Cancer Treatment in India

The most prevalent health issue in India is cancer, and the surprising facts show that India stands at the third position worldwide as far as deaths from cancer are concerned. The prevalence increases year by year with an estimated 25% increase in cases. With risk figures so high, the awareness campaign about cancer, causes of cancer, cancer prevention, and cancer treatment is needed the most.

A prominent oncologist, I have worked a lot in improving cancer therapy in India. With the newest technology, specialist experts, and inexpensive treatment centers, India is now among the finest locations for cancer therapy.

Understanding Cancer and Its Causes

Cancer is a disease that leads to death for millions of individuals across the globe. More than 600,000 individuals in India alone die annually of cancer. Oral cavity, lung, and throat cancers are common among men, whereas breast, cervix, and ovarian cancers are common among women. Prostate, kidney, and colon cancers are common among older adults.

Although medical science has made it possible for us to determine the cause of a vast majority of cancers, almost 25% of cancers, such as bone cancer and leukemia, are still unknown. Indian cancer cases, however, are caused by lifestyle in the majority.

Principal Causes of Cancer in India:

• Tobacco use: It is a leading cause of lung and oral cancer in men.
• Poor diet & obesity cause breast, uterine, and kidney cancer in women.
• Infection & Unhygienic Conditions: Causes risk of cervical cancer.
• Hereditary Disorders: Certain cancers like breast and colon cancer also happen due to their inherited nature.
• Environmental & Occupational Risks: Exposure to harmful chemicals by inhaling them for a long period, environmental contamination, and radiation increase the risk of cancer.

Early detection and prevention are the key reasons for a greater percentage of success in treating the cancer with an understanding of such risk factors.

Cancer Treatment in India vs Abroad

You hear news quite regularly about public figures or celebrities going abroad to receive treatment for cancer. Presently, however, India is no longer among the finest places to receive cancer treatment with great oncologists and swift progress in the setup of medical facilities.

One of the most advantageous benefits of seeking treatment in India is that the treatment is extremely cost-effective. Cancer treatment in India is almost 500% to 700% cheaper than what it is in the West, and hence it is available to a larger section of the population.

Apart from these, India also has advanced cancer hospitals with the finest medical technology. Due to continuous upgradation of health infrastructure and foreign connections, the new medicines and cancer treatments in India within a few months of their launch all over the world. It means that the most recent treatment of cancer is made accessible to Indian cancer patients without going abroad.

Types of Cancer Treatments Available in India

Cancer treatment is classified depending on the nature of cancer, stage, and general health of the patient. In India, there are many advanced treatment modalities for the treatment of the patient, which provide the patient with the best treatment depending on his/her needs.

Popular Treatment Modalities for Cancer:

1. Surgery
   • Surgery is employed for the removal of cancerous tumors from the body.
   • Applied primarily in breast, lung, and colon cancers.
2. Chemotherapy
   • Includes the use of potent drugs to destroy cancer cells.
   • Used by itself or in combination with surgery/radiation.
3. Radiation Therapy
   • Works on cancer cells with intense beams of energy to destroy and kill them.
   • There are newer versions known as IMRT, IGRT, and CyberKnife therapy.
4. Immunotherapy: Expertise by Dr. Vikesh Shah
   • A very new type of cancer treatment, which awakens the body’s internal defense system against cancer.
   • Dr. Vikesh Shah is one of the most prominent immunotherapy specialists in India, and patients with late-stage cancer have seen improved survival.
5. Hormone Therapy
   • Applied to hormone-sensitive cancers like prostate and breast cancer.
6. Stem Cell Transplant
   • Applied for the replacement of the blood-producing cells killed in leukemia and lymphoma patients.
7. Targeted Therapy & Precision Medicine
   • A customized form of treatment that targets specifically the cancer cells with less damage to the healthy tissues.
   • One of the most sophisticated treatments available in India is CyberKnife Surgery, a non-surgical painless robotically guided radiation treatment with fewer side effects.

Recent Developments in Cancer Treatment

One of the latest developments in cancer treatment in India is cyberknife surgery. This robotically guided non-surgical painless radiation treatment has fewer side effects and is a revolutionary solution for those not suitable for traditional surgery.

Cost of Cancer Treatment in India

The cost of cancer treatment in India is dependent on different factors, i.e., cancer type, stage, hospital, and treatment regimen.

The cost depends on the different treatments.

• Cost of chemotherapy is dependent on the type (conventional, standard, or cytotoxic).
• Radiation therapy has a different cost depending on the treatment method utilized (systematic radiation therapy (SRT), radioimmunotherapy, intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), etc.).
• The expense of surgery is based on the intensity of the procedure.

Amongst all cancer treatments, radiotherapy is the most expensive. Yet, the majority of the NGOs, government schemes, and private hospitals alike do provide financial support to poor patients along with cheaper therapy who are unable to spend money on expensive therapies.

Why is India the Best Option for Cancer Treatment?

1. Highly Experienced Cancer Specialists
   India prides itself on having the best oncologists, such as Dr. Vikesh Shah, who are highly experienced and have worked in international world-class medical institutions. Their level of experience ensures that patients receive the best treatment.
2. High-Tech Medical Facilities
   Most of India’s top-rated cancer hospitals pride themselves on having advanced facilities such as robotic surgery, accurate radiation therapy, and sophisticated diagnostic apparatus. This ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses and efficient treatments.
3. Low Cost of Treatment
   Indian cancer treatment is far cheaper compared to the West without any sacrificing quality. The cost factor has seen medical tourism boom with foreign patients choosing cancer treatment in India.
4. Personalized & Holistic Patient Care
   Indian hospitals focus on holistic modes of treatment, which include:
   • Psychological counseling of cancer patients.
   • Nutritional counseling.
   • Palliative care and rehabilitation after treatment.

Measuring the Success of Cancer Treatment in India

Success of cancer treatment in India is regulated by a number of parameters, like early diagnosis, customized treatment protocol, and availability of newer technologies. Some of the most crucial parameters that ensure cancer treatment is a success in India are discussed in detail below:

• Early Diagnosis: Regular screening of cancer raises the chances of detection at an early stage, thereby raising survival rates many folds.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Genetically profiled tailor-made treatment is the reason for the success of treatment.
• Use of Modern Facilities: Use of modern equipment and treatments helps in achieving more accuracy and better results.
• Wholistic Treatment: Indian hospitals are providing mental therapy, nutrition therapy, and postoperative therapy so that patients stay well in entirety assured.

Dr. Vikesh Shah, India’s Best Immunotherapy Specialist

Dr. Vikesh Shah is the  best oncologist in India and has made it his life’s work to develop the treatment of cancer, particularly immunotherapy. His expertise in new, patient-specific treatments has benefited numerous patients in their fight against cancer and the improvement in their quality of life.

His Merit:

• Best Immunotherapy Specialist in India
• Immunotherapy Expert
• Outstanding Cancer Cure Success Rates
• Patient-Centric & holistic Care

With dedication, expertise, and access to the latest treatments, Dr. Vikesh Shah is transforming India’s cancer cure scenario, making world-class care accessible to all.

Final Thoughts

Cancer care in India has made significant progress, with experts like Dr. Vikesh Shah at the lead. With immunotherapy, he continues to deliver world-class cancer care, putting India on the world map as one of the best places for cancer care.

If you or your loved one requires the finest cancer treatment in India, then Dr. Vikesh Shah is the person to trust. Contact us today for more information!