About INCTR
INCTR is a non-profit organization whose founder members are the International Union against Cancer and the Institut Pasteur, Brussels. The goals of the organization are to assist in controlling cancer in developing countries through the development of infrastructure for cancer treatment and research. A key to improving capacity is education, which, in addition to specific educational programs, is an integral element of long-term collaborative projects relating to prevention, early detection, treatment and palliation. The close integration of research with patient care also results in immediate benefits to patients or individuals at high risk for developing cancer. INCTR emphasizes international collaboration and works to improve communication among the wide range of professionals and volunteers working to control cancer throughout the world.
Cancer control in Turkey
Turkey has a long tradition of cancer control efforts, the first activities being initiated in the 1940s. Since more than half of the Turkish population is less than 40 years of age, the cancer incidence of approximately 175 per 100,000 is lower than that in more developed countries. However, the cancer burden (presently some 120,000 new cases a year) is expected to increase by a factor of 3-5 by 2050 due to longer life expectancy, the tobacco epidemic and changes in lifestyle. To deal with this, Turkey has developed a National Cancer Strategy, which gives the highest priorities to cancer registration, cancer prevention and early detection. According to the Ministry of Health, in 2005 there were 44 cancer centres, 175 medical oncologists, 306 radiation oncologists and 74 pediatric oncologists in Turkey. The first week of April, has been designated “Cancer Week”, during which the Ministry of Health, cancer associations and cancer centres organize various activities designed to increase public awareness about cancer.
About Turkey
Home to more than 20 different fascinating civilisations, Turkey has a 10,000 year-old heritage, much of which is still being uncovered. Its rich history is very much part of the present, with temples, ancient theatres, churches, mosques, tombs, statues of deities, palaces and fortresses, and of course the many detailed and fascination museums which bring the past to life.
Welcome to Antalya
Antalya, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. The snow remains on top of the Taurus and Bay mountains during the hot season yet you may swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean on the same day. The summers are hot and rainless while the other months are warm and often rainy. In this area one can observe, as it were, the progress of history through the statues of gods and goddesses, temples, theatres, agoras, churches, mosques and tombs.
The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks successively occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule. Kaleici, has narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses about the ancient city walls. Traces of Byzantine, Roman and Seljuk architecture and culture can still be seen in the rustic old town. The award-winning Antalya Kaleici Marina and Leisure Center is considered one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey. The clock tower in Kalekapisi Square was part of the old city’s fortifications and the archelogical museum displays remains from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times, offering a glimpse of the area’s rich history.
Airport: Antalya International Airport is well served by many international airlines with non-stop and connecting flights from all major city of the world. Antalya Airport is just 12 km from the congress venue, Antalya Lara Kervansaray Hotel.
Climate and Clothing: Antalya has a Mediterranean climate. The weather in March is usually pleasant (15° to 25°). Light clothing is suitable with somewhat warmer clothing for the evening.
Time Differences: Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Credit Cards: International credit cards are accepted in cash dispensers, hotels, restaurants, and most shops. The most common cards are VISA, EuroCard and MasterCard.
Electricity: In Turkey, electricity is supplied at 220V / 50Hz AC. The socket type is the European Standard.
Emergency Telephone Numbers: Ambulance, Emergency: 112; Fire Department: 110 and Police: 115.
Currency Exchange: The currency unit is New Turkish Lira (YTL). Foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport, in hotels, banks and at exchange offices.
Travel Requirement to Turkey: Passport and visa requirements may differ according to the country of origin. Please contact your travel agent or the Turkish Consulate or Embassy in your country for further advice.
