Türkiye
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Türkiye is a Western European country that bridges Europe and Asia, and is classified as an upper-middle-income country with a population of 86 million. Healthcare in Türkiye consists of a mix of public and private health services. The universal healthcare programme (Genel Sağlık Sigortası) was introduced in 2003 and financed almost 80% of all national health expenditures in 2021. Like many countries, Türkiye is facing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
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There were over 240,000 new cancer diagnoses in Türkiye in 2022. Breast cancer is the most prevalent women’s cancer in Türkiye. It is responsible for 12.5% of deaths related to cancer, with an incidence of 46.8 per 100,000 population in 2022. It accounts for nearly a quarter of new cancer diagnoses in women, more than any other cancer alone. Currently, 25,000 women per year are estimated to be diagnosed with new breast cancer. The Global Cancer Observatory estimates this number to rise to nearly 35,000 by 2045.
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Türkiye committed to the advancement of cancer management with a two-phase programme in 2008, which was renewed for a third phase as Türkiye’s Cancer Control Programme in 2021 to coincide with the establishment of the World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative.
An active 375 KETEM facilities (government-sponsored Cancer Screening, Early Diagnosis, and Education Centers) exist throughout the country, offering free mammography screenings to the target population (women ages 40-69 years).
Türkiye’s commitment to prioritising cancer care, alongside its huge strides in developing a universal healthcare system, suggests clear benefits for the adoption of a value-based healthcare approach. Patient-centred approaches are already being adopted by private healthcare services. The country and its infrastructure are well-situated to pursue quality improvement interventions that incorporate a VBHC model.
Breast Cancer in Türkiye
In 2020, breast cancer made up almost a quarter of all new cancer diagnoses in Türkiye.
Our work in Türkiye
We are working with our dedicated partners in Türkiye to improve quality of breast cancer care in women by addressing barriers to early detection and treatment delays using a VBHC model. In the upcoming year, we seek to understand:
Barriers to early screening and detection of breast cancer
Key factors associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment, and the effects of such delays on patient-reported outcomes
The first research study, titled ‘Perception, beliefs, and behaviours affecting early diagnosis of breast cancer in Türkiye,’ aims to understand the barriers associated with delays in early screening and detection of breast cancer. It is being implemented by Marmara University’s School of Medicine.
The second research study, titled ‘The etiological causes of diagnostic and treatment delays in locally advanced breast cancer – a nationwide survey trial,’ will focus on identifying patient-reported sources of delays for treatment. It is being implemented by Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University’s School of Medicine.
We will use the results from our needs assessment to propose sustainable solutions to reduce the delays in diagnosis and treatment – from the local to the national level.
Project News
Frontline partners
Marmara University
Marmara University is a public university located in Istanbul, Türkiye and established in 1883. It is a pioneering, international, and contemporary university with a multilingual education that creates value in science, culture, arts, and sports for all its stakeholders by prioritising social values with its deep-rooted experience and aims at sustainability with the importance it attaches to lifelong learning.
Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University
Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University’s School of Medicine was established in 1992, via a protocol between the Turkish Ministry of Health and the Council of Higher Education. Not only does its academic staff of over 350 place it as a well-respected institution in the region, but its advanced research centre also situates the university as a strong partner in value-based healthcare research and implementation.
Expert Working Group
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Prof. Dr. Ayse Nilüfer Özaydin
Marmara University
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Dr. Guldeniz Karadeniz Cakmak
Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University
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Dr. Vahit Özmen
Turkish Cancer Institute
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Ms. Çiğdem Günay
Ministry of Health, Türkiye
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Dr. Fahriye Ünlü
Ministry of Health, Türkiye
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Dr. Murat Uğurlu
Ministry of Treasury And Finance, Türkiye
Toolbox
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Türkiye Cancer Control Programme (2021)
Türkiye’s new Cancer Control Programme was released in 2021, the third phase of the country’s national cancer programme which began in 2008.
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Multi-sectoral Action Plan of Türkiye for Noncommunicable Diseases
The Multi-sectoral Action Plan of Türkiye for Noncommunicable Diseases (2017- 2025) aims to address the growing challenge of NCDs by aiming for a 25% relative reduction in the overall mortality from NCDs, including cancers.
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Global Cancer Observatory
Stay up to date with the latest data from Türkiye via the Global Cancer Observatory and learn more about the model for cancer control in Türkiye via the International Cancer Control Partnership.
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Türkiye Cancer Control Plan (2013-2018)
The former Türkiye Cancer Control Plan was implemented to reduce cancer mortality and morbidity in Türkiye through strengthening population-based screening and treatment for cancers.
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Health Transformation Programme
The Health Transformation Programme was implemented to achieve universal health coverage by strengthening key health system functions of governance, financing, and service delivery. In 2004, the program introduced user choice of healthcare providers and in 2005, integrated the hospitals belonging to the Social Insurance Organisation with Ministry of Health hospitals. The role of the Ministry of Health was redefined, shifting their focus to policy, strategy development, and health system performance.
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Universal Health Insurance
Harmonisation of the different benefit packages in Türkiye was carried out under the universal health insurance in 2008, called Genel Sağlık Sigortası. The insurance scheme provides all insured and uninsured individuals with equitable access to healthcare services. Study findings show that coverage for the poorest groups in Türkiye increased from 2.4 million to 10.2 million between 2003 and 2011.