Cancer Treatment in India: Options and Planning for International Patients
An overview of the main cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, and how to plan treatment in Delhi NCR from abroad.
Cancer treatment is planned around the type of cancer, where it is and how far it has spread. MedlinePlus, the US National Library of Medicine's health service, explains that most treatment plans include surgery, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy, and some involve hormone therapy, immunotherapy or stem cell transplantation. For international patients, the first step is sharing your reports so a specialist team can review them and recommend a plan.
This guide explains the main treatments in plain language and how to plan cancer care in Delhi NCR from abroad.
Why every cancer plan is different
MedlinePlus notes that cancer is not one disease but many, with more than 100 different types. Treatment depends on the type of cancer and how advanced it is. Using lung cancer as an example, the NHS says treatment also depends on factors such as whether the cancer has certain genetic changes, your general health, and which options you decide are right for you.
That is why no article can tell you which treatment you need. Your oncologist and specialist team decide, after reviewing your reports and examining you.
The main types of cancer treatment
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove the cancer; the NHS gives the example of removing part or all of a lung for lung cancer. Your surgeon will explain which approach suits you. Procedures listed on our site include robotic cancer surgery, breast cancer surgery and head and neck cancer surgery.
Chemotherapy
MedlinePlus describes chemotherapy as the use of medicines to destroy cancer cells, stop them spreading or slow their growth. It can also ease symptoms by shrinking tumours. It may be given by mouth, by injection or through a drip, and schedules vary: treatment may be every day, week or month, with breaks to let healthy cells recover. Common side effects include tiredness, nausea, mouth sores and hair loss, and most go away over time.
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
According to MedlinePlus, radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and stop them spreading. It may be given once a day, or in smaller doses twice a day, for a few weeks. It can be external, from a machine, or internal. Treatment is carefully planned to reduce side effects, which commonly include skin changes and tiredness.
Immunotherapy
MedlinePlus explains that immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer. It is not used for all cancers, the response varies, and patients are monitored closely. It may be given through a drip, as tablets or in other forms, sometimes in cycles.
Stem cell transplantation
For some blood cancers, the NHS explains that a stem cell or bone marrow transplant may be used to replace damaged blood cells with healthy ones.
Combining treatments
Many people have more than one treatment. For example, the NHS says chemotherapy for lung cancer may be given before surgery to try to shrink a tumour, or after surgery to stop the cancer coming back. MedlinePlus notes that radiation is sometimes combined with surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Starting with your reports
MedlinePlus explains that a biopsy, the removal and examination of tissue, cells or fluid, is usually needed to confirm cancer, and that doctors also use blood tests and imaging. For an overseas opinion, the specialist team will usually want to see:
- your biopsy and pathology reports;
- recent scans and their written reports;
- blood test results;
- details of any treatment you have already had, including surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
- a list of your current medicines.
Send us what you have. We share it confidentially with suitable partner hospitals and come back with a free, no-obligation personalised quote within 24 hours. The quote is an estimate until the hospital's specialists have reviewed your reports and confirmed a plan.
Planning a stay for cancer treatment
Treatment may take weeks
Some treatments are completed in one hospital stay; others, such as a course of radiotherapy lasting a few weeks, or chemotherapy given in cycles, need you to be nearby for longer or to return. Ask your specialist for a clear schedule before you book travel.
Visas for longer or repeat visits
India's official visa portal currently lists the e-Medical Visa as allowing multiple entries. Validity figures on the portal have differed between sections, so check the validity printed on your own ETA and plan return visits within it. Up to two companions can travel on e-Medical Attendant Visas.
Somewhere comfortable to stay
Treatment can be tiring. Medwell can book a hotel near your hospital, arrange flights and airport pickup, and provide an interpreter on request, so you can concentrate on your treatment.
Choosing a hospital and oncologist
Our partner hospitals across Delhi NCR include large multi-speciality centres such as Fortis Memorial Research Institute, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital and Artemis Hospital. Compare them on our hospitals page, read oncologist profiles on our doctors page, and we will help you book a consultation.
