Choosing India for Cancer Treatment: Quality Care, Affordability, and Innovation

29 February,2024

Cancer is a term that scares most people. The disease not only affects the physical well-being but also harms the mental health of the patient. Apart from the trauma cancer gives, the treatment cost is burdensome for most people. If you or any of your known have been recently diagnosed with the fatal disease and are looking for feasible options without compromising on the quality of the treatment, you have landed at the right place.

In recent years, India has emerged as a leading destination for cancer treatment, attracting patients from around the globe seeking high-quality care at affordable prices. With its world-class medical infrastructure, skilled healthcare professionals, and innovative treatment modalities, India offers various advantages for individuals battling cancer. In this blog, we will discover why choosing India for cancer treatment will be a wise decision.

What is Cancer?

Cancer is a medical condition in which the body's normal healthy cells start dividing uncontrolled. You cannot catch it, like flu or an infection. The disease occurs when the programming for the cell division changes due to mutations. The cells form a lump or tumor that can be malignant, i.e., spread to different body parts and form a new tumor.

Some of the risk factors that can increase the chances of developing cancer are age, sex, tobacco consumption, alcohol, exposure to radioactive substances, family history, viral infections like HPV, etc.

Diagnosing cancer early (stages 0 and 1) is crucial for a complete cure. Various diagnostic tests help in detecting cancer. Some of these are – 

• Physical Tests: The oncologist will look for any signs of lumps in the body. They may also look for changes in skin color, swelling in the body, and organ enlargement.
• Laboratory Tests: Lab tests like urine and blood tests help physicians identify abnormalities caused by cancer.
• Imaging Tests: Computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and ultrasound are some non-invasive imaging tests that help detect cancer.
• Biopsy: It is the most accurate way of diagnosing cancer. The oncologist will collect a sample of cells and send them to the laboratory. These cells are then examined under the microscope. 

Why Choose India for Cancer Treatment?

Over 1.5 million people are diagnosed each year with cancer in India. This has made cancer awareness and treatment a priority for the Indian government. The healthcare sector in India is focused on optimizing oncological services, making it one of the most sought-after nations for cancer care.

Some of the reasons why thousands of patients come to India for cancer treatment each year are –

Advanced Medical Infrastructure: 

• India has a network of modern hospitals and specialized cancer treatment centers with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge medical facilities.
• These oncology hospitals offer comprehensive cancer care across various disciplines, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care.
• Many hospitals in India adhere to international quality standards and hold accreditations from renowned organizations such as JCI (Joint Commission International) and NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers). These accreditations ensure adherence to rigorous standards of patient care and safety.

Skilled Medical Professionals:

• India boasts a pool of highly experienced and skilled oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other specialists who are well-known for diagnosing and treating various forms of cancer.
• Cancer treatment in India often follows a multidisciplinary approach, with healthcare teams collaborating across different specialties. It helps in making tailored treatment plans that address each patient's unique needs and preferences.
• Cancer specialists in India use innovative treatment modalities, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, robotic surgery, and proton therapy. They provide patients access to cutting-edge treatments that may not be available in their home countries.

Cost-Effectiveness:

• One of the most compelling reasons to choose India for cancer treatment is its affordability. The cost of cancer treatment in India is remarkably lower compared to other developed countries, making it available to a broader spectrum of patients. 
• The standard cost of cancer treatment in India ranges from INR 1,50,000 to 5,00,000. International patients can expect this cost to be between USD 2,000 and 6,000. 
• Indian hospitals offer competitive pricing for various cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care services. Competitive pricing ensures that patients receive high-quality care without financial strain.

Focus on Overall Well-Being:

• Many cancer treatment centers in India prioritize a holistic approach to care. They address not only the physical aspects of the disease but also the psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Patients receive extensive post-treatment support. It includes follow-up care, rehabilitation services, nutritional counseling, survivorship programs, etc. Post-treatment support ensures continuity of care and long-term well-being.

What are the Latest Advancements in Cancer Treatment in India?

The conventional treatment modalities for cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Apart from these, Indian cancer hospitals are using various new innovative technologies and therapies. Some of these are – 

• CyberKnife: It is a non-invasive way of treating cancers in the brain, head & neck, liver, prostate, lung, spine, pancreas, and kidney. It is a type of stereotactic radiosurgery that delivers precise beams of high-energy X-rays or protons to destroy tumors. CyberKnife offers the advantage of real-time motion synchronization in which the movement of patients does not hamper the accuracy of the machine. 
• CAR-T Cell Therapy: Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T or CAR-T cell therapy is a revolutionary treatment for cancer patients. This technology uses the person's immune system to battle the cancer cells. The price for this therapy in countries like the US and the UK is about USD 480,000. But you can get this therapy in India under USD 51,000.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy has turned out to be a promising approach for cancer treatment in India. It involves boosting the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Drugs like checkpoint inhibitors help treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and lymphoma.
• Precision Medicine: Precision medicine, also known as personalized medicine, is gaining traction in India's oncology landscape. This approach involves tailoring treatment plans based on individual patients' genetic makeup and their cancer's specific characteristics. Targeted therapies that attack specific molecular targets within cancer cells are being utilized to improve treatment outcomes while minimizing side effects.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: MIS techniques, such as laparoscopic and robotic surgery, are revolutionizing cancer treatment in India. These approaches offer patients smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, reduced pain, and quicker recovery than traditional open surgeries. They are being used for a variety of cancers, including prostate, colorectal, and gynecological cancers.
• Proton Therapy: Proton therapy, a type of radiation therapy that uses protons to target cancer cells, is gaining popularity in India. This advanced form of radiation therapy delivers precise doses of radiation to cancer cells while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Proton therapy is particularly beneficial for treating tumors near critical organs.

Key Takeaway

With its advanced medical infrastructure, experienced healthcare professionals, and commitment to patient-centric care, India is among the best options for individuals seeking effective cancer treatment. The country is committed to providing cutting-edge cancer care and improving patient treatment outcomes. As research continues to progress and technology evolves, the landscape of cancer treatment in India will continue to grow, offering hope and healing to individuals affected by the disease.