of oncology. These include:

• Pediatric oncologists diagnose and treat cancer in children. Some types of cancer appear more often in children and teenagers, such as leukemia, brain tumors, osteosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma. Some pediatric oncologists focus on conducting research on childhood cancers, while others specialize in certain types of cancer.
• Gynecologic oncologists treat cancers that affect women, such as cancer of the ovary, cervix, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Additionally, they also treat complicated gynecological conditions that are not cancerous, such as fibroid tumors and endometriosis.
• Hematologist-oncologists diagnoses and treats blood cancers, such as lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. They may also specialize in the management of solid tumors.

Oncologists usually work with a variety of other medical professionals, including pathologists, diagnostic radiologists, oncology nurses, and oncology social workers. They may also work with doctors from other areas of medicine, such as neurologists, dermatologists, or urologists.

What does Oncology Involve?

There are many types of procedures to treat cancer. The types of procedures that you receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. Some people who have cancer will only have one treatment. However, most people have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Below are the types of procedures to treat cancer:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells in the body and prevent them from growing. The drugs can prevent cell division, target the food source of the cancer cells’ (the hormones and enzymes the cells need to grow), and trigger apoptosis (a process in which cancer cells kill themselves).

• Chemotherapy drugs can be given in several different ways, including.
• Oral – taken in a pill or capsule form.
• Intravenously – through an infusion into a vein.
• Shots – injected with a needle.
• Topical – applying creams or gels into the skin. This type is used to treat certain types of skin cancer.

Chemotherapy drugs can also be given directly to cancer or directly to an area of the body, such as the abdomen or central nervous system.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, or biologic therapy, boosts your body’s natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses substances made by your own body, or in a laboratory, to improve or restore your immune system function. It can stop cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, stop or slow the growth of cancer cells, and help your immune system work better at destroying cancer cells.

There are several types of immunotherapy to treat cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell transfer therapy, monoclonal antibodies, treatment vaccines, and immune system modulators. Different types of immunotherapy may be given in different ways, such as intravenous (IV), oral, intravesical (directly into the bladder), or topical.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses drugs that are designed to specifically “target” cancer cells without affecting normal cells. It targets the cancer’s specific proteins, genes, or other tissue environment contributing to cancer survival and growth. These proteins and genes are found in cancer cells or in cells related to cancer growth.

The targeted drugs can block or turn off chemical signals that tell cancer cells when to divide and grow, stop making new blood vessels that feed cancer cells, change proteins within the cancer cells so the cells die, trigger the immune system to kill cancer cells, and carry toxins in the cancer cells to kill them.

• There are two types of targeted therapy:
• Small-molecule drugs, which is given through pills or capsules that you swallow
• Monoclonal antibodies, which are given through a needle in a blood vein.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses intense energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It most often uses X-rays, but other types of energy, such as protons may also be used.

Radiation therapy can be done in two ways:

• External-beam radiation therapy – this type of radiation therapy delivers radiation from a machine outside the body. You will lie on a table, and the machine (called a linear accelerator) moves around you to deliver radiation from several different angles. It is a quick and painless procedure.
• Internal radiation therapy – also called brachytherapy, involves both temporary and permanent placement of radioactive sources in the body. During the placement of the radioactive sources, you will be given anesthesia.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy stops or slows the growth of cancer that uses hormones to grow. It works by blocking your body’s ability to produce hormones or interfere with how hormones behave in your body. It can reduce the chance that cancer will return by stopping or slowing its growth, as well as preventing or reducing symptoms in men with prostate cancer.

Hormone therapy is usually used to treat breast and prostate cancer. It can be taken in many ways, including orally, through an injection, and surgery.

Stem Cell Transplant

People whose blood-forming stem cells are damaged by the very high doses of radiation therapy or chemotherapy can undergo stem cell transplant to restore the cells. Blood-forming stem cells are vital since they grow into different types of blood cells that you need to be healthy. The stem cells will be given to you through an IV catheter. The process is very much like receiving a blood transfusion.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment for cancer is a procedure to remove cancer from your body. There are many types of surgeries to treat cancer, which differ based on the part of the body that requires surgery, the purpose of the surgery, the amount of tissue to be removed, and your preference. In general, the surgery can be open or minimally invasive.

• During open surgery, one large incision is made to remove the tumor, some healthy tissue, and some nearby lymph nodes.
• During minimally invasive surgery, a few tiny incisions are made instead of a large one. These incisions are made to insert a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera on its end) and special surgical tools. The laparoscope allows your surgeon to see the inside of the body, and the surgical tools are used to remove the tumor and some healthy tissue.

How Long Should I Stay in Brazil?

For chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, the treatment schedule may vary. You may have treatment every day, week, or month. It may also be given in a cycle, which is a period of treatment followed by a period of rest to give your body a chance to recover. For surgical treatment, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days, and you need to stay in Brazil for at least 10 to 14 days. Your oncologist and/or medical tourism team will advise you on the length of stay in Brazil.

What's the Recovery Time?

The type of procedure you undergo determines the recovery period. While you may be able to get back to your normal routine within 10 days after laparoscopic surgery, you may need to wait around 6 weeks to fully recover from open surgery. Your oncologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline.

What About Aftercare?

You will be given instructions on how to take care of yourself. Your surgeon or nurse will explain how to control your pain, how to take care of your wound, activities you can and cannot do, and how to spot signs of infections. You may also need to talk to a dietitian to help with eating problems caused by the treatment. You will need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your condition.

What's the Success Rate?

Cancer survival has improved significantly due to constant advancement and improvements in the field of oncology, including improvement in treatments and screening (allowing for earlier diagnosis). Still, you need to be aware of the risks, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

Are there Alternatives to Oncology?

There is no other alternative than to see an oncologist when it comes to cancer treatments. Some people may choose to undergo meditation, hypnosis, and acupuncture as well, usually to relieve the stress, anxiety, and pain that cancer can bring.

Oncology in and around Brazil

About Brazil

Occupying the title of the largest country in South America, Brazil embraces a diverse population of over 209 million people. The nation is globally renowned for its passion for football (also referred to as soccer in some parts of the world) and their dynamic, flamboyant carnival traditions, boasting a vibrant mix of music, dance, and colorful attire.

In addition to its vivacious culture, Brazil is a sanctuary of spectacular natural beauty. The country nurtures some of the world's most stunning natural wonders, including the dramatic Iguacu Falls and the world's largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon Rainforest, teeming with diverse plant and animal species. One can't miss the landmark figurine of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro that towers 98-feet high, becoming a symbol of Brazil's deep-rooted religious faith and an iconic sight that captures hearts worldwide.

Brazil offers more than 60 JCI-accredited facilities and is one of the leading destinations in the world for cosmetic surgery, with Oncology procedures being especially popular. Doctors are often Western-trained and speak English on top of Portuguese and Spanish. Local accreditations include the Consortium of Brazilian Accreditation and the Brazilian Hospital Medical Quality Organization (ONA). Popular locations within Brazil include the capital Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Curitiba.

Popular Parts of Brazil

• Rio de Janeiro is a combination of natural attractions and metropolis. It is known to be a party city that offers good times and an unforgettable experience. Lounge around in the world-famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, sample Brazilian cuisine, hike the summit of Corcovado and see the high statue of Christ the Redeemer, dance in Rio Carnival, and see the spectacular views of Ipanema and Guanabara Bay from the Sugarloaf Mountain.
• São Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It is a huge city that at first glance seems intimidating. It offers hundreds of museums, quirky urban art, delicious cuisine, lively nightlife, and intense cultural experience. Visit Avenida Paulista (Paulista Avenue), a street filled with shopping centers, parks, bars, restaurants, museums, theatres, and cultural spaces.
• Salvador is full of vibrant cultures. It is the heart of Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian community. The city’s charm lies in its pastel-colored neighborhood, centuries-old architecture, and freshly-cooked acarajé and completed with wild festivals and capoeira circles every night.
• Brasília is Brazil’s capital. It’s very modern with futuristic architecture that looks more like artworks than ordinary buildings. It’s a paradise for architecture buffs. Besides the architecture, the food and nightlife in this city is something that should not be missed.
• Manaus might be isolated in terms of location, but it’s actually a large city with a prospering industry and a rich culture. The city is also filled with natural beauty; green spaces, waterfalls, and ecological parks surround its colonial buildings. It is the gateway to the Amazon Rainforest.

Weather and Climate in Brazil

As a large country, the weather in Brazil varies from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. A large part of the country lies in the topics. Brazil is a year-round destination because it has a steady average annual temperature. The temperature rarely drops below 20 °C.

Winter in Brazil starts in May and ends in September. The weather remains tropical in the north with an average temperature ranging between 20 °C to 30 °C. In Rio de Janeiro, the temperature varies between 14 °C to 25 °C. However, the evenings usually feel a lot colder.

During this particular season, one can expect a fair amount of rainfall in Rio, leading to many wet and rain-soaked days. If you plan a visit at this time, it's wise to keep that in mind and prepare accordingly. In contrast, further inland, São Paulo experiences significantly cooler temperatures compared to Rio, reflecting the country's vast geographical expanse and diverse microclimates spread across its regions.

This temperature drop might require some warm clothing, especially during late evenings and nights. So, whether you wish to enjoy the rainy murmur in Rio or seek the cool retreat of São Paulo, there's something unique for every traveler in Brazil during this season.

The temperature in Rio rise between November and March, with the highest temperature of around 40 °C but with a thermal sensation of around 50 °C. The Rain rarely lasts long during these months. In the north of Brazil, the rainy season starts in December. March and May see the heaviest rainfall. It’s hot and humid with frequent rain throughout the year in the Amazon.

Getting Around in Brazil

The most popular international airports are Rio de Janeiro–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (popularly known as Galeão International Airport) and São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport. Both airports serve domestic and international flights to many cities around the globe. The airports mainly serve major airlines but there are budget airlines such as Norwegian Air UK. Tourists can take taxis, bus, train, or car rental from both airports to the city centers.

Brazil is really big, so there will be a lot of long-distance travel to get around the country. The easiest and fastest way to get from one city to another is by domestic flights. The only downside is that the tickets are very expensive. LATAM and GOL Airlines offer multi-trip tickets or air pass. The most economical option is to buy an air pass if you plan to visit a number of different cities.

Buses are popular in Brazil, servicing most areas of the country. The bus system is excellent and provides a comfortable and economical way of travel. Be aware that the distance can be really tiring and overwhelming; some trips can take over 40 hours. The buses are operated by hundreds of different private companies, but the price is standardized. The fare varies from 75 BRL to 240 BRL. There are luxurious buses too.

A good way to get around major cities like São Paulo and Rio is to use Brazil Metro (subway). The fares are around 3.50 BRL to 3.80 BRL. You can purchase rechargeable travel cards. The metro does not operate at night. Be sure to watch your belongings at all times when traveling on the metro.

Taxis run on a metered system, but if you travel a bit further out of town, you need to negotiate the price with the driver. It is best to phone for a taxi or pick one up at a taxi station and make sure to get into a licensed taxi. Ferries and other water travel are important in many parts of Brazil.

Tourist Visas in Brazil

Nationals of 72 countries and territories can enter and stay in Brazil for up to 90 days without a visa. In some cases, an identity document may be accepted instead of a passport. Citizens of other countries, including China and India, must apply for and obtain a visa before entering Brazil. It is recommended to contact the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.

Brazil offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) for citizens of eligible countries. The e-Visa is valid for two years and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per year. Applicants can apply for the e-Visa online through the Brazilian government's website.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). 1 USD will get you approximately 5.04 BRL.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available in Brazil and it is the easiest way of getting cash in big cities. ATMs in smaller towns usually don’t work for non-Brazilian cards. Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels. It might be handy to always have cash with you, but always be extremely cautious. Tipping is optional for housekeepers, tip parking assistants 2 BRL, or more since they do not receive wages and depend on tips. Taxis do not expect tips. Restaurants usually include a 10% service charge in the bill.
3. Local Language: The official language is Portuguese. English is not widely spoken, especially outside Rio and São Paulo.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The largest religion in Brazil is Christianity with more than 60% of the population follows Roman Catholicism.
5. Public Holidays: Brazil celebrates major Christian religious holidays as well as Independence Day and Civil Servants Day. Festa Junina, Parintins Folklore Festival, and Oktoberfest are three of the biggest annual festival in the country.