Cancers commonly treated
- Breast cancer
- Head and neck cancers, including mouth, throat and thyroid cancer
- Blood cancers: leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma
- Cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers
- Prostate, kidney and bladder cancers
- Bowel (colorectal), stomach, liver and pancreatic cancers
- Lung cancer
- Bone and soft tissue cancers, and childhood cancers
Treatment options
- Cancer surgery: open, laparoscopic (keyhole) and robotic surgery to remove tumours.
- Chemotherapy: medicines that kill cancer cells, given in cycles.
- Radiation therapy: precise techniques such as IMRT, IGRT and stereotactic radiation that target the tumour while sparing healthy tissue.
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: newer medicines that help the immune system fight cancer or block cancer growth signals.
- Bone marrow (stem cell) transplant: for selected blood cancers.
Reports to send before you travel
For cancer, the more complete your reports, the more accurate our review and cost estimate.
- Biopsy (histopathology) report, and if possible the biopsy slides and paraffin blocks
- CT, MRI or PET-CT scan reports, and the images on CD or a link
- Recent blood tests, including tumour markers if done
- Summary of any treatment already received: surgery notes, chemotherapy drugs and doses, radiation details
How long you will stay in India
Your stay depends on the treatment. After cancer surgery, most patients stay 2 to 4 weeks. A full course of radiation usually takes 3 to 7 weeks, with treatment five days a week. Chemotherapy is given in cycles, often every 2 to 3 weeks; some patients complete all cycles in Chennai, while others receive the first cycles here and continue at home with their local oncologist, guided by the Chennai team.
What affects the cost of cancer treatment in India
- Type and stage of cancer
- Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination
- The medicines used, especially immunotherapy and targeted drugs
- Number of chemotherapy cycles or radiation sessions
- Length of stay
Send your biopsy and scan reports for a free doctor review and written cost estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a second opinion without travelling?
Yes. Send your reports on WhatsApp. Our doctor reviews them with a cancer specialist and sends you an opinion and treatment plan before you decide to travel.
Why do you ask for the biopsy slides and blocks?
The pathologist in Chennai re-examines them to confirm the exact type of cancer. This sometimes changes the treatment plan, so it is worth bringing them.
Can family members stay with me during treatment?
Yes. Up to two attendants can usually come on an e-Medical Attendant visa. We help arrange a stay near the hospital.
This page gives general information to help you plan. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a doctor who has examined you. Your treating specialist in Chennai will confirm the right treatment for you.