National Cancer Center

[National Cancer Center]

The Natioanl Cancer Center(NCC) is the nation’s premier government-supported comprehensive cancer center, spearheading advancements is cancer research, medical care, and education while driving natioanl cancer control initiatives. With a commitment to excellence, NCC is steadily evolving into the world’s leading national cancer center, shaping the future of cancer care and prevention globally.

[Patient-oriented Clinical System]

A integrated Medical Care based on an innovative clinical framework

- The National Cancer Center(NCC) is committed to patients, as embodied in the establishment of 11 disease-specific centers and 4 specialized centers. It provides customized care for cancer patients through coordinated consultations and treatments, and the one-stop process ensures that every patient received quality care at NCC. Additionally, multidisciplinary experts offer counseling for cancer treatment planning, and comprehensive care is provided after cancer treatment.

[Major Activities]

RESEARCH

- Creating a new frontiers in cancer research

PATIENT CARE

- Setting the best example of quality patient care through innovative clinical practies

SUPPORT FOR NAT’L CANCER CONTROL PROGRAMS

-‘Think-tank’in formulating & implementing national cancer control programs

EDUCATION & TRAINING

- National Cancer Center Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy

[1st Proton Therapy Center in Korea]

What is Proton therapy?

- Proton therapy is a type of radiotherapy that uses proton beams instead of X-rays or electron beams to destroy cancer cells. X-rays in conventional radiotherapy damage not only cancer cells but also neighboring healthy cells.

Unlike X-rays, proton beams release most of their energy when they reach the tumor cells, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. Proton therapy primarily targets tumor cells, which helps avoid damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

How does the proton beam kill cancer cells?

- As the proton beams traverse the body, they ionize the target tissues, inducing DNA damage in the malignant cells. Cells wih compromised DNA integrity are unable to proliferate and instead undergo programmed cell death

(apoptosis).

Is proton therapy safe?

- Proton therapy is considered safe to the presence of numerous safety mechanisms designed to mitigate the risk of accidents during treatment. Additionally, the proton beam is delivered with high precision to minimize collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Is there any pain during proton therapy?

- Patients do not experience any discomfort during proton therapy.

Are there any side effects?

- Patients may experience a loss of appetite and fatigue during treatment, although these side effects may vary according to the target. The short-term and long-term side effects of proton therapy are much less severe than those of conventional radiation therapy. Patients usually continue their normal lifestyles during the treatment

course. For more detailed information, please consult your doctor.

[Rare Cancer Center]

- The NCC Rare Cancer Center is a place where oncology experts from different departments gather to treat patients with rare cancers. Rare Cancers are those that affect fewer than 20,000 people per year in Korea. Rare cancer includes various types of cancer, such as musculoskeletal tumour in bone or soft tissue, laryngeal cancer such as brain or spinal cord cancer, pharyngeal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, eye and oral and maxillary cancer.

- Although it is hard to find new treatments for rare cancers for many reasons, such as the low incidence rate of rare cancerss, the NCC Rare Cancer Center has been making leading efforts to develop optimal

treatments that are more feasible.

[Specialized Cancer Check-up Service]

- Recognizing the importance of prevention and early detection for cancer, NCC Hospital provides specialized cancer check-ups through the Cancer Prevention and Detection Center. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, 64-channel CT, PET/CT and 3T MRI, the center is staffed by renowned cancer specialists who strive to meet the diverse needs of patients through preemptive strategies. These strategies focus on detecting cancers at

early or precancerous stages and removing them before they can become malignant.

- When abnormal findings are detected in areas such as the stomach, lungs, colorectum, liver, thyroid, breast, ovaries, gallbladder, pancreas, prostate and etc. patients are promptly referred to the corresponding center at NCC Hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The latest

and most advanced medical care is administered by our cancer specialists and highly skilled nurses, ensuring the completion of the entire process within a single half-day session.

○ Timely Response to overseas patient’s requests

○ Language Assistance (Interpreters can be provided as needed)

○ Arrange Safe Transportation from and to International Airport

○ International Healthcare Team will assist you to set up your schedule