Introduction

Are you looking for an affordable option for cancer treatment?

The cancer treatment cost in India is cost-effective as compared to Western countries which makes it a preferred choice for international patients.

Rising healthcare expenses make cancer treatment overwhelming and patients often experience limited options and high costs.

India offers quality care and advanced cancer treatment at a fraction of the cost which combines world-class medical technology with skilled oncologists.

Why is Cancer Treatment Necessary?

Cancer treatment is necessary to extend the lives of patients and help them live as symptom-free as possible. Treatments like surgery, radiation, medication, and other therapies work to either shrink or control the cancer cells.

Several types of cancer treatments exist, and your treatment plan will depend on the type of cancer and your situation. Common treatments include:

• Neo Adjuvant Treatment: Neo Adjuvant treatment is usually given to shrink the tumor size and make it feasible to operate upon.
• Primary Treatment: Aim to remove the cancer completely from your body and kill all cancer cells.
• Adjuvant Treatment: Destroys any remaining cancer cells after the primary treatment, lowering the chance of cancer relapse.
• Palliative Treatment: Focuses on relieving symptoms or side effects from the cancer or its treatment.

Cost Breakdown

The cost of cancer treatment is cost-effective as compared to other Western countries, yet the cost includes hospital charges, surgeons, fees, diagnostic tests, overall surgical costs, and so on. Here is an overview of information about the cost breakdown:

Who Needs Cancer Screening or Diagnostic Workup

Patients with a higher risk of cancer may need a cancer screening or diagnostic workup, including those with:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic fatigue
• Lumps or swellings
• Persistent or unusual pain
• Skin changes (such as changes in moles or non-healing sores)
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits
• Unexplained bleeding or discharge
• Persistent cough or hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unusual bruising or prolonged bleeding

Methods of Cancer Treatment

There are several ways to treat or cure cancer cells, including:

• Surgery: Surgery is often used to remove as much of the cancerous tumor as possible. Depending on the type and location of the cancer, the surgeon may remove either the entire tumor or just part of it and it is used in the early stage of the cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. These drugs target cancer cells throughout the body and are often used for cancers that have spread.
• Radiation Therapy: This method uses high-energy beams, like X-rays or protons, directed at the cancer to kill or shrink the cancer cells.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: In this procedure, unhealthy bone marrow is replaced with healthy marrow from the patient or a donor, which helps the body produce healthy blood cells.
• Immunotherapy: Also called biological therapy, immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer by boosting or changing immune responses.
• Hormone Therapy: Certain cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, grow due to hormones in the body. Hormone therapy blocks or lowers these hormones to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading.
• Targeted Drug Therapy: This therapy focuses on specific issues within cancer cells that help them grow. By blocking these issues, targeted drugs can help stop or slow cancer growth.
• Cryoablation: This method kills cancer cells by freezing them. A thin needle is inserted through the skin into the tumor, and cold gases are applied to destroy the cancer cells.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: This technique uses electrical energy to create heat, which is applied to cancer cells to kill them. A needle is inserted into the cancer, and an electrical current passes through, heating and destroying the cells.

Factors that Affect the Overall Cost of Cancer Treatment in India

• Consultation Fees: The fees for an initial consultation with the hospital or doctor, where patient evaluation and tests are discussed, impact the treatment cost. These fees often vary based on the doctor’s experience and reputation.
• Medication Cost: Medication costs depend on the prescribed dosage and the specific protocol that the patient needs to follow.
• Evaluation Tests: Tests such as blood tests, scans, and other diagnostic procedures add to the overall treatment cost.
• Type of Treatment: The recommended type of treatment for your condition also influences the cost. Options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and bone marrow or stem cell therapy vary in cost due to different approaches to removing or destroying cancer cells.

Country Wise Cost Comparison of Cancer Treatment in India

◾ Key Takeaways

✅ Affordable Treatment Cost: India offers a cost-effective option for patients seeking cancer treatment in India. Patients will receive consultation with the best oncologists, and accredited hospitals that match the international medical standards.

✅ Advanced Medical Technology: Indian hospitals are equipped with some of the latest technologies for cancer treatment to provide quality care comparable to Western medical standards at an affordable cost.

Quality of Care in Cancer Treatment in India

India is known for its high-quality care for cancer patients, offering comprehensive and advanced treatment options at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Here’s why India is a preferred destination for cancer treatment:

• Experienced Oncologists: India is home to highly skilled and experienced oncologists who are dedicated to providing quality care for patients seeking treatment.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: Hospitals in India are equipped with the latest advancements in cancer treatment, including robotic surgery tools, PET and CT scanners, and more. These technologies enable precise and effective treatment.
• Internationally Accredited Hospitals: Many Indian hospitals are accredited by global organizations such as JCI (Joint Commission International) and NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers), ensuring they meet international standards for patient safety and quality care.

Best Doctors for Cancer Treatment in India

Dr. Dipanjan Panda

Medical Oncologist

10+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Hari Goyal

Oncologist and Hematologist

24+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Harit Chaturvedi

Surgical Oncologist

33+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Subodh Chandra Pande

Oncologist

35+ Years of Experience

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Dr. S Jayalakshmi

Oncologist

24+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Ankur Bahl

Cancer Specialist

15+ Years of Experience

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Dr. P. K. Das

Medical Oncologist

21+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid

Haemato Oncologist

30+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Vinod Raina

Oncologist

40+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Praveen Bansal

Oncologist

20+ Years of Experience

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Dr. (Col) R Ranga Rao

Oncologist

30+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Ishita B Sen

Medical Oncologist

20+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Sunil Kumar Gupta

Medical Oncologist

35+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Malay Nandy

Medical Oncologist

30+ Years of Experience

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Dr. Rakesh Chopra

Medical Oncologist

40+ Years of Experience

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Doctors in India are highly skilled and internationally trained in treating cancer and these doctors are dedicated to providing quality care for patients seeking cancer treatment in India.

Best Hospitals for Cancer Treatment in India

Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Beds: 539

New Delhi

Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital

Beds: 230

New Delhi

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

Beds: 710

New Delhi

BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital

Beds: 650

New Delhi

Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital

Beds: 191

New Delhi

Fortis Escorts Heart Institute

Beds: 310

New Delhi

Fortis Memorial Research Institute

Beds: 299

Gurugram

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

Beds: 380

New Delhi

Max Super Speciality Hospital Shalimar Bagh

Beds: 402

New Delhi

Medanta - The Medicity Hospital

Beds: 1300+

Gurugram

Moolchand Kharaiti Ram Hospital

Beds: 1000

New Delhi

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre

Beds: 500

New Delhi

Sarvodaya Hospital

Beds: 450

Faridabad

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

Beds: 675

New Delhi

Venkateshwar Hospital

Beds: 500

New Delhi

Indian hospitals are equipped with the latest technology and accredited by international organizations such as JCI AND NABH to ensure they meet international medical standards.

Technology Used in Cancer Treatment in India

India has significantly improved cancer treatment technologies by using cutting-edge methods to enhance patient care.

• CAR T-Cell Therapy: It's the first indigenous CAR T-Cell therapy which is also known as NexCAR19 which helps to reprogram a patient's immune system to target cancer cells.
• Advanced Radiation Therapy: Indian hospitals use advanced radiation oncology technologies which include MRI Linac which helps to combine MRI images with linear accelerator radiation delivery for precise targeting, 6-Sline CT Simulator, which helps in accurate treatment planning, and Linear Accelerator (Linac) Systems, that facilitate treatments such as IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, stereotactic radiotherapy, and brachytherapy.
• Digital PET-CT Scans: it helps to provide digital PET-CT scans for detailed images which provide proper diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression.
• Robotic Surgery: Indian hospitals are equipped with robotic surgical systems that help to enhance precision in surgical oncology procedures.
• Proton Beam Therapy: It's a form of radiation treatment that uses protons instead of X-rays to treat cancer. Additionally, this therapy allows for the precise targeting of tumors and helps to minimize the damage surrounding healthy tissues.
• HIPEC Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: HIPEC is a type of heated chemotherapy treatment that helps to deliver abdominal cavities during surgery. Additionally, it is used to treat cancer that has spread to the peritoneal surface such as ovarian and colorectal cancers.
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT): SRS and SBRT an non-invasive radiation therapies that deliver high doses of radiation to the tumor location. Moreover, these methods are particularly effective for small tumors in the brain and body.
• Targeted Therapy: It involves drugs that specifically target cancer cell molecules which also helps in reducing tumor growth and progression.

Preoperative Preparation for Cancer Treatment

Doctors may use these approaches to diagnose cancer, such as:

• Physical exam
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging tests
• Biopsy
• Metastatic workup

🟢Do’s Before Surgery

✅ Follow Doctor's Instructions: Carefully follow all instructions given by your doctor, including medication schedules, dietary restrictions, and other recommendations.

✅ Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your treatment to keep your body well-hydrated.

✅ Eat Nutritious Meals: Focus on healthy, balanced meals to prepare your body for treatment and help it recover more effectively.

🔴Don’ts Before Surgery

❌ Don’t Consume Alcohol: Avoid alcohol before treatment, as it can interfere with medications and impact your body’s ability to recover.

❌ Don’t Smoke: Smoking can weaken your immune system and slow recovery. It’s best to quit or, at the very least, avoid smoking before treatment.

❌ Don’t Hide Any Allergies or Symptoms: If you have any allergies or health issues, be open with your healthcare provider so they can tailor your treatment to your needs.

Surgical Procedure of Cancer Treatment

Before Surgery

• The team conducts blood tests, CT or MRI scans, and other diagnostics to understand the tumor’s size, location, and spread.
• You’ll meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, who will discuss the procedure, risks, and what to expect afterward.
• You may need to stop certain medications and avoid eating or drinking for a set time. Arrange for help with post-surgery care.
• Sometimes, chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor, which helps the surgeon remove it. This is called neoadjuvant treatment or primary treatment.

During Surgery

• You will receive either general anesthesia (putting you to sleep) or regional anesthesia (numbing a specific area).
• The surgeon will remove the tumor, along with nearby tissue or lymph nodes if needed, to reduce the chance of spread.
• The approach depends on the cancer’s type, location, and stage. Options include minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy robotic surgery, or open surgery.
• Throughout the surgery, the team checks your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

After Surgery

• Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may follow surgery to lower the risk of cancer coming back, known as adjuvant treatment.
• After the procedure, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where you’ll be monitored until you wake up from anesthesia.

Post Operative Care and Recovery

The length of a hospital stay depends on the type of surgery; however, patients are generally discharged around two days after surgery.

Recovery Time

Recovery time varies based on factors such as the type and stage of cancer. More complex surgeries or advanced stages may require a longer recovery period.

Success Rate of Cancer Treatment

The success rate of cancer treatment ranges between 90% and 95%, though this depends on the cancer type, stage, and overall health of the patient.

Risk and Complications of Cancer Treatment

There are some common side effects of cancer treatment include: 

• Pain
• Fatigue 
• Anemia
• Hair, skin and nail problems 
• Mouth problems such as difficulty swallowing, changes in taste, dry mouth, infections in the mouth, mouth sores, tooth decay, and sensitivity
• Nausea and vomiting 

Here are some other side effects of cancer treatment include:

• Bleeding and bruising
• Bone density loss
• Edema (swelling)
• Heart damage
• Lymphedema
• Urinary issues
• Fertility issues
• Memory or concentration problems
• Nerve problems
• Sexual health issues
• Sleep disturbances and insomnia

How Complications are Managed in Indian Hospitals?

If the side effects of your cancer treatment are disrupting your daily routine, it’s important to see your doctor and discuss them. For certain complications, your doctor may recommend treatments to help manage these side effects, such as:

• Pain: Doctors may suggest pain medications, physical activity, and acupuncture to help relieve pain.
• Anemia: Anemia requires careful blood monitoring and can be treated with blood transfusions or specific medications.
• Hair, Nail, and Skin Problems: Some volunteer beauty professionals offer guidance on skin care, hair care, and other techniques to manage these issues.
• Mouth Problems: Mouth issues, often caused by infections, can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Anti-nausea medications can help alleviate nausea and vomiting.

Why Choose Mejocare for Cancer Treatment in India?

✅ Team of Top Oncologists: We recommend you doctors have more than 20 years of experience in various cancer treatments such as breast cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, anal cancer, etc.

✅ JCI/NABH Accredited Hospitals: We have also partnered with hospitals that have State-of-the-art Facilities that are equipped with the latest technologies such as robotics, machine learning, and cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, designed to offer you comprehensive and personalized care.

✅ Other Benefits: We provide, swift and detailed responses, accurate cost estimates, help with obtaining medical visas, accommodation in India, and priority appointment scheduling with the doctors. Moreover, we also facilitate your smooth arrival in India, with airport pickup, drop at the hotel, hospitalization assistance, and much more.

Conclusion 

Cancer treatment is a procedure to cure or treat cancer cells in the body and diagnose cancer symptoms. Patients undergo several tests to help doctors diagnose their condition. After analyzing the condition, doctors perform the treatment. This will help to treat cancer, and there are several ways to treat cancer cells. Surgeons use these techniques not to let the cancer cells grow, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy, etc.

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Aryan Malhotra

Dr. Aryan Malhotra is a highly respected and compassionate medical professional with a strong academic background. He holds an MBBS and MD degree from DTMU University in Georgia. Driven by a deep sense of duty, he is dedicated to providing exceptional care to his patients.