Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in Turkey

What is the Cost of Lung Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

With 2.5 million new cases in 2022, Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. When it comes to its treatment, advanced and affordable medical facilities in Turkey make it a top choice for lung cancer patients globally.

The cost of lung cancer treatment in Turkey ranges between $5,000 and $ 15,000. This cost includes surgeon fees, anaesthesia charges, operation theatre charges, any medical consumables, and the hospital stay for a specific period of time.

What is Lung Cancer?

Also referred to as lung carcinoma, lung cancer occurs when there is unstoppable growth of the lung cells. If not treated, the cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, like the brain.

Lung cancer is classified into:

• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): It is a less common form of lung cancer which grows and spreads more rapidly and often arises as a result of regular smoking.
• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): NSCLC, the more prevalent form, accounts for about 85% of cases and includes subtypes -adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Since treatment strategies for SCLC and NSCLC differ significantly due to their distinct biological behaviours and responses to therapies, it’s essential to determine the type before creating a treatment plan.

What Are Types of Lung Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

The lungs, positioned next to the heart, play a critical role in our respiratory system by delivering oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide. 

However, when cells in the lungs grow due to sudden genetic change, they lead to formation of tumours and further, lung cancer.

Lung cancer which ranks as the most frequently occuring cancer in men and the second most common in women, is a serious and life-threatening illness. 

While heavy smokers are at the highest risk, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer due to factors such as passive smoking, environmental pollution, or having a history of lung cancer in the family.

In Turkey, lung cancer treatment is highly specialised and personalised, with treatment options formulated for each patient’s unique diagnostic results. The treatment approach depends on factors like the lung cancer type (small cell or non-small cell), the stage of the disease etc.

Some of the common treatment approaches for the treatment of lung cancer are as follows:

Surgery

For early-stage lung cancer, tumours along with affected lung tissue located around the tumour are removed by surgical procedure .

Depending on the cancer’s location and spread, surgical techniques include:

• Lobectomy: In this technique, there is removal of one lobe of the lung.
• Pneumonectomy: Entire lung affected with cancer is removed.
• Segmentectomy: Removal of a smaller portion of the lung

Advancements in surgical approaches, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted surgery, have significantly reduced the recovery times for the patients .

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and can be utilised in various stages of lung cancer, which are:

• Before surgery to shrink tumours so that they can easily removed
• After surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells and reduce the chances of relapse
• As a primary treatment in advanced cases.

Some advanced radiation-based approaches, like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), provide more precise targeting of cancer cells. It also causes less damage to the surrounding non-cancerous cells.

Chemotherapy

In chemotherapy, some drugs are used to destroy cancer cells present in the body. It is especially useful for targeting cancer cells that have spread (metastasis) beyond the lungs.

Targeted Therapy

It focuses on cancerous cells with specific genetic mutations that promotes cancer growth. The precision it provides makes it more effective for certain patients and typically causes fewer side effects.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy enhances the body’s immune response to recognise and attack cancer cells. For example- Immune checkpoint inhibitors are one of the types of immunotherapy which work by blocking proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer. 

Immunotherapy has shown significant success in treating advanced lung cancer as well as improving survival rates for lung cancer patients.

Combination Therapy

Combination therapy is a therapeutic approach which includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy altogether. By combining these approaches, doctors increase treatment outcomes and minimise side effects.

What are the Factors Affecting the Cost of Lung Cancer Treatment in Turkey?

The cost of lung cancer treatment in Turkey is determined by the combination of approaches. Patients can avoid unexpected financial burdens and enable more informed financial decisions, by knowing the specific factors affecting these costs.

Type of Treatment Approach

Lung cancer treatment in Turkey varies according to the specific surgical approach and treatment. The best lung cancer doctors in Turkey determine the kind of treatment approach to use depending on the stage and type of lung cancer diagnosed in the patient.

Hospital’s reputation and surgeon’s expertise

The cost of treatment for lung cancer in Turkey varies if the hospital provides comprehensive care for lung cancer treatment. Also, lung cancer surgeons having more experience and serving at hospitals recognised with international accreditations may charge more, impacting the average cost of lung cancer treatment in Turkey.

Patients should verify the costs associated with lung cancer in Turkey prior to their treatment. It allows patients to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected financial stress during their treatment journey.

What are the Costs of Lung Cancer Treatment in Turkey Vs. Other Countries?

What are the Pre and Post-Treatment Costs for Lung Cancer in Turkey?

Some other expenses associated with lung cancer treatment in Turkey include:

• Pre-surgical expenses (X-ray, chest scan, CT scan, PET-CT, biopsy, pulmonary function tests: USD 400 and USD 500
• Post-surgical expenses (follow-up consultation and other diagnostic tests): USD 300 and USD 400

What is involved in Post-Lung Cancer Treatment Recovery?

Post Lung Cancer Treatment Recovery is based on an integrated approach. Among the recovery steps that you should take to ensure complete recovery after lung cancer treatment include:

• You need to regularly see your oncologist for check-ups on your health status, to watch out for signs of a come-back, and to moderate any effects that may arise post-treatment.
• Proper nutrition, supplemented with ample fruits and vegetables along with lean proteins, can hasten recovery and indeed promote a healthy lifestyle. Fluid intake is also essential, particularly if you’re experiencing side effects such as dry mouth or constipation.
• You need to get proper rest so that your body has enough time to rest and heal itself. 
• Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can help with energy level, lung function, and mood; however, it’s always recommended that activity be built up gradually and that you discuss with your healthcare team what you can safely do.