A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, particularly when you are considering treatment in another country.
For international patients, India has become an important destination for cancer treatment, offering access to specialized oncology centres, experienced medical teams, advanced diagnostic facilities and multiple treatment approaches.
Patients from different parts of the world travel to India for the evaluation and treatment of various cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, blood cancers and other complex conditions.
The Government of India identifies cancer treatment among the major specialized treatments sought by international patients travelling to India.
However, choosing the right cancer hospital and treatment plan requires careful research.
This guide explains what international patients should know before travelling to India for cancer treatment.
Why Consider Cancer Treatment in India?
India has developed a large network of cancer hospitals and oncology centres offering medical, surgical and radiation oncology.
International patients may consider India because of:
- Experienced oncology specialists
- Multidisciplinary cancer teams
- Advanced diagnostic facilities
- Surgical oncology
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Robotic surgery
- Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation
- Proton therapy at selected centres
- International patient services
India also offers a range of treatment options across different hospitals and cities, allowing patients to seek care according to their medical requirements and budget.
The Government of India describes India’s medical-tourism advantages in terms of medical infrastructure, trained healthcare professionals and comparatively cost-effective treatment.
What Types of Cancer Can Be Treated in India?
Indian cancer centres provide treatment for many types of cancer.
Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, treatment may be available for:
Breast Cancer
Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and other approaches depending on the cancer type and stage.
Lung Cancer
Treatment can involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy or immunotherapy depending on the patient’s diagnosis.
Prostate Cancer
Patients may be evaluated for surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and other treatment options.
Colorectal Cancer
Treatment can involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted or immunotherapy approaches where clinically appropriate.
Blood Cancers
Specialist centres may provide treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other hematological cancers.
Brain and Other Complex Cancers
Patients may require a multidisciplinary team involving medical oncology, radiation oncology, neurosurgery, surgery and other specialists.
The appropriate treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, pathology, molecular characteristics, overall health and previous treatment history.
Major Cancer Hospitals in India for International Patients
International patients have several established cancer centres to consider.
The best hospital depends on the patient’s specific cancer and treatment requirements.
Apollo Cancer Centres
Official Apollo Cancer Centres
Apollo Cancer Centres provide comprehensive cancer care involving surgical, medical and radiation oncology. Apollo says its cancer network includes multidisciplinary oncology teams and advanced treatment technologies.
Apollo also has dedicated international-patient services for cancer patients, including assistance with medical records, appointments, travel, accommodation, medical visas, airport transfers and interpreters.
One of its major facilities is the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai, which provides proton therapy alongside surgical, medical and radiation oncology services.
Official website:
Visit Apollo Cancer Centres
Medanta
Medanta in Gurugram is a major multispecialty hospital with oncology services and access to multiple medical specialties.
For patients with complex cancers, multidisciplinary care can be important because treatment may involve several specialists.
International patients should contact the hospital directly to understand the availability of the required cancer specialist and treatment.
Fortis Healthcare
Fortis operates hospitals in several Indian cities and provides oncology services.
International patients can contact Fortis to discuss their diagnosis, submit medical records and explore available treatment options.
Fortis also provides dedicated international-patient assistance.
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Official Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai provides comprehensive cancer care along with multiple other specialties.
International patients can contact the hospital regarding medical-record review, specialist consultation and treatment planning.
What Cancer Treatments Are Available in India?
Cancer treatment depends entirely on the individual diagnosis.
Common treatment approaches include:
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended when a tumour can be removed surgically.
The type of surgery depends on the location, size and characteristics of the tumour.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy or control cancer cells.
It may be used before surgery, after surgery or as part of treatment for advanced cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target cancer cells.
Modern radiation techniques can allow doctors to precisely target treatment areas.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to help fight certain cancers.
Whether it is appropriate depends on the cancer type and specific biological characteristics.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted medicines are designed to act on specific molecular features associated with certain cancers.
Testing may be required to determine whether a patient is suitable for targeted treatment.
Hormone Therapy
Some cancers, including certain breast and prostate cancers, can respond to hormone-based treatments.
Proton Therapy
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment available at selected specialised centres.
For example, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai provides proton therapy as part of its comprehensive cancer-care program.
How Much Does Cancer Treatment Cost in India?
There is no single fixed price for cancer treatment.
The total cost can vary significantly depending on:
- Type of cancer
- Stage of cancer
- Treatment required
- Hospital
- Doctor
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted medicines
- Number of treatment cycles
- Length of hospitalization
- Diagnostic tests
- Additional complications
For this reason, patients should be careful with websites that advertise one fixed price for cancer treatment.
An accurate estimate normally requires a review of the patient’s medical records.
What Medical Records Should International Patients Send?
Before contacting a cancer hospital in India, collect your available medical records.
These may include:
- Biopsy report
- Histopathology report
- Immunohistochemistry report
- PET-CT report
- CT scan
- MRI
- Blood tests
- Previous treatment records
- Surgery reports
- Discharge summaries
- Current medications
- Previous chemotherapy details
- Radiation treatment records
If imaging files are available, provide the actual scans when requested, not only the written report.
The more complete the medical information, the easier it is for the medical team to understand the patient’s history.
Can International Patients Get a Second Opinion in India?
Yes.
A patient can submit medical records to an Indian oncology centre for a medical opinion before travelling.
A specialist may review the available reports and provide information regarding:
- Diagnosis
- Cancer stage
- Recommended investigations
- Possible treatment options
- Need for surgery
- Chemotherapy options
- Radiation options
- Possible targeted or immunotherapy
- Expected treatment duration
- Estimated treatment cost
However, a remote review should not be considered a replacement for an in-person clinical evaluation.
The final treatment plan may change after the patient arrives and undergoes examination or additional investigations.
How Long Does Cancer Treatment in India Take?
The treatment duration varies considerably.
Some patients may require only a consultation and diagnostic evaluation.
Others may require:
Diagnosis → Surgery → Recovery → Chemotherapy → Radiation → Follow-up
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may require multiple visits or treatment sessions.
International patients should ask the hospital about the expected duration of treatment before booking flights and accommodation.
Medical Visa for Cancer Treatment in India
Foreign nationals travelling to India for medical treatment may be eligible for an e-Medical Visa or other appropriate medical visa, depending on their nationality and circumstances.
The Government of India has extended e-medical and e-medical-attendant visa facilities to facilitate medical travel to India.
Visa requirements can change, so patients should verify the latest requirements through official Indian government or consular sources before travelling.
Cancer hospitals may also assist international patients with relevant documentation for their medical visit.
For example, Apollo Cancer Centres states that its international-patient department assists with medical-visa documentation, travel arrangements and other aspects of the patient’s journey.
How Mantar Global Health Can Help
Travelling to another country for cancer treatment involves much more than finding a hospital.
Patients may need help with:
- Finding suitable cancer hospitals
- Identifying appropriate oncology specialists
- Collecting and submitting medical reports
- Obtaining treatment opinions
- Comparing hospital options
- Understanding estimated treatment costs
- Coordinating hospital appointments
- Planning medical travel
- Understanding the expected treatment journey
- Coordinating follow-up care
Mantar Global Health helps international patients navigate the process of seeking medical treatment in India.
Our goal is to make the journey more organized, transparent and easier to understand for patients and their families.
Why Choose Mantar Global Health?
When you are dealing with a serious medical condition, researching hospitals and coordinating treatment from another country can be stressful.
Mantar Global Health can help you navigate the process from the initial enquiry through hospital coordination and medical travel planning.
You can share your available medical records with us and discuss your treatment requirements.
We can then help you explore appropriate hospitals and specialists based on your individual needs.
Planning Cancer Treatment in India?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer and you are considering treatment in India, start by collecting your medical reports and seeking an appropriate specialist opinion.
Do not choose a hospital based only on price.
Consider:
Cancer expertise + specialist experience + treatment options + hospital facilities + international patient support + estimated cost
For international patients, proper planning before travelling can make the medical journey significantly easier.
Contact Mantar Global Health
Share your medical reports with Mantar Global Health to explore cancer treatment options and hospitals in India.
Mantar Global Health
Connecting International Patients with Healthcare in India.