Cost of a radiotherapy session in Turkey
Radiotherapy in Turkey costs £130 to £260 per session and £2,600 to £6,100 for a full course of treatment depending on the number of sessions, with some sites and techniques reaching £7,400. In the UK, it is provided free of charge on the NHS when clinically indicated.
| Radiotherapy for sarcomas | £3,500 - £6,500 |
| Radiotherapy for brain tumours | £3,700 - £6,800 |
| Radiotherapy for colorectal cancer | £3,000 - £5,700 |
| Radiotherapy for kidney cancer | £3,100 - £5,900 |
| Radiotherapy for ovarian cancer | £3,000 - £5,700 |
| Radiotherapy for stomach cancer | £3,100 - £5,700 |
| Radiotherapy for breast cancer | £2,800 - £5,400 |
| Radiotherapy for lung cancer | £3,300 - £6,100 |
| Radiotherapy for prostate cancer | £3,000 - £5,700 |
| Radiotherapy for throat cancer | £3,300 - £5,900 |
| Radiotherapy for uterine cancer | £3,000 - £5,700 |
| Stereotactic radiosurgery | £3,900 - £6,500 |
| Tomotherapy | £3,900 - £7,400 |
Introduction
Radiotherapy can treat cancer with as few side effects as possible. It is a versatile method: it can treat many types of cancer at different stages of the disease. Oncologists can also combine it with other approaches such as surgery and chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy is a highly technical treatment. Its delivery demands considerable expertise, otherwise it can cause serious complications. Being able to rely on a leading specialist matters enormously. That is why many international patients invest in a medical trip to Turkey.
Sitting at the crossroads of Asia Minor and Europe, the country brings together experienced radiotherapy specialists. It is also home to numerous oncology hospitals fitted with recent equipment. Choosing a centre for radiotherapy in Turkey comes down to its equipment and the continuity of follow-up with the referring oncologist.
What is radiotherapy in Turkey?
Radiotherapy has been used in the treatment of cancer since the 1890s. Its effectiveness was recognised early on. That is why it is now indicated in nearly one in two patients with cancer, 48.3% according to an estimate based on clinical guidelines[1].
But what does radiotherapy in Turkey actually involve? It comes down to delivering a high-intensity ionising radiation dose to the tumour area.
The aim of the method is to shrink or eliminate the cancerous mass. It also seeks to destroy malignant cells. Note that there are different types of radiotherapy. These are the most widely used methods.
External beam radiotherapy
External beam radiotherapy (teletherapy) is the most widely chosen procedure in cancer treatment. It uses a linear accelerator or, more rarely, a telecobalt unit. These machines send high-energy X-rays or gamma rays at the tumour.
The radiation oncologist must define the size and shape of the beams with precision. They can then avoid damaging healthy tissue with the rays. Note that during the session the patient must lie on a table and remain still.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiotherapy. The radiation oncologist’s task is to insert a capsule containing a caesium, cobalt or iridium source into the patient’s body. The doctor may use a needle or a special tool.
The radioactive source is placed temporarily in a precise spot. It then releases a radiation dose that reaches the tumour or the cancer cells directly. Brachytherapy allows the area to be treated to be targeted precisely. The radiation therefore limits exposure of the surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is a non-invasive technique. It is an alternative to surgical intervention. Radiosurgery covers several different techniques.
First among these is stereotactic radiotherapy or SRT. It is an advanced form of external beam radiotherapy. Its delivery requires a special machine called a linear accelerator, or LINAC. The method delivers high doses of radiation in one to a few sessions, to a precisely targeted area.
There is also Gamma Knife radiosurgery. This method requires a machine developed by a neurosurgeon named Lars Leksell. The machine sends focused beams of gamma rays at the target point. Note that radiosurgery is indicated for treating:
- A localised primary or secondary brain tumour,
- A small malignant tumour in the lungs, the prostate in men, the breast or cervix in women, the pelvis, the pancreas or another organ,
- A small lesion,
- A number of cancers at an advanced stage.
Radiotherapy to the lymph nodes
This is the type of radiotherapy used to treat cancer affecting the lymph nodes, or lymphoma. It destroys the malignant tumour with beams of radiation.
Metabolic or vectorised internal radiotherapy
Metabolic radiotherapy is used in the treatment of certain thyroid cancers. It is a practical method. A medicine containing a radioactive substance is given by mouth. The product binds to the cancer cells so that it can destroy them.
Read our guide to chemotherapy in Turkey.
How does radiotherapy in Turkey work?
Preparation
Treatment with radiotherapy in Turkey always begins with a consultation with a radiation oncologist. They must determine the method to use and the radiation dose from a precise diagnosis. They take into account:
- The type of cancer,
- The stage of the disease,
- The location of the tumour,
- Any treatment already carried out,
- The patient’s general state of health.
The doctor must arrange several tests such as an MRI and scans. These examinations allow the area to be targeted to be identified precisely and a better treatment plan to be drawn up. They must then give the patient various instructions.
Treatment
The patient is expected at the hospital or clinic on the day of treatment. The medical team positions them on the table. The radiotherapy machine then does all the work, but under the supervision of the therapists. Note that they are in continuous contact with the patient via an intercom system. The treatment lasts only a few minutes. At the slightest problem, the process is interrupted.
Recovery
Radiotherapy in Turkey generally does not require a hospital stay. The doctor must, however, arrange regular check-ups. The first appointment should take place a few days or a week after treatment. It will check the effect of the therapy and the progress of the patient’s health. It can also detect any complication in good time. Good follow-up also speeds up recovery.
Read our guide to treating trigeminal neuralgia in Istanbul.
What are the risks and side effects of radiotherapy in Turkey?
Radiotherapy in Turkey is described as a non-invasive treatment technique. It does, however, have a number of side effects such as:
- Fatigue,
- Skin problems linked to radiation, such as redness, dryness or itching,
- Temporary hair loss,
- A drop in blood cells when the treatment is combined with chemotherapy,
- Nausea.
Why have radiotherapy in Turkey?
Turkey has earned a reputation as a leading destination for radiotherapy. Many international patients have made a medical trip to the country to take advantage of this treatment. Several Turkish hospitals offer it, including:
- Medical Park, which has earned the title of centre of excellence thanks to its capacity to provide high-quality medical care;
- Hisar Hospital Intercontinental, known for the expertise of its radiologists;
- Anadolu Medical Center, a multi-specialty institution with JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation,
- Memorial Hospital, a world-class private medical centre located in the Turkish capital.
Every Turkish hospital has experienced staff. The medical team is trained to deliver a quality service and standard of care to patients. The institutions also have a wide range of modern radiotherapy equipment.
There, treatment remains at the patient’s own expense, whereas in the UK it is provided free of charge on the NHS: radiotherapy in Turkey is justified by a waiting time or a technique, not by a saving.
Frequently asked questions about radiotherapy in Turkey
How much does radiotherapy cost in Turkey?
A session costs £130 to £260 in Turkey, and a full course of treatment £2,600 to £6,100, depending on the number of sessions, the technique and the location of the cancer. In the UK, radiotherapy is provided free of charge on the NHS when clinically indicated[2].
What is the success rate?
There is no overall success rate: the outcome depends on the cancer, its stage and the aim of the treatment. After breast-conserving surgery, for example, radiotherapy reduces the 10-year risk of recurrence from 35.0% to 19.3%[3].
How long does a stay for radiotherapy in Turkey last?
Sessions are usually daily, five days out of seven, and the stay covers the whole series. Its length depends on the schedule: for breast cancer, 25 sessions over five weeks, 15 over three weeks or 5 over one week depending on the indication[4][5].
Is radiotherapy in Turkey painful?
A radiotherapy session is painless. The patient feels no pain. However, the body sometimes reacts badly to the rays used to eliminate the cancer. The various side effects may then appear.
Is radiotherapy covered by the NHS?
Radiotherapy is available on the NHS when it is clinically indicated. Funding rules depend on your individual situation, and on where the treatment is planned: check what your own cover provides with the NHS. Read more about medical tourism in Turkey.
How do you organise a trip for radiotherapy in Turkey?
Trusting a specialist agency makes organising a medical trip for radiotherapy in Turkey easier. Its package includes several services, such as accommodation, transport, treatment, an interpreter, and more.
How much does stereotactic radiotherapy cost in Turkey?
Stereotactic radiosurgery costs £3,900 to £6,500 in Turkey, and tomotherapy £3,900 to £7,400. These techniques mainly target small tumours, including brain lesions: see treating a brain tumour in Turkey.
Sources & References
- Delaney GP, Barton MB. Evidence-based estimates of the demand for radiotherapy. Clinical Oncology. 2015. View the source
- Assurance Maladie. À quoi sert la prise en charge en Affection Longue Durée (ALD) exonérante ?. 2026. View the source
- Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group (EBCTCG), Darby S, McGale P, et coll. Effect of radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery on 10-year recurrence and 15-year breast cancer death: meta-analysis of individual patient data for 10,801 women in 17 randomised trials. The Lancet. 2011. View the source
- Haviland JS, Owen JR, Dewar JA, et coll. The UK Standardisation of Breast Radiotherapy (START) trials of radiotherapy hypofractionation for treatment of early breast cancer: 10-year follow-up results of two randomised controlled trials. The Lancet Oncology. 2013. View the source
- Brunt AM, Cafferty FH, Kirby AM, et coll. Hypofractionated breast radiotherapy for 1 week versus 3 weeks (FAST-Forward): 10-year efficacy and late normal tissue effects. The Lancet Oncology. 2026. View the source
- Assurance Maladie. Soins programmés à l’étranger : votre prise en charge. 2026. View the source
