Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Blood cancer can have symptoms such as:

• Breathlessness
• Fatigue
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Night sweats
• Unexplained pain in the bones

Some of the most common treatments for blood cancers include:

•  Stem cell transplantation
•  Chemotherapy
•  Radiation therapy.

>>The cost of blood cancer treatment in India ranges from 4000-10,000 USD.

Best Treatment Options for Cancer

Due to the advancement in medical research, there are now many advanced treatment options available for cancer. It is always best to consult with an expert oncologist who can provide you with the best cancer care. The type of treatment you will receive will depend on the type of cancer you have and the stage of your cancer. You may be given a single treatment or a combination of many, depending on your condition. You should discuss and weigh the benefits and risks associated with each treatment with your doctor to understand the best choice for your health.   Some of the most common treatments used for cancer are:

• Surgery: A surgical oncologist performs an operation to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Surgery is most commonly used for removing solid tumors that are restricted to one region of the body. Surgery in India can cost in the range of $4000-$12000.
• Chemotherapy: In this type of cancer treatment, drugs are used to kill cancer cells. Since chemotherapy can also affect the growth of normal cells, it can lead to side effects. Some of the common side effects associated with chemotherapy include nausea, mouth sores, and hair fall. The cost of chemotherapy in India can be $300-$1500 per Session.
• Hormone therapy: This is primarily used for treating breast and prostate cancer.  This therapy targets cells that use hormones to grow. By removing the hormones required for growth or preventing their effects, the cancer cells can be stopped from dividing. Hormone therapy can be administered orally or by injection. The cost of hormone therapy in India usually ranges from $4000-$5000.
• Targeted therapy: In this therapy, drugs that target the unique characteristics of cancer cells are used to stop them from growing. This treatment approach doesn’t harm normal cells. The cost of targeted therapy in India is in the range of $2700-$3500.
• Immunotherapy: In immunotherapy, the body’s own immune system is used to kill cancer cells. This is also known as biological therapy. Cancer cells have the ability to evade the immune system. However, immunotherapy enables your immune system to recognize the cancer cells so that they can be eliminated. Immunotherapy in India costs $5000-$6000.
• Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy beams like X-rays to destroy cancerous cells. The radiation for this form of therapy can be given externally or from within your body(brachytherapy). Radiation therapy’ cost in India is in the range of $800-$25000.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: This procedure involves replacing the diseased or damaged bone marrow with stem cells that can produce healthy blood cells. It is also known as a stem cell transplant. These stem cells could be obtained from the patient’s body (autologous bone marrow transplant) or from the body of the donor(allogeneic bone marrow transplant). Bone marrow transplant is used for treating conditions like Leukemia. BMT in India can cost in the range of $20,000-$65,000.
• Robotic surgery Sometimes, robotic surgery is used to remove the patient’s cancer. This type of surgery is usually laparoscopic and performed when traditional surgery is not the best option for treating the condition. In this, the surgeon will use robotic surgical tools to perform the surgery. Robotic surgery leads to less scarring and pain. It is associated with faster recovery. Some of the cancers that can be treated with robotic surgery are colorectal and pancreatic cancer. On average, robotic surgery for cancer in India costs around $10,000.

Treatment Options for Cancer and Their Cost in India

Cost of Cancer Surgery in Top Cities of India

Surgery for cancer must be performed by an expert surgical oncologist. The cost of surgery for cancer in different locations in India include:

Chemotherapy Cost in India

Chemotherapy is a commonly used method for treating cancer. Its cost in different Indian cities includes

Medical Test Required for Cancer in India

Some of the commonly used tests for detecting cancer include:

• Lab tests: These are usually blood tests used to check the presence of tumor markers,  complete blood cell count (CBC), and measure the levels of blood protein. However, these tests cannot be used alone to diagnose cancer. They can be helpful for detecting blood cancers like Leukemia and multiple myeloma.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is usually recommended when the doctor suspects you of having cancer. This involves taking a small piece of tissue from the region where the cancer is suspected to be present. The sample is then sent to a laboratory and analyzed by a pathologist for the presence of cancer cells. A biopsy helps in the diagnosis of cancer.
• X-ray test: This is an imaging test that can help doctors visualize the changes caused by medical conditions such as cancer.
• MRI: An MRI can be performed to detect the presence of cancer in the body. For instance, a breast MRI is performed to obtain a detailed image of the breast tissue. This can help in evaluating the presence of tumors in the breast.
• Colonoscopy: This helps your doctor to visualize the colon, a part of the digestive system. A colonoscopy can be used to detect potential health problems such as polyps or colorectal cancer.
• CT scan: A computed tomography scan can help doctors in diagnosing cancer. It can also provide information about cancer’s stage.
• Ultrasound: This helps the doctor in identifying the location of the tumor in the body. Doctors may also use ultrasound to perform a biopsy.

Other Cost of Cancer Treatment in India

In addition to the cost of treatment, you also need to consider the additional expenses associated with your treatment. These include:

Factors Affecting the Cost of Cancer Treatment in India

The cost of cancer treatment in India is influenced by the following factors:

• The type of hospital where you will undergo treatment
• The reputation of the hospital and the number of facilities available in it.
• The skill set and experience of the oncologist
• The type of treatment you are receiving
• Whether you are paying by yourself or by insurance
• The health of the patient

Cost of Cancer Treatment in India VS Other Countries

As compared to other countries, India offers cancer treatment at reasonable prices. The cost of treatment in India when compared to other countries has been given below:

What are some of the symptoms of Cancer?

Usually, the symptoms of cancer will depend on the region of the body that has been affected by it. The following symptoms may be associated with cancer though not always. Thus, it is best to consult a doctor if you notice any alarming signs. Some of the general symptoms of cancer include:

• Lump under your skin
• Changes in your weight such as unexplainable weight gain or loss
• Fatigue or feeling over-tired
• Changes in the color of your skin such as redness or yellowing of skin.
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing food
• Persistent cough
• Unexplained and persistent night sweats or fever
• Changes in bladder or bowel habits
• You may also experience neurological problems such as seizures, vision changes, and headaches
• Indigestion
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Changes in your appetite
• Sores that do not heal

How does Cancer occur? 

Although scientists have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of cancer, it is believed to occur because of changes in the DNA of the cells or mutation. The information present in the DNA instructs cells when to grow and divide. However, if there are some errors or changes in these instructions then cells become cancerous. The new line of research suggests that several factors can interact to lead to cancer. These factors could be environmental, genetic, or inherent characteristics of the person.

Are you at risk of cancer? 

When talking about the causes of cancer, it is also important to mention the risk factors that increase the possibility of cancer, especially in adults. Some of these risk factors are:

• Factors related to lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, handling toxic chemicals, or taking a high fat-diet can increase the risk of cancer in adults.
• Viral exposure: Studies have indicated that exposure to viruses like HIV and Epstein-Barr virus can increase the likelihood of childhood cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This could be because of the alteration of the cells by the virus. Such alterations could make the cell cancerous.
• Age and family history: Cancer can take a lot of time to develop and is therefore usually found in people who are 65 years or older. Though it is more common in older people, it is not exclusive to them and can be found in people of any age. A very small percentage of cancers are inherited. If you have a family history of cancer then you are suitable for genetic testing.
• Obesity and being overweight: Studies have found a link between obesity or being overweight with cancer. It is always best to consult an expert oncologist to assess your risk of getting cancer.

Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in India

India has a pool of internationally accredited hospitals that are well-furnished with the latest medical equipment for providing the best treatment to cancer patients. The healthcare services in these hospitals are delivered as per international standards. Some of the best hospitals in India for cancer treatment are:

>>Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in Delhi

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

Indraprastha Apollo hospital is equipped with more than 700 beds and treats over 200,000 patients annually from different parts of the world. Due to its delivery of excellent healthcare, the hospital has also been accredited by NABL, JCI, and ISO. Apollo Hospitals is one of the best hospitals for cancer care in Delhi. It offers several high-end facilities to cancer patients such as Image -Guided Radiotherapy(IGRT), Frameless Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), High Dose Rate Brachytherapy, and 3D Conformal Radiotherapy.

Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh

Fortis hospital is a multi-specialty facility equipped with around 262 beds and comprises the most modern facilities for providing excellent cancer care. The hospital has received accreditations from ISO and NABH. The hospital also has translators on board to help international patients avail treatment. The department of oncology at the hospital consists of expert oncologists who deliver quality treatments for various types of cancers including lung cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer.

>>Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in Mumbai

Fortis Hospital, Mulund

A JCI-accredited facility, Fortis Hospital in Mulund has more than 315 beds and provides a range of treatment and diagnostic services. It has the largest multiorgan transplant facility in the state of Maharashtra. The department of oncology consists of renowned oncologists who provide the best cancer care to patients.

Wockhardt Hospital

The hospital has received accreditations from the JCI and NABH. Wockhardt Hospital is well-known for providing superior healthcare services to patients, especially for conditions like cancer. The hospital is equipped with 350 beds and consists of exceptional and well-trained surgical and medical oncologists.

>>Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in Chennai

Sri Ramachandra Medical Center

Sri Ramachandra Medical Center: This is the first hospital associated with a university to be accredited by prestigious organizations such as NABL, JCI, AABB, and NABB. It has more than 800 beds and 200 ICUs to provide quality healthcare services to patients for various diseases and medical emergencies. The department of Oncology at the hospital receives around 6000 patients on average every year. The hospital provides evidence-based treatments to cancer patients in accordance with National guidelines. Some of the treatments provided for cancer include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and OncoSurgery.

MGM Healthcare

MGM Healthcare has been accredited by JCI, NABH, and NABL. The hospital has a team of highly experienced surgical and radiation oncologists for treating a variety of cancers. The specialists working at the hospital are trained at delivering personalized patient care.

>>Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in Hyderabad

Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad offers top-notch medical healthcare to its patients. With JCI and NABH accreditation, the hospital is reputed for providing advanced cancer treatments. Apollo hospital has the latest medical facilities for providing advanced cancer care such as a 64-slice PET-CT, TrueBeam STX, Proton therapy, Tomotherapy, and skilled robotic surgeons.

Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet

Yashoda hospital has received accreditation from NABH and NABL due to its excellent healthcare services. The hospital has over 500 specialists and 500 beds to cater to the healthcare needs of patients. With its sophisticated infrastructure consisting of 4D gated rapid Arc and robotic system for surgery, the hospital is well-regarded for providing quality care to cancer patients.

Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in Kolkata

Apollo Multispecialty Hospital

The hospital has been accredited by NABH and JCI. Apollo Hospital in Kolkata is a 500+ bedded facility with modern infrastructure. It has a pool of qualified and skilled oncologists for providing the best healthcare to patients. The hospital has translators on board for assisting several international patients that visit the hospital every year.

Fortis Hospital, Kolkata

Fortis hospital is a 400 bedded facility that has been accredited by NABH. It has a 24*7 emergency and accident service. Fortis Hospital in Kolkata consists of highly skilled oncologists for providing the best patient care.

Top Doctors for Cancer in India

India has a pool of knowledgeable and skilled oncologists who have years of experience in providing exceptional care to cancer patients. These professionals have trained at some of the best institutes in the world and are well-versed with the latest treatments for cancer. Some of the best board-certified doctors in India are:

>>Delhi

Qualification: MBBS, MS, and DNB in Surgical Oncology

• Dr. Surender Dabas has more than 15 years of experience in treating various types of cancers including stomach and breast cancer.
• He has published papers in several international and national journals.
• He is a part of many reputed professional bodies such as the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology and the Foundation of Head-Neck Oncology.

Qualification: MBBS and DNB

• He can provide treatments for gastrointestinal cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma.
• Dr. Amit is a part of the Delhi Medical Council and the Medical Council of India
• Dr. Bhargava has completed his training at some of the best institutes in the world. He obtained a fellowship from the Standard Cancer Clinic in the USA.

>>Chennai

Qualification: MBBS, MS, and MCh

• Dr. Rajasundaram has more than 29 years of experience in treating different types of cancers including pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer.
• Throughout his career, he has served at some of the best hospitals in India and abroad.
• He is a member of respected organizations such as the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) and the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO).

Qualification: MBBS, MS, MCh and DNB

• Dr. Siva Kumar has 16 years of experience in the field of oncology.
• He holds impeccable credentials such as an MBBS, MS in general surgery, MCh in Surgical Oncology, and a DNB in Surgical Oncology.
• He is a member of reputed associations such as the Indian Medical Association(IMA), the Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India(AMASI), and the Indian Society of Oncology(ISO).

>>Hyderabad

Qualification: MBBS, MS and MCh

• Dr. Dayakar Rao specializes in treating conditions such as stomach cancer, cervical cancer, oligodendrogliomas, and lung cancers.
• He is a member of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council.
• He has published papers in several reputed international and national journals.

Qualification: MBBS and MD

• Dr. Sushma can perform procedures like intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT).
• She has more than 10 peer-reviewed publications in international and national journals.

>>Mumbai

Qualification: MBBS, MS and MCh

• Dr. Babu is a part of the Association of Surgeons of India and has published papers in many journals of repute.
• He is an expert in treating prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer.

8. Dr. Sanjay Dudhat

Qualification: MBBS and MS

• With more than 27 years of experience, Dr. Sanjay is an expert surgical oncologist.
• He has plenty of experience in performing surgeries for treating conditions such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
• He holds an MBBS and MS. His research work has been published in many respected journals.

>>Kolkata

Qualification: MBBS, MS and MCh

• He can provide treatment for conditions such as pancreatic cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer.
• He is a member of prestigious associations such as the Indian Medical Association, the Indian Association of Surgical Oncology, and the Association of Breast Surgeons of India.

Qualification: MBBS, DM and MD

• Dr. Mohapatra has expertise in using chemotherapy for treating various types of cancers such as lung cancer and cervical cancer.
• He is a part of reputed professional bodies such as the Indian Association of Palliative Care.

Qualifications Required for Surgeons & Doctors in India to Treat Cancer

Some of the qualifications required by doctors or surgeons to provide cancer treatment in India include:

• MD
• MCh-Surgical Oncology
• DM-Oncology
• DM-Medical Oncology
• DNB-Surgical Oncology

Why do patients choose India for Cancer Treatment?

India is well-known around the world for delivering excellent healthcare to patients at reasonable costs. On average, India receives 2 million patients from around 78 countries. It has a network of internationally accredited hospitals and qualified oncologists to provide the best cancer care. The oncologists in India are members of several reputed professional associations and can speak fluently in English. Some of the reasons why India has become a sought-after destination for cancer treatment are:

• The hospitals in India have a shorter waiting time
• The process of obtaining a medical visa is simple and convenient in India
• Patients receive round-the-clock and high-quality care
• The medical staff speaks English well. If the patient does not speak English well, interpretation services are also available.
• The process for scheduling a consultation and/or treatment is quite simple.
• The medical staff is responsive and admission to the hospital is much easier

The survival rate after cancer treatment in India

In the case of countries like India, the 5-year survival rate of cancer is up to 70-75%. This is because of the availability of highly-skilled oncologists and well-equipped hospitals in the country that are able to provide the latest treatments to patients.

How Can MediGence assist you in your treatment journey?

MediGence can help you get the best treatment for your cancer in India by connecting you with internationally recognized hospitals and well-trained oncologists in the country. We have a network of more than 8000 board-certified doctors in over 25 countries around the world. We will be assisting you at every step of your cancer treatment. Thus, ensuring that the process of availing cancer treatment is both transparent and hassle-free for you. MediGence helps you in the following ways:

• Connects you with internationally accredited hospitals and qualified oncologists for your cancer treatment.
• Provides assistance for planning your medical travel to India. We can help you with visas, airport transfers, accommodation, etc.
• Offers affordable cancer treatment packages inclusive of various add-on benefits and services
• Helps in availing a second opinion from our oncology board comprising of expert oncologists so that you can confirm your diagnosis and recommended line of treatment.
• Assist you in obtaining a post-operative care package for fastening your recovery after undergoing cancer treatment

Services available for international patients with MediGence

MediGence offers a range of services to international patients. This ensures that they have a comfortable stay and avail of cancer treatment in India conveniently. These include:

• Airport transfers
• 24/7 patient care assistance
• Complimentary hotel stay
• City tour for 2
• Medicine vouchers
• In-patient room upgrade
• Cancel anytime with full refund

FAQ’s