Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Kenya that sums up to 16% of all cancer cases in Kenya. Figures as high as over 70% breast cancer cases are diagnosed at later stages in 3 or 4 primarily due to poor infrastructure and shortage of oncologists in the country especially for residents outside Nairobi.
There are some very important questions around breast cancer cases which I would like to lay down here in easy to understand terms.
Important and Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Treatment in India
What are the common types of breast cancer which is treatable in India?
Indian hospitals offer treatments for all major types of cancer. It includes:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common form of breast cancer found in African women
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): This is detected in early stage and hence the chances of recovery are very good
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): This is a more aggressive form of cancer which is common in mostly younger women
- HER2-positive breast cancer: To cure HER2 type of cancer, it requires targeted therapy. Targeted therapy has better success rates in treating cancer and are priced a bit higher than the normal chemotherapy
- Hormone receptor: positive cancers (ER/PR positive)
Patients who are diagnosed with cancer and planning to travel to India for their treatment are advised to travel as early as possible as time factor and cancer’s stage plays a crucial role in the treatment and the recovery process.
If you want to consult for seeking treatment options for breast cancer, please contact us on WhatsApp at +91 98182 37391.
What is the treatment for breast cancer? How is it decided?
The goal for treating cancer is to kill cancer cells that are present in the body. Now if it is diagnosed in early stage, then it can be cured by chemotherapy or radiation.
If after the doctor examines the patient and realises that a surgery is necessary, then post chemotherapy, surgery would be recommended. In certain cases, targeted therapy is very helpful. In a targeted therapy, it is a chemotherapy that concentrates on the exact area which is effected by cancer and hence has better response.
The patient needs which treatment largely depends on the grade/stage of cancer, hormone and HER2 receptor status, age and general health, etc.
With all the information made available collectively, a treatment plan is decided which is recommended for the patient.
What is the cost for breast cancer’s treatment in India?
Following is the rough outline of the cost structure and actual costs may vary. It is not necessary that a patient needs to go through all the below listed processes
- Diagnosis & tests: $500 to $1,000
- Surgery: $3,000 to $5,000
- Chemotherapy (6 cycles): $700 to $2,500
- Radiation therapy: $1,200 to $3,500
- Targeted therapies: $1,000 to $2,000 per dose (HER2+)
- Reconstruction (which is optional depending cases): $2,000 to $4,000
Is breast reconstruction surgery possible?
Yes, it is possible using implants and tissue flaps example DIEP flaps. Breast reconstruction surgery can be done soon after the mastectomy or later as a separate procedure, depending on the patient’s preference.
How long will the patient be required to stay in India?
Considering that the patient might need to undergo only surgery or surgery plus chemotherapy, I am laying down the timeline for different scenarios.
Timeline for reference:
For only surgical case: 2–3 weeks (including pre-op and recovery)
For Surgery plus chemotherapy: 6–8 weeks
For full treatment including radiation: 2–3 months
In some cases, patients start their chemotherapy in India and continue the rest of the chemotherapy process back in Kenya. For this, we assist them in preparing a protocol and handing it over to them. This is a document which lists down all the patient’s information with the chemotherapy’s dosage hence helping the patients to take proper treatment.
Are the Indian hospitals experienced about African women’s breast cancer cases?
Yes, the doctors in India are familiar with the African patients who travel to India regularly for their breast cancer treatment from countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and many more.
Their preferred hospital for undergoing this treatment are usually Fortis, Max, Artemis, Apollo, Medanta and few hospitals in South India which include Miot and MGM hospital.
Which tests are required to begin with?
Patients who are seeking to travel to India for the breast cancer treatment should send their latest medical reports to us for review. They can either send it to us by WhatsApp at +91 98182 37391 or can email us at hi@mymedtrip.com
If a biopsy and Pet CT scan has been done, these reports should also be shared as they are very helpful for the correct diagnosis.
After we receive their reports, we will have it reviewed by the expert Oncologists and advise the patient the treatment plan.
How many days stay is advisable for a breast cancer’s patient in India?
Well this depends largely on the profile of the patient but a family can plan to stay in India for 4-6 weeks.
What kind of post-transplant care is required for cancer patients?
A healthy lifestyle with good diet and a close follow-up with the doctors from time to time. We will be helping the patients to connect with the doctors in India once they have travelled back to their country.
Why should I choose to travel to India for breast cancer’s treatment?
Any cancer treatment must start immediately once it is detected and delaying the treatment can become the single reason for a prolonged treatment. The sooner cancer’s treatment is started with a proper follow-ups, the higher are the chances for a complete recovery.
Indian hospitals are well equipped with world class technology, medicines as well as well skilled doctors for treating breast cancer patients. All these factors go in favour of the patient who is looking for a treatment for this ailment.
I want to travel to India for breast cancer’s treatment. How do I go about it?
You need to send us the latest medical reports which we will discuss with the specialist and share with you the detailed reply. You can contact us on our WhatsApp number +91 98182 37391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com
What are the accommodation options for patients near the hospital?
Budget hotels or guest houses are available near the hotel which costs approximately US $ 20 per night for single room with double occupancy. Many guest houses have kitchen facility as well.
How does the patient contact the doctor when he flies back to his country?
We assist all patients with teleconsultation if they wish to speak with the doctor after they travel back to their country. This is a part of our services.
If I decide to travel through you for my treatment, what should I expect?
You will be provided with a detailed medical plan while you’re still in your country.
Whatever price support can be extended for you, we will speak with the hospital and secure it for you.
We will assist you with your medical visa by issuing you the official medical visa invitation letter.
Once you get the visa and book your flight tickets and share it with us, we will make the arrangements for your hotel, pick-up from the airport and the appointment at the hospital
We will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel or hospital depending on the pre discussed plan.
You will be assisted by us throughout your treatment process and at no point you will be left on your own till the end of the treatment to the point of dropping you back at the airport after the completion of the treatment.
If you need assistance to consult the doctor after you have reached back your country, we will assist you with the teleconsultation.
