Oncology in Mexico

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 Mexico?

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 Mexico for at least 10 to 14 days. Your oncologist and/or medical tourism team will advise you on the length of stay in Mexico.

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 Mexico

About Mexico

The Country of Mexico forms a part of the North American continent and lies directly south of the United States and is the fifth largest country in the Americas. It comprises 31 states and a Federal District. The capital of Mexico City lies in the Federal District. Mexico is dominated by several mountain ranges and the more well-known ones are the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental. It is famous for its amazing beaches, and the best-known Latin American pyramids include the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon at Teotihuacán in central Mexico,

Mexico ranks among the top five locales for medical tourism worldwide, consistently attracting those seeking not only medical care but luxurious, boutique-styled facilities for recovery as well. The distinct appeal to choosing Mexico as a destination for medical procedures is not solely based on the accommodation standards, but also the notably lower costs contrasted with those in the United States. With a price tag that usually amounts to 70-80% less than what you'd expect to pay in the US for the same procedure, it's no wonder why Mexico is such an attractive option for medical tourists.

In terms of the economic value, medical tourism in Mexico has proven to be no small industry. According to the data gathered in 2016, the industry is worth a whopping $4.8 Billion. Moreover, it is not an underused resource, as can be seen in the influx of medical tourists that the country welcomes each year. An astonishing 1 million individuals travel to Mexico annually, seeking different varieties of treatments and procedures.

Geographically, it's noted that the majority of these medical tourists hail from nearby US states. In fact, states that border Mexico, such as California, Texas, and Arizona, make up approximately 70% of the medical tourists that arrive in Mexico.

Tijuana, Cancun, Mexicali, and Monterrey are some of the more popular cities in Mexico for medical tourism and the flowing procedures:

• Dental treatments including dental surgery
• Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
• Bariatric Surgery
• Other medical procedures like dermatology, orthopedics, gynecology, and ophthalmology.

Popular Parts of Mexico

Six Cities in Mexico that should be on your itinerary:

1. Mexico City – This enormous capital city is the most populous city on the North American continent. The metropolitan area of the city is home to a staggering 21.2 million people. El Zocalo, the main public square is a famous landmark in Mexico City. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Cancun –Is a major resort city with turquoise blue waters and striking white sandy beaches. It has a population of about 628,000 people. You can take day trips to the Mayan ruins, the unspoiled jungle habitats of Coba, and Chichen Itza from Cancun.
3. San Miguel de Allende –Is one of the most popular cities in Mexico. The must-visit sites in this city are the San Miguel Arcangel Parish, the archaeological zone of Canada la Virgen, and the handicraft market.
4. Guadalajara – It’s the second largest city in Mexico and has a population of 5.1 million. The city has a more relaxed feel and a distinctly Mexican flavor. The historic center is impressive with a cathedral and colonial architecture. Guadalajara Cathedral, Instituto Cultural de Cabanas, and the Expiatory Temple are famous sights to visit.
5. Oaxaca – Is a southern Mexican city and is situated in a valley. It is home to 4.2 million inhabitants. Oaxaca Cathedral, Zocalo and Mercado Benito Juarez, and The Rufino Tamayo Museum are a few of the interesting places to see in this city.
6. Tijuana – Is a border city in Mexico and shares its border with California. Because of its location, this city is very popular with American medical tourists. The Avenida Revolucion is the main street and is lined with Bars and Restaurants. Popular landmarks include Jai Alai Fronton Palace, Centro Cultural Tijuana, and Estadio Caliente. It has a population of 1.3 million people.

Other important cities are Merida, Acapulco, Puebla City, Taxco Puerto Vallarto, and Playa del Carmen.

Weather and Climate in Mexico

Mexico, in its vastness, doesn't possess a uniform climate throughout the nation. Various regions exhibit distinct weather patterns, which are inextricably linked to their geographical features. Given Mexico's immense size, it's unsurprising that the climate varies significantly across different locations. The periodic patterns across the nation are not homogenous, as one would expect in a smaller, less diverse country. Instead, Mexico’s topography, which is incredibly varied, heavily influences the country’s diverse weather and climate.

In terms of seasonality, Mexico traditionally experiences two major seasons - the rainy season and the dry season. Each of these seasons presents its own unique set of conditions and weather patterns, shaping the climate across the country in distinctive ways. The shifts between these periods of rain and periods of drought are quite pronounced, showcasing the climatic dualism that shapes the Mexican landscape. This cyclical pattern of rainy and dry seasons is a key part of Mexico's climatic identity, having profound effects on both its environment and the livelihood of its inhabitants.

• Rainy Season – Most of Mexico experiences rain from May to September or October. The weather is hot and humid in these months, especially in Southern Mexico. The average temperature in the summer months is around 83 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, the temperature averages between 68- and 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Dry Season – October to May there is hardly any rain and it happens to be the most popular time to visit Mexico. During the winter months of December to February, the non-coastal regions have cold weather. At times, it reaches freezing temperatures. June to November is the hurricane season and hence it is better to avoid traveling during this time.

Getting Around in Mexico

The easiest way to reach Mexico is through Mexico City International Airport, which is also referred to as Benito Juarez International Airport, which is the busiest airport in Mexico. The airport links 52 domestic cities and 50 international destinations in Latin America, North America, Europe, and Asia. Aeromexico is the largest carrier serving many Latin American cities, domestic and international cities. Other prominent Mexican airlines are Interjet, Volaris, and Aeromar. Major American carriers like United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air also operate flights to Mexico City.

For travel within Mexico, air travel is the best mode considering the vast size of the country. Budget airlines like Avolar, Azteca, Interjet, vivaAerobus, and Volaris offer competitive and cheap airfares for domestic travel.

You can navigate between cities via local buses and rental cars, making the journey a part of your Mexican adventure. However, for a quicker commute, the metro system prevails as the fastest mode of transport. This web of fast trains bridges the gap between major cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, ensuring convenient and expedient transportation.

Navigating through Mexico City is fairly simple and cost-effective, courtesy of its inexpensive public transport system. You can choose from a variety of transport modes, including the Metro, first and second-class buses, colectivos, and Nissan Tsuru libre taxis.

However, if you prefer sitio taxis, it is advised not to hail one from the street after dark for safety reasons. Furthermore, for those not fluent in Spanish or unfamiliar with the city's layout, it is highly recommended to use taxis from Taxi Ranks, ensuring a smoother and more secure journey.

Tourist Visas in Mexico

Traveling to Mexico as a tourist, you need to apply for and get a tourist visa well in advance. Your passport must be valid to cover at least three months beyond the duration of your visa. A Mexican tourist visa is for a single entry and is valid for only six months. You should travel within 90 days of the visa being issued.

Mexico has a waiver for the tourist visa requirement for the citizens of 67 countries including the USA, European Union, Latin America, and Australia. Under this privilege, you can visit Mexico for a period of 30 to 180 days without a tourist visa. However, you need to get an online Electronic Authorization before traveling to Mexico.

Nationals of Russia, India China and a few other countries need to get a visa in advance before entering Mexico.

Additional Information

1. The currency of Mexico is Peso and has a $ symbol like the US Dollar. So, MXN is an alternative symbol to avoid confusion. Shopkeepers accept US dollars but refuse Euros. The conversion rate of a US dollar to Mexican Peso is 17.97 as of Mexico 2023.
2. You can use debit and credit cards within city limits in Mexico, but many retailers levy a surcharge for credit cards. Small shopkeepers insist on cash. ATMs are present everywhere and have bilingual options with English as a choice.
3. Spanish is the first and the main language spoken in Mexico. People also speak English in tourist areas and along the Northern border. However, it is always better to learn a little Spanish when you travel to Mexico.
4. Mexico does not have a national religion, but Roman Catholicism is a major faith.
5. Constitution Day (Feb 4), Benito Juarez’s Birthday (Mar 18), Independence Day (Sep 16), Revolution Day (Nov 18), and Christmas (Dec 25) are some of the statutory public holidays in Mexico.