Last update : 03/06/2025

Lung cancer | Diagnosis, treatment, prevention in Turkey 2026

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Being diagnosed with lung cancer is a shattering ordeal. Between the uncertainties, the treatments to be considered and the urgent need for support, every patient deserves expert, human and comprehensive care.

In Turkey, the fight against lung cancer has taken a great leap forward, thanks to state-of-the-art medical infrastructures, highly qualified oncologists and the latest technologies. Whether you're looking for a precise diagnosis, a second opinion, or personalized treatment, you'll find solutions to meet your expectations.

Thanks to a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach, our partner hospitals do everything in their power to improve your chances of recovery, while preserving your quality of life.

Why undergo Lung cancer treatment with Turquie Santé ?

Expert surgeons and certified hospitals

Prices 35% to 50% cheaper than in Europe

Medical stay organized from A to Z

Direct prices without commission

Free assistance 24/7

All about your Lung cancer treatment in Turkey

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Certifications :

Doctors, Price & Reviews International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

HISAR INTERCONTINENTAL

Istanbul, Turkey

DR. MUSTAFA SOLAK

Main specialty: Medical oncology
Years of experience: Over 20 years
Notable training: Medical degree, Hacettepe University; specialization in medical oncology, Şişli ... Read more

Associate Professor Erkan Yıldırım, MD

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LIV Vadistanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Ayhan

Main Specialty : Oncology
Years of Experience : 16 years.
Notable Training : Dicle University, Faculty of Medicine 2007; Associate Professor of Medical Oncology ... Read more

Spec. Dr. Semra Akkuş Akman

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MEMORIAL Şişli

Istanbul, Turkey

Dr.Züleyha Akgün

Mehmet Akif Öztürk

Graduated in medicine from Marmara University (2003),specializing in internal medicine (2009) and medical oncology at Cerrahpaşa University (2012).
Mandatory service at Hatay ... Read more

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LIV Ulus

Istanbul, Turkey

Asst. Prof. Dr. Meltem Topalgökçeli Selam

Main Specialty : Medical Oncology
Years of Experience : 8 years.
Notable Education : İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University; Üsküdar American Academy for ... Read more

Prof. Dr. Duygu Derin

Main Specialty : Oncology
Years of Experience : 27 years.
Notable Trainings : Graduation from Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine in 1993; Specialization in ... Read more

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Have you ever undergone a Lung cancer treatment ?

LOKMAN HEKIM ISTANBUL cheap price Lung cancer treatment 0

LOKMAN HEKIM ISTANBUL cheap price Lung cancer treatment 1

LOKMAN HEKIM ISTANBUL cheap price Lung cancer treatment 2

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LOKMAN HEKIM ISTANBUL

Istanbul, Turkey

Dr. Orhan ŞENCAN

Main Specialty : Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine Specialist
Years of Experience : 26 years.
Notable Education : Hacettepe University (Faculty of Medicine),Ankara ... Read more

Prof. Dr. Bülent BOZKURT

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MEMORIAL ANKARA

Ankara, Turkey

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Verified patient reviews

Léandre B.
My lung cancer treatment in Turkey was organized through Turquie Santé. From the..Read more
18/10/2025
This patient was treated for Lung cancer treatment

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They trust us

Rodrigo Roa

03/02/2026

Edwon Freitas

16/01/2026

I’m very grateful from start to finish communication and for the care I received during my operation. The medical team was professional, kind, and reassuring throughout the entire process. Everything was clearly explained, and my recovery has been going well. Thank you for the excellent care.

Elisabeth OGRODZKI

14/11/2025

I had an exceptional experience with Turkey-Health for my eye surgery in Turkey. They offer very competitive prices, and I would especially like to thank Nassim. His professionalism and availability were remarkable, and he brilliantly corrected the mistakes of his predecessor. I highly recommend their services!

jolie mbuyi

14/11/2025

I would like to thank all the staff at this hospital for their excellent welcome and impeccable care. A special thank you to Emily, who demonstrated great efficiency, genuine understanding, and immense availability. She listened attentively and supported us from beginning to end; she is a truly lovely woman. Don't hesitate to trust them; you will be in good hands!

Kevin Amrani

11/11/2025

Go there with your eyes closed, stop listening to what they tell you in France. The service is so impeccable, not a single misstep, from the airport pick-up upon arrival in Turkey to the return to the airport after the operation. The medical staff is very kind, the surgeon is extremely competent, a brand new 4-star hotel with a Turkish breakfast. A 24-hour translator, a rate two and a half times cheaper than in France... I'll stop there, no need to go any further.

Fatou Niare

10/11/2025

I went there for the medical checkup and I would say everyone there was very nice, but even with a translator there is still a bit of an English barrier. I feel like I had a lot of questions that I wanted to ask the doctor but a little overwhelmed to ask with everything. ANOTHER THING IS IT TAKES A LONG TIME TO GET YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS IN ENGLISH, it has been 2 weeks and counting.

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Written by

Emily Olivia White

This content complies with the editorial policy of Turkey Health. It was written by Emily Olivia White, Head of the Editorial Team, who has over 10 years of experience in scientific research and clinic management in Turkey. She ensures the reliability of medical information while making complex data accessible to everyone.

Among our doctors for your Lung cancer treatment

Prof. Dr. Bülent BOZKURT

Main Specialty : Allergy and Immunology
Years of Experience : 16 years.
Notable Qualifications : Bachelor of Medicine, Subspecialty... Read more

Consult CV Contact doctor

ORHAN DALKILIÇ, M.D.

Main specialty: Pulmonology (respiratory medicine)
Years of experience: About 10 years
Notable training: Degree in medicine... Read more

Contact doctor

Forms of lung cancer

There isn't just one form of lung cancer, but several types, each with distinct characteristics, progressions, and treatments. The exact histological type of the cancer is identified through an anatomopathological examination (analyzing tumor cells under a microscope),a crucial step for offering appropriate treatment.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

This is the most common type, accounting for about 85% of cases. It includes several subtypes:

Adenocarcinoma (most common among non-smokers)
Squamous cell carcinoma, often linked to smoking
Large cell carcinoma, rarer but more aggressive

These cancers often progress more slowly and can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Less common (about 15% of cases) but more aggressive, this type grows rapidly and quickly forms metastases.

Small cell carcinoma: characterized by very small, fast-dividing cells
Combined small cell carcinoma: a mix of small cells and other tumor types

This cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage because of its rapid growth. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the standard treatments, but the prognosis remains poor if diagnosed late.

Although it responds well to initial treatment, small cell lung cancer frequently recurs, requiring close monitoring.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma

This rare cancer affects the pleura (the membrane surrounding the lungs) and is linked to asbestos exposure.
Symptoms usually appear late: shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough. Its treatment is often complex, involving multiple approaches.

Pulmonary metastases

These are not primary lung cancers but secondary tumors originating from another organ (breast, kidney, colon, etc.). Management depends on the primary cancer.

Lung cancer: Causes & risk factors

Lung cancer is one of the cancers most closely linked to the environment, particularly to inhaled substances. As the first organ directly exposed to the ambient air, the lungs are vulnerable to many carcinogenic agents present in the atmosphere, in workplaces, or through certain lifestyle habits.

Tobacco: the main risk factor

Active smoking remains the leading cause of lung cancer. About 80 to 90% of bronchial cancers are linked to tobacco consumption. Smoking progressively damages respiratory cells and promotes the development of malignant tumors.

But secondhand smoke should not be overlooked. Regular exposure to cigarette smoke in living or working spaces also increases the risk, even among non-smokers.

Harmful inhalation exposure sources

Our lungs are in direct contact with ambient air. Any repeated exposure to toxic substances can therefore lead to dangerous cellular mutations. Here are the most well-known:

Smoked cannabis: Although often perceived as less dangerous, burning and inhaling cannabis releases carcinogenic substances similar to those in tobacco.
Asbestos: Inhaled as microscopic fibers, this substance significantly raises the risk, especially in occupational settings.
Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas, invisible and odorless, it can accumulate in poorly ventilated homes and increase cancer risk with prolonged exposure.
Air pollution: Fine particles, industrial gases, and urban smoke are pollutants associated with a rise in lung cancer cases, particularly in large cities.

Personal and genetic predispositions

Even in the absence of obvious environmental exposure, some people have a higher risk, notably due to:

Family or personal history of lung cancer.
Known hereditary genetic mutations that increase the risk of certain types of lung tumors.
Chronic lung conditions: COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease),emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or tuberculosis can also weaken the lungs.

Other contributing factors

Several other factors can also contribute to lung cancer development:

Occupational exposure to certain chemicals (arsenic, silica, tar, industrial solvents…).
Ionizing radiation, including some previous medical treatments.
Immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases (like lupus).
Use of beta-carotene supplements in smokers, which is associated with an increased risk.
An imbalanced diet, low in fruits, vegetables, and protective antioxidants.

Diagnosis of lung cancer

The diagnosis of lung cancer relies on the analysis of tissue samples taken from the lungs. Confirmation can only be made after a biopsy, usually performed during a bronchoscopy. This examination allows for:

Identifying the type of cancer (small cell or non-small cell).
Detecting possible genetic mutations (EGFR, ALK, ROS1…).
Adapting the treatment to the tumor profile.

In cases of persistent symptoms (chronic cough, shortness of breath, hemoptysis…),a thorough respiratory evaluation is essential.

In Turkey, specialized centers partnered with Turquie Santé offer fast and accurate diagnoses, thanks to experienced teams in pulmonology, thoracic oncology, and molecular biology, with personalized support at every step of the care journey.

Lung cancer treatment options in Turkey

In Turkey, patients with lung cancer benefit from comprehensive care protocols that combine cutting-edge technology and multidisciplinary expertise. The treatment mainly depends on the type of cancer (small cell or non-small cell),its stage of progression, and the patient's overall health.

Medical treatments

For small cell cancers, oncologists typically favor a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to slow tumor growth and reduce its size.

In cases of non-small cell lung cancer, treatments can include:

Chemotherapy: administration of drugs (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin) that target and destroy cancer cells. Treatment cycles are usually spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart to allow the body to recover.
Radiotherapy: use of targeted radiation to destroy tumor cells in the chest area.
Targeted therapies: these treatments attack specific abnormalities in cancer cells, often identified through genetic tests.
Immunotherapy: it boosts the immune system to better recognize and fight tumor cells.

These treatments can be used alone or in combination, depending on the strategy defined by the medical team.

Surgical treatment

When the cancer is detected at an early stage, particularly in non-small cell cancers, surgery is often considered. Two main techniques are used:

Lobectomy: removal of one lobe of the lung, indicated if the tumor is localized.
Pneumonectomy: complete removal of the affected lung, often combined with lymph node removal to limit the risk of spread.

These surgeries are performed in modern operating rooms, using minimally invasive techniques (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) whenever possible.

Lung cancer treatment options in Turkey 2026

How to prevent lung cancer?

Lung cancer doesn't have a single cause, but rather a multitude of risk factors. Knowing these factors is already a first step toward active prevention.

Smoking cessation remains the most effective measure: smoking, even a little, significantly increases the risk. It's also important to limit exposure to secondhand smoke, especially in enclosed spaces.

Other inhaled substances can also be dangerous, such as asbestos, radon, or pollutant particles present in the air. Proper ventilation of living spaces and adherence to workplace safety standards can help reduce these risks.

A healthy lifestyle, combining a balanced diet, physical activity, and regular screenings, also strengthens prevention efforts, especially for people with a family history of lung cancer or chronic respiratory diseases.

At Turquie Santé, we help you access the best diagnostic and prevention centers in Turkey. Our internationally accredited hospital partners offer advanced screening programs, consultations with renowned pulmonologists, and personalized comprehensive care.

Complete Support in Turkey

With Turquie Santé, you gain access to a personalized care pathway, provided by specialists in thoracic oncology, pulmonary surgery, and precision medicine. Each treatment protocol is tailored to your individual situation, with close medical follow-up at every stage of your care.

Need a second opinion or a customized care plan? We connect you with specialized centers in Turkey, known for the quality of their lung cancer treatments.

Lung cancer treatment FAQ in Turkey

Can you get lung cancer if you don't smoke?

Yes, it is possible to get lung cancer without smoking, as it can be caused by pollution, genetic factors, or exposure to certain toxic substances.

How long does a complete lung cancer treatment take in Turkey?

The duration of a complete lung cancer treatment varies depending on the type and stage, but it generally takes between 3 and 12 months, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.

Can lung cancer recur after treatment?

Yes, lung cancer can recur after treatment, especially in advanced stages, which is why regular medical follow-up is important to detect any recurrence early.

What is the life expectancy with lung cancer?

With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many people with lung cancer can live for several years and maintain a good quality of life.

Which country provides the best treatment for lung cancer?

Turkey is particularly recommended for the treatment of lung cancer, thanks to its specialized centers, advanced technologies, and personalized patient care.