How do I find the best hospitals in Italy for cancer treatment?
Summary: How do I find the best hospitals in Italy for cancer treatment? Expats offer advice to a newcomer and one cancer survivor shares his story.
In a discussion about the the best hospitals in Italy for cancer treatment, one member wrote, "After many visa problems, my husband and I have been very happily living in San Gemini (TR) in Umbria since mid-July. We just learned through a total body scan that my husband has pretty extensive prostate cancer metastases. Has anyone been through cancer treatment(s) here in Italy to recommend good, English speaking oncologists, radiologists, facilities? Thanks!"
One member replied, "you should probably stick to a fairly large hospital, i.e. in one of the larger cities, primarily because you need 1. an MD who speaks English and 2. a place where they are experts and see many such cases. Based on your location, I would shoot for either Florence or Rome. Arguably, the best onco care in Italy is available in Turin and/or Milan, but Florence and Rome both have excellent onco centres. Here is a site that rates Italian onco care centres for male repr. system cancers: http://www.corriere.it/salute/sportello_cancro/db/mdc/tutte/2014/mdc12.shtml. The list is in Italian, but you can see the names of the centres and where they are located."
The woman posted an update, "So far, the care and attention he's getting in Terni, close to where we live, has been excellent. They have a team of oncologists and radiologists who confer weekly about cases, and so he is on a plan now."
In another discussion one expat wrote, "Another recent firsthand medical experience: Miulli Hopsital, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Puglia. State financed hospital, but run by the Vatican (the patient's religious affiliation is irrelevant and it's not staffed by nuns if that makes a difference). This hospital is also state-of-the-art and was built 12 years ago. It enjoys an excellent reputation in this region. If you are an expat you may get some extra attention -- at least that's how it felt to me. Everyone was very accommodating and welcoming and I got a little more help when they realized my Italian wasn't up to technical medical terms. I had a radical prostatectomy to address cancer in the organ. The surgeon specialized in robotic surgery which is the preferred method in the US. My surgeon also trains doctors in the procedure at hospitals all over Italy and Europe. My surgery went very well and my follow up indicated there is no cancer remaining in my body. I am confident that my care was as good as say, Mass General (where my brother had the same operation) or Beth Israel Hospital in my native Boston. Go to the websites of the Miulli Hospital in Acquaviva delle Fonti or Villa Lucia in Conversano. These two facilities would compete well with any hospital in the north of Italy."
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Italy Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Italy
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Italy
- Best Places to Live in Italy
- Real Estate in Italy
- Guide to Real Estate in Italy
- Pros & Cons of Living in Italy
- Cost of Living in Italy
- 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Italy
- How to Get a Driver's License in Italy
- 15 Best Places to Live in Italy
- France vs. Italy
- 2024 Guide to Living in Italy
- Pros and Cons of Living in Italy 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Italy
- More Advice about Retiring in Italy