About Cancer Treatment (Chemo, Radiation, Robotic Surgery) (India) Treatment

India: Transforming the Cancer Care Experience 

  Cancer – one small word yet it affects millions of people throughout the world every year. In 2025, it is projected that there will be approximately 19 million new cancer cases and 10 million cancer deaths globally, with significant increases expected by 2050. A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming – not just for patients, but also for families. But there is hope. Over the last decade, India has become a global place holder in the list of trusted destinations for affordable, advanced and holistic cancer care.   So now, let’s take a closer look at what cancer is, how it is treated in India, and why tens of thousands of international patients come to India for cancer treatments every year.  

What is Cancer?

  Cancer is the group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not contained, it can result in serious illness and death. Cancer can arise in nearly any part of the body, and it often behaves differently depending on its type and location.  

Cancer Types and Stages

  Cancer is generally divided into:  
  • Carcinomas: Affecting organs and glands (Breast, Prostate, Lung)
  • Sarcomas: Impact bones, muscles, and connective tissues
  • Leukemias: Cancers of the blood
  • Lymphomas: Cancers of the immune system
  • Melanomas: Skin cancers
  Cancer stages (Stage I-IV) reflects the extent of spread:  
  • Stage I: Localised
  • Stage II & III: Regional spread
  • Stage IV: Distant metastasis
 

What Happens in Cancer Treatment? (Steps Involved)

  Treatment is often initiated only after extensive consultation with an oncologist and involves:  
  • Step I: Diagnosis – Imaging & pathology
  • Step II: Staging – Determining the extent of spread
  • Step III: Planning of Treatment – According to stage and type of cancer, and patient’s health condition.
  • Step IV: Therapy or Surgery – A treatment which is designed to remove or shrink cancer
  • Step V: Post-Treatment Care – Rehabilitation, monitoring and lifestyle advice sessions

Diagnosis & Tests: How is Cancer Diagnosed in India

  Modern diagnostic tests in India aid in early detection of cancer, leads to better outcomes:  
  • PET-CT scans: (To Identify if cancer has spread)
  • MRI, CT, Ultrasound
  • Biopsies (Tissue sample analysis)
  • Endoscopy
  • Blood tests & tumor markers
  • Genetic testing (Aids in early detection and personalized treatments)
  These tests guarantee an accurate treatment planning and raise the long-term survival rates.  

Therapies Used and How Safe They Are

  Cancer treatments in India involve combinations of internationally established therapies:  
  • Surgery: Removes tumors, often the first option if only localized.
  • Chemotherapy: Treatment using drugs/chemicals to kill cancer cells; may be systemic or targeted.
  • Radiation Therapy: High-powered, focused X-rays are used to destroy cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Stimulates the body’s own immune system to work better and attack cancer.
  • Targeted Therapy: Blocks off molecules in cancer cells.
  These treatment techniques are usually safe in a medical setting when monitored by a multi-disciplinary treatment team, side effects are carefully controlled.  

Advanced Equipment & Technologies

  Indian hospitals invest in top-of-the-line equipment:  
  • CyberKnife & Gamma Knife: For precision radiosurgery
  • Robotic Surgery: For less invasive and quicker recovery
  • PET-CT & MRI: Staging and F/Us
  • Linear accelerators (LINAC): For advanced radiation delivery
  These Technological advancements offer unique clinical capabilities for patients in the treatment of cancer and make treatments more targeted, safer and more effective.  

When and Why is Cancer Diagnosis Prescribed?

  Cancer Diagnosis is usually recommended if following warning signs are noticed:  
  • a change in bowel or bladder habits
  • a non- healing sore throat
  • abnormal bleeding or discharge
  • thickening or lump anywhere in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere
  • dyspeptic symptoms (usually chronic) or swallowing difficulties
  • changes in the size, colour, shape or thickness of a wart or mole
  • nagging cough or hoarseness
 

Pre- & Post-Care Treatment for Cancer

  Pre-treatment care:  
  • Detailed health evaluation
  • Nutritional support
  • Counseling and education
  Post-treatment care:  
  • Regular follow-ups & scans
  • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
  • Emotional and psychological support
  • Nutrition and lifestyle guidance
  Holistic healing ensures patients recover not just physically, but emotionally as well.  

Technological Advancements in India’s Cancer Treatment

  Indian oncology centers have adopted:  
  • Precision medicine
  • Robotic surgeries
  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS)
  • Targeted therapies and immunotherapies
  • Advanced chemotherapy & radiation delivery systems
  These advances extend life, reduce side effects and shorten hospital stays.  

Common Complications Post Treatment and Recovery

  Complications can include:  
  • Anemia
  • Appetite Loss & Fatigue
  • Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia)
  • Constipation or Diarrhea
  • Delirium
  • Edema
  • Hair Loss (Alopecia)
  • Infection and Neutropenia
  • Lymphedema
  • Memory or Concentration Problems
  • Mouth and Throat Problems
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Nerve Problems (Peripheral Neuropathy)
  • Pain
  • Sexual and Fertility Problems (Men or women)
  • Skin and Nail Changes
  • Sleep Problems
  • Urinary and Bladder Problems
  Recovery time:  
  • Stay in Hospital: Usually around 3-10 days but may extend depending on the type of treatment.
  • Full Recovery: Weeks to months depending on type of treatment, age, and overall health condition.
 

Quality of Life and Life Expectancy After Cancer Treatments

  With modern treatments and early detection, many patients live long, fulfilling lives. Regular follow-ups, healthy lifestyle, and emotional well-being improve long-term survival.   Success rates differ across cancer types, treatment techniques and stages, but India’s overall score goes up to above 60% in terms of 5-year survival rate depending on the type of cancer, stage of cancer, location, and whether metastasis or not.  

Cancer Treatment in Ayurveda

  India also provides long term care through Ayurveda that involves:  
  • Herbal medicines
  • Detox therapies (Panchakarma)
  • Diet & lifestyle recommendations
  • Yoga & meditation
  These therapies help manage side effects, improve immunity, and enhance quality of life alongside conventional treatment.  

Best Cancer Hospitals in India

  Many of these hospitals offer international patient departments, NABH/JCI accreditation, and world-class oncologists.  
  • Fortis Hospital
  • Medanta
  • Apollo Hospitals
  • Max Super Speciality Hospitals
  • Manipal Hospital
  • Artemis Hospital
  • Nanavati Hospital
  • Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
  • Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital, Mumbai
  • BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
  • HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore
  • MIOT International, Chennai
 

Success Rates & Affordability

  Cancer Treatment Success Rates in India are heartening – high survival in early-stage cancers with comparable outcomes to that of developed countries. The cost of treatment is much cheaper by 60-80% than in the West, making India a preferred choice.  

Livonta Global: Easing the Path to Cancer Treatments in India

  Every year, thousands of patients travel to India for:  
  • Advanced, affordable treatment
  • Shorter waiting times
  • Holistic care, including Ayurveda
  • Highly skilled doctors & advanced equipment
  • Internationally accredited hospitals
  Livonta Global eases the process with:  
  • Treatment discussion and selection of hospital
  • Visa & travel assistance
  • Cost estimates & medical opinions
  • Pre- and post-treatment support
  • Local assistance during stay
  From the first consultation to recovery, Livonta Global makes sure the patient and their family feel at home in India.   Cancer can be a formidable feeling but with an accurate diagnosis, modern therapies, and supportive care, the potential for recovery and quality of life can be dramatically increased. India is a leader in low-cost, high-quality cancer treatment – and Livonta Global is here to lead through every stage in fighting cancer with care, expertise, and hope.  

Top Hospitals for Cancer Treatment (Chemo, Radiation, Robotic Surgery) (India)