Best Hospitals for Breast Cancer Treatment in India

Breast cancer affects countless women worldwide. It is currently the most common cancer type and the second leading cause of cancer deaths (World Cancer Research Fund International Statistics). This urgent reality underscores the need for accessible and affordable treatment options. India is famous for its medical expertise and advanced facilities. Indian cancer specialists are a beacon of hope to patients seeking effective care worldwide.

In India, patients don’t have to wait long for personalized care while paying at a fraction of the cost in many Western countries. The main reasons for this achievement are highly skilled oncologists and state-of-the-art hospitals. India's dedication to holistic healing extends beyond medical treatments. It offers complementary therapies like yoga and meditation alongside the chance to explore its rich cultural heritage. With its compassionate approach and commitment to accessibility, India is changing the narrative of breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer treatment costs in India provide hope and healing to patients from across the globe.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. It originates in the breast's milk-producing glands or tubes carrying milk to the nipple. These cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm. (This is often the first noticeable sign, although not all lumps are cancerous.)

• Swelling or thickening of part of the breast

• Changes in the skin over the breast. (This can include dimpling, puckering, redness, or a rash.)

• Changes in the nipple. (This can include inversion (turning inward), discharge, or a scaly, red, or swollen appearance.)

• Pain in the breast or nipple

Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is classified into stages based on:

• the size of the tumor

• whether it spread to nearby lymph nodes

• whether it has metastasized or spread to other parts of the body

And based on these factors there are 5 stages of breast cancer. Look at the table below:

Stage	What happens during this stage?
Stage 0	This is also known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), where abnormal cells are present in the milk ducts but have not spread to surrounding tissue.
Stage I	The tumor is small (up to 2 cm) and has not spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Stage II	The tumor is larger (2-5 cm) or has spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.
Stage III	The tumor is larger than 5 cm or has spread to many nearby lymph nodes.
Stage IV  (metastatic breast cancer)	The cancer has spread to other organs, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain

Why Choose India For Breast Cancer Treatment?

India is a popular destination for medical tourism including for patients seeking breast cancer treatment. This trend is driven by several factors:

• Treatment costs in India are significantly lower compared to Western countries. Sometimes by as much as 50-70%, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable care.

• India is home to several internationally accredited hospitals with state-of-the-art technology and highly qualified oncologists, surgeons, and medical staff.

• Compared to many Western countries, patients often experience shorter wait times for consultations, surgeries, and other treatments in India.

• Many hospitals offer comprehensive breast cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy.

• Medical tourism companies and hospitals often provide personalized assistance to international patients. This can include visa assistance, airport transfers, accommodation arrangements, and even language interpretation services.

• India offers access to cutting-edge treatments like robotic surgery, cryosurgery, and NanoKnife IRE. These treatments may not be readily available or affordable in their home countries.

• Patients can also experience complementary therapies like yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda to support their overall well-being during their treatment journey.

• Combining medical treatment with the opportunity to explore India's rich culture and heritage is another appealing factor for many patients.

Treatments for Breast Cancer in India

Treatment Name	Description
Surgery	In breast cancer, the surgery is done to remove the tumor and potentially surrounding tissues, including lymph nodes.  Surgery can be of two types -  One that involves breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) The one where the entire breast (mastectomy) is removed. It is often followed by reconstructive surgery to restore breast appearance.
Chemotherapy	Chemotherapy uses potent medications to target and destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body.  It can be used in three cases -  Before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor.  After surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate any remaining cancer cells  As the primary treatment for advanced breast cancer.
Immunotherapy	This innovative treatment harnesses the power of your own immune system to fight breast cancer.  Immunotherapy drugs help your immune cells recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively,  This line of treatment comes with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy	Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to attack specific vulnerabilities within breast cancer cells, hindering their growth and spread.  This personalized approach focuses on minimizing damage to healthy cells, leading to potentially fewer side effects.
Radiation therapy	Radiation therapy employs high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors.  It can be used in two cases -  After surgery to target any remaining cancer cells in the breast or chest wall As the primary treatment for early-stage breast cancer in some cases.

Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment in India

For breast cancer, the cost of treatment is based on

• Type of treatment

• Place of treatment

• Stage of breast cancer a patient has

Based on this we are providing average costs for treatment in the following tables:

Name of the Treatment	Cost
Surgery	$2,500 to $5,500
Chemotherapy	$1950 to $3500 per cycle
Immunotherapy	$1,200 to $85,000
Targeted Therapy	$8,000 to $12,000 per cycle
Radiation Therapy	$2,400 to $7,800

Other expenses for cancer treatment may include:

1. Oncologist’s fee

2. Diagnostic tests

3. Hospital stays

4. Medications

5. Food expenses

6. Hotel expenses

7. Follow-up visits

Which Hospital is Best for Breast Cancer Treatment in India?

We understand the importance of choosing a hospital that fits right with all your needs. But with so many options one can get puzzled. Therefore we have shortlisted 5 top best breast cancer hospitals in India for you.

1. Medicover Hospitals

They are a network of healthcare excellence dedicated to comprehensive cancer care in India.

Facilities at Medicover Hospitals:

• Network of hospitals across India, including a dedicated Cancer Center in Hyderabad.

• Diagnostic services and a wide range of cancer treatment options.

• State-of-the-art technology, including the 4D PET-CT Scan.

Reasons to Choose Medicover Hospitals

• Blends advanced technology with compassionate patient care.

• Experienced oncologists and comprehensive cancer care.

• Focus on research and innovation in cancer treatment.

2. Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Group is well known for nurturing patients with hope and personalized cancer care.

Facilities at Fortis Healthcare

• Network of hospitals and healthcare centers across India.

• Fortis Cancer Institute with a dedicated Tumor Board for personalized treatment plans.

• Comprehensive range of breast cancer treatments, including radiation therapy, surgical options, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies

Reasons to Choose Fortis Healthcare

• Focus on patient care and providing hope to cancer patients

• Multidisciplinary approach with experts in various fields.

• Offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options

3. Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital

A hospital where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate, patient-centric care.

Facilities at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital

• Specialized care center by the name of Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care in Mumbai.

• Advanced Centre for Radiation Oncology.

• Multidisciplinary team of oncologists and specialists

• Robotic surgery, advanced radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are available

Reasons to Choose Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital

• Focus on personalized and comprehensive cancer care

• Committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient

• Offers holistic therapies and compassionate support services

• Prioritizes innovation, research, and patient-centric care

4. Max Hospital

At Max Hospital patients experience tailored treatment plans and excellence in cancer care.

Facilities at Max Hospitals

• Network of hospitals with state-of-the-art facilities.

• A team of experienced oncologists and specialists

• Range of breast cancer treatments, including hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and more

Reasons to Choose Max Hospitals

• Positive patient testimonials and successful outcomes

• Experienced in handling complex cases.

• Commitment to providing excellent treatment and care

How Indmed Travel can help?

We are a reputed medical tourism company in India, with a growing team of 50+ hospitals and 200+ doctors. We take care of your health needs from the doctor's appointment to post-surgery care. We have helped many patients from different countries with the assistance and care they needed. We believe in making a positive change one patient at a time.

You can either reach out to us through the contact form on the website or simply WhatsApp this number: +919769735888 and we will get back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the breast cancer survival rates in India?

Cancer survival is usually calculated on a five-year survival rate. In India, this rate is above 60%.

2. What is the cost of chemotherapy in India?

The average cost of chemotherapy in India ranges from $250- $300 per cycle. The cost will vary depending on the stage of cancer and the drugs used in the chemotherapy.

3. What is the availability of artificial breast for cancer patients in India?

Artificial breasts are easily available for cancer patients in India. Patients can choose from silicone and nonsilicone options. There are options that are lighter in weight which use foam/fiberfill. These breast prostheses are available in special stores and online as well.

4. How long will my breast cancer treatment last?

The length of treatment usually depends on your cancer specialist’s recommendation. Usually, if you have been diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer then chemotherapy will last between 3 to 6 months. An advanced-stage breast cancer treatment will be longer. Your specific circumstances will also affect your treatment duration. Please remember, your doctor is the best person to recommend the treatment timeline and duration.

5. How many weeks of Chemo do women get for Breast Cancer?

Women have to go several rounds of chemotherapy depending on the stage of cancer. The chemotherapy rounds are usually 3 to 6 months long but this frequency can vary based on the patient’s condition and drugs used in treatment.

6. Is my breast cancer completely curable?

If the cancer is detected in its early stages then yes it can be completely cured. But in case it comes back it is usually metastasized and it is not curable.

7. How soon surgery must be done after a breast cancer diagnosis?

Specialists recommend that surgery should be performed within 8 weeks after diagnosis. This time period will allow for comprehensive testing and deciding the line of treatment at the best hospital.

8. Can breast cancer spread to other parts of the body while waiting for surgery?

Yes, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body while waiting for surgery. It is called metastasis.

9. What is the best approach to breast cancer treatment?

The best approach to breast cancer treatment involves a specific treatment plan tailored to the individual patient by their medical team. Early detection and prompt treatment are also important for the best possible outcome.

10. Should I follow a special diet after my breast cancer therapy?

There is no such special diet that reduces the chances of cancer coming back. But yes any diet after breast cancer surgery should be a balanced diet. The patient should avoid excessive saturated fats from their diet.