Receiving a cancer diagnosis is an immense life change, and for many international patients, choosing a treatment location can be a daunting task. In the last two decades, India has positioned itself as an advanced cancer treatment center, integrating extensive medical knowledge, technological innovation, healthcare, and remarkable value, all within a single package.
As more patients travel to India for advanced oncology treatment, the country has increased its facilities and oncology teams to cater to the demand. Now, India has internationally recognized cancer hospitals with specialized oncology teams and facilities in the country that can compete with those in the US, UK, or Europe—and oftentimes at a fraction of the cost.
In this detailed guide, we will explain what to expect in the treatment journey, from choosing the right India hospital to available options and traveling, as well as visa and recovery support.
India for Cancer Treatment: Reasons to Choose
India has emerged as a preferred destination for cancer treatment for international patients because of these important India factors.
1. India’s World Renowned Oncology Specialists
India has some of the leading oncologists in the world, with a considerable proportion of them having trained in the US, and UK, or Europe.
Working in specialized multi-disciplinary cancer care, each team has medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists and supportive care providers.
2. Affordable but Sophisticated Care
Cancer treatments in India are available at nearly 50–80% lower costs compared to Western nations, without compromising on advanced medical standards and quality care.
Available services include robotic surgeries, proton therapy, targeted therapy, and precision medicine.
3. Accreditations of Hospitals and Institutions
A large portion of cancer hospitals in India have accreditations from NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) and JCI (Joint Commission International).
These hospitals comply with international standards and use evidence-based treatment guidelines.
4. Medical Staff Who Speak English
Patients find English-speaking doctors and nurses less stressful to communicate with.
5. Support for Patients Is Multifaceted
Through facilitators like MediKaya Healthcare, patients are fully supported from their first consultation, travel-related preparations, to aftercare.
Available Cancer Treatments In India
1. Surgery
- India has kept pace with the rest of the world and offers state of the art surgical oncology services, including.
- Laparoscopic surgery which allows patients to recover faster.
- Robotic surgery which allows for greater precision.
2. Chemotherapy
- Available in inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Uses CHEMO drugs which have proven their efficacy for treating cancer, for a fraction of the price.
3. Radiation Therapy
- Standard radiation therapy.
- India offers cutting-edge options such as IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy), IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy), and the highly precise Proton Beam Therapy.
4. Immunotherapy
- Uses modern approaches to enhance the body’s immune response to cancer.
- Uses targeted treatments like monoclonal antibodies and checkpoint inhibitors.
5 Targeted Therapy
- Uses drugs designed to attack specific proteins or genes in the cancer cells.
- Helps minimize the impact on non-cancerous cells.
6. Bone Marrow And Stem Cell Transplant
Done in specialized hospitals for leukemia, lymphoma, or other solid tumors.
Best Cancer Hospitals in India for International Patients
There are several composite centers, but here are some hospitals specializing in oncology treatment:
- Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai stands as a leading center for comprehensive cancer treatment and clinical research.
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, stands as a top government institution providing world-class cancer treatment and research-driven oncology services.
- Apollo Hospitals (Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad) – Offers recognized robotic cancer surgeries and comprehensive cancer care.
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram – Renowned for comprehensive cancer care with a strong focus on advanced radiation therapies.
- Known for its innovation, Medanta – The Medicity in Gurugram provides cutting-edge cancer therapies supported by world-class technology and expertise.
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi – Offers cancer care unit with services tailored for international patients.
- Patients can obtain priority bookings, tailored instructions, and other assistance through MediKaya Healthcare.
The Cancer Treatment Process in India
International patients can follow anticipation steps:
Initial Consultation & Diagnosis
- To hospital or facilitator, submit the pathology slides, scans, and medical report relevant to the test.
- Oncologists work together in a collaborative review process to finalize personalized treatment strategies.
Visa And Travel Arrangements
- Use your hospital invitation letter to apply for a Medical Visa for India.
- MediKaya Healthcare offers assistance with the necessary documentation, flight bookings, and even airport pickup arrangements.
Arrival And Hospital Admission
- Patients receive a warm and personalized welcome at the airport.
- International patient departments help with seamless admission processes.
Treatment Phase
- You may need to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy for some cancers, and at some stages, a combination of all three.
Recovery And Post Treatment Support
- Monitoring your condition post-treatment will be done before you travel home.
- Your ongoing treatment can be coordinated through telemedicine consults from your home country.
Estimated Cost of Cancer Treatment in India
Here’s an estimated range for various services.
- Although a hospital’s location and the type of treatment affects the cost, the following figures can be considered rough estimates:
- Surgery s (breast, lung, colon, etc.) – $3,000 to $8,000
- Chemotherapy (per cycle) – $300 to $800
- Radiation Therapy – $3,000 to $6,000
- Bone Marrow Transplant – $18,000 to $35,000
- Immunotherapy / Targeted Therapy – $1,000 to $3,000 per cycle
These prices demonstrate that India provides exceptional value for oncology treatments globally.
Accommodation And Recovery Support
These include budget guesthouses and serviced apartments.
To ensure a patient’s comfort, safety, and hygiene during their stay, MediKaya Healthcare collaborates with reliable providers to offer these accommodations.
Why opt for Cancer Treatment with MediKaya Healthcare in India?
MediKaya Healthcare focuses on supporting international patients with:
- Choosing the most suitable cancer hospitals in India.
- Scheduling pre-travel teleconsultations with leading oncologists.
- Travel, visa, and accommodation arrangements.
- Providing Interpreter Services if required.
- Emotional and logistical support during the treatment journey.
Guided world-class medical care. Above and beyond, patients receive personalized, caring support throughout their medical journey.
Advice for International Patients for Cancer Treatment in India
- Start Early – Gather all reports and look for opinions on treatment in advance.
- Look for Accredited Hospitals – Search for NABH or JCI accredited hospitals.
- Be mindful of the Weather – Comfort during travel during the cooler months, October – March.
- Look for Telemedicine Options – Check if the hospital provides telemedicine.
- Use Reputable Facilitators – Trusted Facilitators like MediKaya Healthcare which provides end-to-end arrangements.
Summary
The treatment of cancer is more than the medical procedures—it’s providing care with the right medical attention that restores the patient’s hope, dignity, and quality of life. A blend of affordability and advanced treatment, India is one of the preferred locations for many international patients.
MediKaya Healthcare partners with patients to provide assurance in the international cancer treatment journey with every step expertly managed from diagnosis to recovery by the best people focused on the patient’s well-being.
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