Comprehensive Guide to Cancer Treatment Costs and Options in India

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 loss. The cost of chemotherapy in India can be $600-$700.
• 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 $3500-$5500.
• 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 $8000-$12000.
• Immunotherapy: In immunotherapy, the body’s immune system is used to kill cancer cells. This is also known as biological therapy. Cancer cells can 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 $3000-$5000.
• 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’s cost in India is in the range of $4000-$8000.
• 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 the body of the donor(allogeneic bone marrow transplant). Bone marrow transplant is used for treating conditions like Leukemia. BMT cost in India is in the range of $25,000-$35,000.
• 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.

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 help detect 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 visualise 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 diagnose cancer. It can also provide information about cancer's stage.
• Ultrasound: This helps the doctor identify the location of the tumor in the body. Doctors may also use an ultrasound to perform a biopsy.

Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in India

Fortis Hospital in Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi	Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi	MGM Healthcare in Chennai
Jaypee Hospital	Wockhard Hospital	Yashoda Hospital

Top Doctors for Cancer in India

Dr. Amit Bhargava	Dr. Raja Sundaram	Dr. Sivakumar M
Dr. Dayakar Rao	Dr. P Venkata Sushma	Dr. Donald Babu