Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases out there, claiming approximately 12 lakh new cases every year. Out of which, almost eight lakhs lose their battle against this fatal disease. The reasons are ignorance and expensive treatment. But, one can recover from cancer through timely diagnosis and treatment.
Although, it takes a physical and emotional toll on everyone involved in the journey to defeat the Big C. The treatment procedures impact a person’s psyche and also disrupt financial stability.
But, on a brighter note, India is emerging as a leading healthcare destination due to its advancement in medical science at affordable cost, including its state-of-the-art cancer hospitals and facilities. Thousands of people worldwide travel every year to avail in India. So they can get quality assurance on medical skills and expertise.
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Let's take a look at all the treatment choices we have to cure cancer in India.
What are the different types of cancer treatment in India?
Before taking a look at the treatments, let's see some of the statistics.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the estimated age-adjusted rate (AAR) for all cancer sites in India in 2022 was 107.0 per 100,000.
The leading five cancer sites in India in 2022 were:
Treatment Procedure | Definition, |
| Chemotherapy |
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| Radiation Therapy |
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| Robotic Cancer Surgery |
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| Surgical Therapy |
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| Bone Marrow Transplant |
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| Immunotherapy |
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| Hormone Therapy |
|
| Proton Therapy |
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| Targeted Drug Therapy |
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| Stem Cell Therapy |
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| Precision Medicine |
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| Radiofrequency Ablation |
|
Bone scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging tests may be used to diagnose cancer.
There are three medical approaches to treating cancer in India:
- Primary treatment focuses on the complete elimination of cancerous cells.
- The adjuvant treatment removes cancerous cells that persist even after primary treatment.
- Palliative care relieves cancer patients from physical agony caused by cancer tumors or cancer treatments.
Confused about which hospital to choose for your cancer treatment? Here is a list of the best cancer care facilities in India.
What are the best cancer hospitals in India?
India has some of the best cancer hospitals in the world. They have world-class medical equipment and the most advanced technology to treat all forms of cancer. These prestigious hospitals treat thousands of cancer patients every year. Below is a list of the best cancer hospitals in India city-wise, so you have no hassles picking the best for your treatment.
City | Hospitals |
 Cancer Hospitals in Mumbai |
|
 |
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 Cancer Hospitals in Bangalore |
|
 Cancer Hospitals Chennai |
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Are you looking for the best oncologist in India? Here is a collated list of the best cancer doctors for you to pick from.
Who are the best cancer doctors in India?
Successful cancer treatment is possible only when you get treated by a top oncologist. Here is a list of the top oncologists in India who use a single-modal or multi-modal approach that includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy to treat cancer and give their patients the best possible treatment and cure.
Oncologists in Mumbai
1. Dr. Suresh Advani
- 45+ years of experience
- Padmabhushan Award and Padma Shri Award recipient
- Expert in bone marrow transplant
2. Dr. Sridhar PS
- Expert in targeting tumors accurately with minimal side effects.
- Known for effective, quality-of-life enhancing treatments.
- Treated over 10,000 patients, including 3000 with cyberknife.
Click here to find out more about the best oncologists in Mumbai.
Oncologists in Delhi
3. Dr. Ramesh Sarin
- 50+ years of experience
- Expert in breast cancer treatment
- Chairperson of Breast Cancer Protection NGO Forum
4. Dr. Jawahar Ticku
- 41+ years of experience
- Expert in chemotherapy
- Introduced and implemented the concept of Natural and Herbal therapy
Click here to find out more about the best oncologists in Delhi.
Oncologists in Bangalore
5. Dr. Sandeep Nayak
- 23+ years of experience
- Pioneer of laparoscopic cancer surgery in India
- Expert in advanced laparoscopic cancer surgery, robotic surgery, endoscopic surgery
6. Dr. Radheshyam Naik
- 31+ years of experience
- Successfully performed 30 haploidentical transplants
- Completed 350+ bone marrow transplants
Click here to find out more about the best oncologists in Bangalore.
Oncologists in Chennai
7. Dr. Bellarmine
- 57+ years of experience
- Specializes in internal medicine and surgical oncology
- Served as Captain in Indian Army Medical Corps
8. Dr. Prof. S. Subramanian
- 56+ years of experience
- India’s senior-most practicing medical oncologist
- Expertise in bone marrow transplant, lumpectomy and stem cell transplantation
Click here to find out more about the best oncologists in Chennai.
Take charge of your health with the best treatment. Book your consultation now.
Cancer treatment can burn a hole in the pocket. In India, however, cost of cancer treatment is very affordable if compared against the developed nations of the world.
What is the Cancer Treatment Cost in India?
The cost of cancer treatment in India starts from INR 90,000 (USD 1160) and can go up to INR 27,50,000 (USD 35,459) with an average cost of INR 5,00,000 (USD 6447).
Given below is the cost list for treating the most common types of cancer in India:
Type of Cancer | Treatment Cost (cost will vary depending on if you need chemotherapy, radiation therapy surgery, or a combination of all three) |
Breast Cancer | The average breast cancer treatment cost in India is INR 7,00,000 (USD 9026). Click here to learn the detailed cost breakdown. |
Lung Cancer | The average cost of lung cancer treatment in India is INR 13,20,000 (USD 17,020). |
Liver Cancer | The liver cancer treatment cost in India ranges between INR 1,50,000 (USD 1934) to INR 4,00,000 (USD 5157). |
Stomach Cancer | The average cost of treating stomach cancer in India is between INR 2,10,000 (USD 2707) and INR 4,75,000 (USD 6124). |
Oral Cancer | The average cost of oral cancer treatment in India is INR 3,50,000 (USD 4513). |
Blood Cancer | The average cost of blood cancer treatment in India is INR 10,94,000 (USD 14,106). |
Prostate Cancer | The average cost of prostate cancer treatment in India is INR 3,50,000 (USD 4513). Click here to learn the detailed cost breakdown. |
Cervical Cancer | Cervical cancer treatment costs in India vary from INR 82,000 (USD 1057) to INR 2,06,000 (USD 2656). Click here for all details on the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer. |
Kidney Cancer | The estimated cost of kidney cancer treatment in India is approximately INR 3,10,000 (USD 3997). Click here to learn all about stem cell therapy for kidney failure. |
Brain Cancer | Brain tumour surgery costs in India start at INR 90,000 (USD 1160) and go up to INR 4,50,000 (USD 5802). |
There are different types of cancer treatment in India for patients worldwide. Below is a breakdown of the costs:
Type of Treatment | Estimated Costs |
Surgery | Ranges from INR 2,80,000 (USD 3610) to INR 10,50,000 (USD 13,539) depending on the site and severity of the cancer. |
Robotic Surgery | Ranges from INR 4,24,000 (USD 5467) to INR 7,77,500 (USD 10,025). |
Chemotherapy | Chemotherapy cost in India is around INR 18,000/session (USD 232). |
Radiation Therapy | Radiation therapy costs in India start at INR 70,000 (USD 902), and costs in India for one cycle go up to INR 20,00,000 (USD 25,788). |
Immunotherapy | Immunotherapy costs in India for one cycle start from INR 1,00,000 (USD 1289) and can go up to INR 4,00,000 (USD 5157). Usually, a cancer patient requires 3-4 cycles. |
Bone Marrow Transplant | Bone marrow transplant costs in India range from INR 15,00,000 (USD 19,341) to INR 40,00,000 (USD 51,577). |
Targeted Therapy | Oncologists give targeted therapy in combination with chemotherapy, and the cost per cycle ranges from INR 50,000 (USD 644) to INR 5,00,000 (USD 6447). |
Proton Therapy | Proton Therapy cost in India ranges between INR 25,00,000 (USD 32,236) to INR 30,00,000 (USD 38,683). |
Hormone Therapy | The cost of hormone therapy in India is INR 3,22,845 (USD 4162). |
Stem Cell Therapy | Stem cell transplant cost in India ranges between INR 15,00,000 (USD 19,341) to INR 25,00,000 (USD 32,236). |
As you can see, cancer treatment in India is very affordable compared to the medically developed nations of the world. Moreover, imaging tests to diagnose cancer are also at the low end. The cost of PET scans, MRIs, CT scans, bone scans, ultrasounds and X-rays is very efficient and low-priced in India.
Let's check the below chart to understand the difference in cancer treatment in India and other countries.
Note: Please expect a cost variation of around 5-10% as it depends on the stage and location of cancer along with the patient’s age and other medical records.
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Success Rates of Cancer Treatment in India
According to the National Cancer Registry Programme of India, the 5-year overall survival rate for all cancers in India is estimated at 70%. This is lower than the survival rates in developed countries, but it significantly improved from the 5-year survival rate of 50% in the early 2000s.
Here are some of the latest stats about success rates of cancer treatment for specific types of cancer in India:
- Breast cancer: The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer in India is estimated to be 70-75%.
- Prostate cancer: The 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer in India is estimated to be 90%. This is similar to the survival rate in developed countries.
- Leukemia: The 5-year survival rate for leukemia in India is estimated to be 60-70%. This is lower than the survival rate in developed countries, but it significantly improved from the 5-year survival rate of 50% in the early 2000s.
Why Choose India for Cancer Treatment?
India is fast developing, and the country is adopting technology. The country has continuously researched and developed new and revolutionary treatments. The technology used in India's best hospital for cancer is at par with those of developed countries. Moreover, medical expenses are very affordable in India, thus making it an ideal destination for cancer treatment.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider India to get your cancer treatment:
- Internationally Accredited Hospitals – The best cancer hospitals in India are internationally accredited and have high treatment standards on par with the hospitals of developed countries.
- Skilled and Experienced Doctors – The doctors practicing in any top cancer hospital in India are highly acclaimed and skilled. They have many years of experience and underwent their training at globally recognized institutes. The best oncologists in India are world-famous for their expertise and experience.
- Affordable Treatment – One of the major reasons for choosing India for cancer treatment is its affordability. The generic drugs available here are less priced than those in international countries, greatly impacting expenses.
Additionally, the value of Indian currency is less than that of currencies in countries like the USA, the UK, etc. At the same time, the quality of treatment is not compromised due to the low cost. People from developed and underdeveloped countries come to India for treatment. - Advanced Technology – All the latest technologies available in developed countries are also available in India. The hospitals here have the latest machines and tools for effective cancer treatment.
- Medical Visa Availability – The processing of applications is quick, and approval of medical visas in India is faster due to the shorter waiting time. Authorities prioritize patients suffering from life-threatening diseases.
- World-Class Services – The hospitals in India are among the best cancer hospitals in the world, have great infrastructure, and are famous for their world-class services. Hospitals give premium and personalized services to patients, such as personal medical staff, language translators, etc., which are more cost-effective than in developed countries.
Is free cancer treatment available through any government initiative in India?
Yes, the cost of cancer treatment is on the rise. Hence, several government initiatives and well-known institutes aim to provide low-cost or free cancer treatment in India. Let's take a look at them.
The government hospital in India strives to make cancer treatment accessible to people, even with limited means. The government of India has undertaken many initiatives to provide subsidized or free cancer treatment in India. Some hospitals, like Tata Memorial Center and Kidwai Institute, treat around 60-70% of their cancer patients at no cost or minimal rates. Click here to see the list of hospitals that offer free cancer treatment in India.
Here is a list of India's top 3 government cancer hospitals offering free or subsidised malignancy treatment.
Cancer Hospital | Address |
| RML Hospital, Delhi | Baba Kharak Singh Rd, near Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Type III, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001 |
| Lady Hardinge Hospital, Delhi | Near Panchkuian Marg, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Shivaji Stadium, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110055 |
| Indira Gandhi Hospital, Patna | Bailey Road, Sheikhpura, Patna - 800014 |
Some NGOs are also working toward financing patients with this life-threatening condition.
Free cancer treatment is available in India through various government and non-government initiatives.
- Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): This scheme provides cashless hospitalization up to Rs. 5 lakh per family year for secondary and tertiary care. It covers a wide range of medical procedures, including cancer treatment.
- Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN): This scheme provides financial assistance to poor patients suffering from cancer for treatment at 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) in India.
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS): This scheme provides comprehensive healthcare services to central government employees and their families. Cancer treatment is covered under CGHS.
Are there Insurance Plans for Cancer Treatment in India?
When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it burns a deep hole in their pockets in the name of treatment. As such, staying financially prepared is recommended to avail of cancer treatment on time.
Basic health insurance doesn’t adequately cover the expenses and benefits, as are required for cancer treatment. You can avail of cancer insurance, designed to manage the costs associated with cancer. A comprehensive cancer insurance policy offers coverage against all cancer stages. Most policies also offer a dual benefit of lump-sum payment along with income on the diagnosis of a major stage.
India’s major cancer insurance policies are:
- HDFC Life Cancer Care
- Aditya Birla Active Cancer Secure Plan
- Tata AIG Critical Illness Health Insurance Plan
- Bajaj Allianz Critical Illness Insurance Plan
Take the first step to recovery. Get in touch with us for your treatment.
Patient Stories
Now, read ahead the patient stories to understand how Clinicspots helps every patient from across the world get treated in India.
| Hamid's journey to defeat throat cancer |
| Success Story of Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer Treatment in India |
| A 3-year-old's Inspiring Story to Defeat Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma |
| Rumna’s journey against Thyroid cancer |
| A 30-year-old’s journey towards defeating soft tissue sarcoma treatment |
| Abdhulla’s journey to defeating oral cancer |
| Success story of a colon cancer treatment in India |
| Success Journey of an Old Patient who defeated liver Cancer |
References:
https://ncdirindia.org/All_Reports/NE_Report_2022/resources/NE_2022_Final.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32971510/
