Are you seeking world-class radiation therapy without the outrageous price tag? Look no further than Turkey. This country has emerged as a surprising yet highly competitive destination for medical tourism, particularly in oncology. Radiation therapy cost in Turkey ranges from USD 3,500 to USD 9,500.
Compared to many Western countries, Turkey provides excellent radiation therapy treatments at a significantly reduced cost. The country’s clinics and hospitals use highly qualified medical staff and state-of-the-art equipment in accordance with international standards. Beyond the medical care, Turkey offers delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and a rich cultural heritage that will make your medical trip unforgettable.
In this blog, we will explore the factors contributing to Turkey’s affordability and the types of radiation therapy available.
What is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy, most often referred to as radiotherapy, is a non-surgical treatment that utilizes highly energized beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is frequently used in combination with other types of treatment, such as surgery or chemotherapy. This is usually done with the intent of destroying the tumor and preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
What are the Different Types of Radiation Therapy in Turkey?
Turkey offers a diverse range of radiation therapy techniques, each tailored to specific cancer types and stages:
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): This involves directing radiation beams from outside the body to the tumor.
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT): A more precise form of EBRT that delivers radiation in precise shapes and intensities.
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS): A highly focused radiation therapy used for small tumors, often in the brain.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): Similar to SRS, the SBRT technique is used for tumors outside the brain.
- Brachytherapy: This involves placing radioactive seeds or implants directly into the tumor.
- Low-Dose Rate (LDR) Brachytherapy: Uses radioactive seeds that deliver radiation over a longer period.
- High-Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy: Uses radioactive sources that deliver a high radiation dose in a shorter time.
- Proton Therapy: Proton therapy is a more advanced form of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of x-rays, often recommended for specific types of cancer like brain tumors or pediatric cancers.
What Happens During Radiation Therapy Sessions?
Here’s what happens during a typical radiation therapy session:
1. Preparation
- Arrival: You will arrive at the radiation therapy department and check in with the staff.
- Positioning: You will be placed on a special treatment table and aligned with great care. The radiation therapists use marks and laser lights to ensure you are in the same position for each treatment.
- Immobilization: Immobilization: Some treatments require that you be positioned in a body mold or strapped down with devices to hold your body still during treatment.
2. Radiation Treatment
- Entering the treatment room: You will be moved into the treatment room. This room has a big machine, called a linear accelerator.
- Leaving the room: The radiation therapists will leave the room and shut the door. You will be able to see them and hear them through a window.
- Radiation delivery: The linear accelerator will rotate around you and deliver the exact dose of radiation to the area being treated. You will not feel anything from the radiation delivery.
- Treatment completion: The treatment itself typically only takes a few minutes. Once complete, the therapists will return and help you off the table.
3. Aftercare
- Monitoring: You may be monitored for a short time following the treatment to check if you are not developing any side effects.
- Discharge: You can go home or back to your hospital room.
Additional details
- The number of sessions: Radiation therapy sessions depend on the treatment plan you have. Daily treatments may be necessary for many weeks or months.
- Break between sessions: You usually have time for a break between each radiation session in which your body rests.
- Side effects: These are possible with radiation therapy, though they do vary according to the type of radiation you are using, the area under treatment, and also your health condition. Your doctor would explain the possible side effects to you before the beginning of the treatment.
What is the Application of Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy may be utilized in one or more ways depending on the type and stage of cancer. Following are some areas of application:
Treatment of Primary Cancers
- Breast Cancer: Often, radiation is used after surgery to kill remaining malignant cells in the area.
- Lung Cancer: Radiation can be utilized either to shrink tumor size before surgery or as the main treatment for inoperable lung cancers.
- Prostate Cancer: Radiation therapy is a standard option for treating prostate cancer, especially in the initial stages of this disease.
- Cervical Cancer: Radiation therapy is mainly used in combination with chemotherapy.
- Head and Neck Cancers: These include cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx, and other parts of the head and neck, which could be treated using radiation.
- Brain Tumors: In the case of brain tumors, whether benign or malignant, radiation is used.
- Skin Malignancies: Radiation can be utilized in some skin malignancies, like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Treatment of Metastatic Cancer
- Bone metastases: These often receive radiation treatment to palliate bone pain from metastatic malignancies.
- Brain metastases: Radiation therapy can also be used to treat brain metastases from other cancers, such as lung or breast cancer.
- Liver metastasis: Radiation assists in the control of tumor cells that have already begun to grow in the liver.
Palliative Care
- Pain relief: Radiation may be administered if pain resulting from cancer becomes unbearable, particularly when other treatments are ineffective.
- Symptom management: It can help in the improvement of other symptoms of cancer, such as bleeding or obstruction of organs.
It’s important to note that the specific application of radiation therapy will depend on various factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health.
What are the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?
The side effects of radiation therapy often depend on the area of the body being treated.
Here are some common side effects:
Short-term side effects
- Fatigue
- Skin changes (Redness, dryness, itching, peeling, or blistering)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Loss of appetite
- Painful mouth sores
- Trouble swallowing food or liquids
- Diarrhea
- Changes in urination, such as burning or urgency
Long-term side effects
- Infertility
- Changes in sexual desire or function
- Heart and lung problems, especially if radiation is directed to the chest area
- Brain damage
Please note that these are some of the side effects, and which ones you will have depends on many factors, including the part of your body under treatment, the type of radiation therapy being used, and your general health. In the case of radiation therapy, one can go through with the treatment in question. Also, discuss any apprehension or query that one may have with the health professional. They can further give an insight into the possible side effects that one may face and methods to deal with them.
What is the Cost of Radiation Therapy in Turkey?
Radiation therapy cost in Turkey varies based on the type of therapy, the facility, and the patient’s specific needs. The cost of radiation therapy in Turkey ranges from USD 3,500 to USD 9,500.
Some of the most common types of radiation therapy and their estimated costs in Turkey and other countries are listed below:
| Type of Cancer | Turkey | India | UAE | USA | Germany |
| Breast Cancer | USD 4,500 – USD 7,000 | USD 2,000 – USD 4,000 | USD 7,000 – USD 12,000 | USD 12,000 – USD 25,000 | USD 10,000 – USD 18,000 |
| Lung Cancer | USD 5,000 – USD 8,500 | USD 2,500 – USD 5,000 | USD 8,000 – USD 13,000 | USD 15,000 – USD 30,000 | USD 12,000 – USD 20,000 |
| Prostate Cancer | USD 4,000 – USD 7,500 | USD 2,000 – USD 4,500 | USD 7,500 – USD 12,500 | USD 14,000 – USD 28,000 | USD 10,000 – USD 18,000 |
| Cervical Cancer | USD 4,000 – USD 6,500 | USD 1,800 – USD 3,500 | USD 6,000 – USD 10,000 | USD 13,000 – USD 25,000 | USD 9,000 – USD 17,000 |
| Head and Neck Cancers | USD 4,500 – USD 8,000 | USD 2,000 – USD 4,500 | USD 7,000 – USD 11,000 | USD 15,000 – USD 30,000 | USD 11,000 – USD 20,000 |
| Brain Tumors | USD 6,000 – USD 9,500 | USD 3,000 – USD 6,000 | USD 9,000 – USD 14,000 | USD 20,000 – USD 35,000 | USD 15,000 – USD 25,000 |
| Skin Malignancies | USD 3,500 – USD 6,000 | USD 1,500 – USD 3,500 | USD 5,000 – USD 8,000 | USD 10,000 – USD 20,000 | USD 8,000 – USD 15,000 |
| Bone, Brain, and Liver Metastasis | USD 3,500 – USD 9000 | USD 2,000 – USD 5,500 | USD 6,000 – USD 13,000 | USD 15,000 – USD 30,000 | USD 10,000 – USD 20,000 |
These are approximate costs and may vary by hospital and location.
What are the Factors Affecting Radiation Therapy Costs in Turkey?
While Turkey generally offers lower costs compared to many Western countries, the exact price of radiation therapy can vary based on several factors:
- Type of Radiation Therapy: Advanced treatments, like IMRT or SBRT, are costlier.
- Tumor Stage: Advanced-stage tumors may require more extensive treatment, thus increasing the treatment cost.
- Number of Treatment Sessions: The total number of radiation therapy sessions will influence the overall cost.
- Medical Facility: The reputation, location, and amenities of the medical facility can affect pricing.
Choosing the Right Radiation Therapy Facility in Turkey
Selecting a reputable radiation therapy facility in Turkey is crucial for a successful treatment outcome. Consider the following factors:
- Accreditation: Look for facilities accredited by international organizations like the Joint Commission International (JCI).
- Experience: Choose a facility with a proven track record in treating patients with radiation therapy.
- Equipment: Ensure the facility has modern radiation therapy equipment and technology.
- Cost: Radiation therapy cost in Turkey is significantly lower a compared to other Western nations such as the USA, the UK, Germany, etc.
- Language: If you don’t speak Turkish, look for facilities that offer English-speaking staff.
- Patient Reviews: Read patient reviews and testimonials from other patients to know about their experiences.
Which Hospitals in Turkey Provide Radiation Therapy?
Some of the top hospitals in Turkey providing radiation therapy as cancer treatment are:
Medipol University Hospital
Accredited by JCI and the Turkish Medical Association, Medipol University Hospital treats all oncological diseases. The hospital also specializes in the treatment of cancer and malignant blood formations.
The hospital comprises the following:
- Varian Trilogy Linear: A radiotherapy treatment system that uses a linear accelerator to deliver radiation therapy to patients.
- Gamma Knife: One of the most developed radiosurgery methods in the treatment of diseases that affect the brain (meningioma, pituitary adenomas, acoustic neuromas, brain metastases, glial tumors, arteriovenous malformations, etc.).
- Brachytherapy: An irradiation technology commonly used in the treatment of cancers of the cervix, prostate, breast, skin, etc.
Anadolu Medical Center
Anadolu Medical Center comprises CyberKnife M6, Radixact, EDGE, and PET/CT. Varian Edge was introduced at Anadolu Medical Center in Turkey. It is one of the radiotherapy devices which combines the most advanced technology in cancer radiotherapy.
Acibadem Hospital
Acibadem Hospital comprises the following radiation therapies:
- Trilogy: The Trilogy device allows for accurate intervention by specialists in the shortest amount of time and in the ideal dose.
- MRIdian: This is the world’s first radiotherapy device with integrated onboard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for image guidance.
- Truebeam: This is a technology designed to treat cancer accurately and quickly without damaging healthy tissues or organs.
- CyberKnife: This highly precise robotic radiosurgery system has millimeter-level accuracy.
- Gamma Knife: Gamma Knife is a stereotactic intracranial radiosurgery technique that is used for treating brain tumors and other brain abnormalities as part of radiation therapy.
Hisar Hospital
Accredited by JCI, Hisar Hospital comprises:
- Elekta Unity 1.5 Tesla Mr Linac: MR-LINAC is a “smart radiotherapy” method that destroys the tumor with rays by targeting it with special images and measurements.
- Versa HD Linac: Modern linear accelerator (Linac) is a device that produces high-energy X-rays and electron beams for the treatment of cancer patients.
- Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy targets cancerous cells biologically and is applied to cancerous areas in the body, especially the breast, prostate, lung, brain, liver, and stomach. It is often used successfully in the treatment of gynecological cancers (uterus, cervix, vagina), lung cancer and skin cancer.
Conclusion
Turkey has emerged as a compelling destination for patients seeking affordable and high-quality radiation therapy. By understanding the different types of treatments and key considerations for choosing a facility, you can make an informed decision and maximize the benefits of your treatment experience. The affordable radiation therapy cost in Turkey also adds on to it being a center of cancer treatment.
FAQs
Is cancer treatment good in Turkey?
Turkey offers high-quality cancer care at affordable costs, with many world-class facilities and experienced oncologists.
What are the do’s and don’ts after radiotherapy?
Follow your doctor’s instructions, stay hydrated, protect your skin, rest, and maintain good nutrition. Avoid scratching, harsh soaps, heat/ice, and strenuous activities.
How soon after radiotherapy can I travel?
Timing depends on factors like cancer type, radiation dose, and overall health. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Do you ever fully recover from radiation?
Recovery varies, with some people experiencing lasting side effects. Consult your doctor for specific information.
Do tumors grow back after radiation?
There’s a risk of recurrence, but it depends on various factors. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial.