Radiation
The word radiation or radiotherapy refers to a variety of treatments that employ radiation to kill or shrink tumors or cancer cells. External beam radiation and internal radiation therapy are the two major types of radiation therapy used to treat cancer.
The cells divide and expand to generate new cells in the regular course of life. Cancer cells, on the other hand, develop and divide at a greater rate than most normal cells.
Radiation causes tiny breaks in the DNA within cells. These fractures prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing, resulting in their death. Radiation can also harm nearby normal cells, but most recover and resume their regular functions.
Chemotherapy and other oral or injectable therapies frequently expose the entire body to cancer-fighting chemicals, whereas radiation therapy is usually a local treatment. This implies that it is usually targeted at and only affects the part of the body that has to be treated. Radiation therapies are designed to cause as little harm as possible to cancer cells.
A doctor’s recommendation for radiation will be based on the type of cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall condition. Different treatment goals may be met with the use of radiation therapy. Because most methods of radiation therapy don’t reach every part of the body, they’re ineffective in treating cancer that has spread throughout the body.
Radiation therapy, on the other hand, can be used to treat a variety of cancers, either alone or in combination with other therapies. While it’s crucial to note that each malignancy and each person is unique, radiation is frequently used for the following reasons:
- To treat early-stage cancer and allow it to be cured or shrink.
- To prevent cancer from returning/recurring in another part of the body.
- To alleviate the symptoms of advanced cancer.
- To treat a recurred cancer.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost for Radiotherapy in India | USD $ 840 to 1,400 |
| Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
| Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | It is an outpatient procedure (once a day, five days a week) |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 2 to 10 weeks |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | 90% |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | Blood Tests, X-rays, HIV and Hepatitis evaluations, Physical Evaluation, lungs, heart, pancreas, and liver evaluations, scans like PET Scan, etc. A full body evaluation is carried out. |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
India, A Preferred Destination For Radiotherapy
As we all are aware that cancer is a common disease. It takes great toll on the person suffering and their close ones, both physically and mentally. It has a bad effect on the patient’s mental health as well as his or her financial situation.
The high cost of current technologies and high-priced drugs significantly raises the cost of cancer treatment for the average patient. In comparison to other wealthy countries, India’s chemotherapy and radiation therapy costs are quite low.
As a result, medical tourists from throughout the world visit India for treatment. They can also expect cutting-edge technologies and a quick turnaround time.
The type and stage of cancer, suggested treatment plan, required post-treatment care, length of hospital stay, and other factors all influence the cost of cancer therapy. The rates charged by various hospitals and professionals differ.
In a major city, some of the best-rated hospitals have the most advanced and extensive patient care facilities, their prices may be higher than those of smaller hospitals. The cost of therapy is also determined by a doctor’s or surgeon’s experience and qualifications, as these individuals are known for providing excellent clinical care.
As India has a large population, the number of cancer victims has steadily increased throughout time. This not only provides more study topics for doctors, but it also allows oncologists to fine-tune and improve current treatments. Furthermore, many people fly to India for treatment since its healthcare services are less expensive than those in the West.
India also has a number of cancer treatment regimens that can be customized to a patient’s individual cancer. In this country, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplantation, and precision medicine are all available. The nice part is that most of these treatments are available at a variety of locations around the country.
The majority of radiation therapy hospitals in India are accredited by NABL, NABH, ISO, CAP, and DSIR. These institutions feature modern infrastructure that creates a relaxing environment for their patients. All of India’s top-rated radiation therapy hospitals give the greatest cancer care and demonstrate the utmost concern for their patients.
These hospitals employ doctors and nurses that have vast experience and are capable of giving great patient care. In India, all of these hospitals collaborate to provide world-class service efficacy.
The best and most famous cancer hospitals in India provide the greatest cancer care and genuinely care about their patients. Both the doctors and nurses at these institutions have extensive expertise and are capable of providing excellent patient care. In India, all of these hospitals work together to give world-class care.
Indian Medical Visa Process (India e-Medical Visa)
By default, the Indian government allows a medical visa to be valid for 60 days. However, India’s new visa policy allows the paper-based medical visa to be extended for up to 180 days.
Individuals can obtain an Indian Medical Visa by filling out an Indian Visa Application Form online. This procedure will only take a couple of minutes. Then you have to make the payment through PayPal and provide the appropriate documents for treatment, such as a letter from a hospital. This process takes 72 hours to complete, and an accepted Visa is emailed to the concerned person.
Nationals of e-Visa India-eligible countries who require a Medical Visa may apply online using the online e-Visa India application form at https://www.indiavisa-online.org. A letter from the hospital in India where they intend to receive treatment is required.
The individual may also be requested to show proof that they have enough money to cover their medical expenses in India. They may also be asked to produce a return travel ticket to their native country once the medical treatment is completed. These papers can be faxed or emailed to the Help Desk, or they can be submitted to the website later.
One of the benefits of the Indian Medical Visa is that, unlike the 30-day Tourist Visa, which is only valid for two entries, it enables three entries into India during its 60-day duration.
The following conditions and requirements of the e-Visa for medical treatment must be understood and remembered as pointers:
- The Indian e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India.
- The e-Medical India Visa allows you to visit India three times.
- Individuals can apply for a Medical Visa up to three times per year.
- It is not possible to extend the electronic Medical Visa.
- This visa is not convertible and cannot be changed to a tourist or business visa.
- It can’t be used to enter protected or restricted sites.
- Patients must show proof of financial support for their stay in India.
- During your trip to the airport, the patient must have a PDF or paper copy with you.
- On the e-Medical India Visa, patients can request a return ticket.
- There is no such thing as a group medical visa for India; each applicant must apply independently.
- On the day of arrival in India, the passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Individuals must have two blank pages in their passports so that immigration and border control personnel can stamp their passports at the airport for entry and exit.
- A regular passport is required to be presented. Indian Medical Visas cannot be obtained using diplomatic, service, official or refugee passports.
- Individuals must apply for a paper or conventional India Medical Visa rather than an electronic Medical Visa on the Govt. website if the treatment will continue longer than 180 days.
The website allows a person to apply online, and it will take you 3 to 5 minutes to finish the application. It is highly recommended that an individual applies for a Medical Visa in India online rather than visiting an Indian Embassy or High Commission.
Radiation Procedure
Radiation is used to treat more than half of cancer patients at some point throughout their therapy. The use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer is known as radiation therapy. A radiation oncologist may utilize radiation to treat cancer, ease pain in cancer patients, or treat other cancer-related ailments.
Radiation therapy works because it disables the capacity of cancer cells to reproduce, allowing the body to naturally eliminate them. It causes cancer cells to lose their ability to divide and develop by destroying their DNA.
Radiation is particularly effective in killing actively dividing cells. It makes cancer cells more vulnerable for two reasons:
- They divide faster than normal cells.
- They don’t heal damage as well as normal cells do.
Radiation therapy can be delivered in three different ways:
1. External radiation
External radiation also known as external beam radiation involves the use of equipment that sends high-energy rays into the tumor from outside the body. It’s done at a hospital or treatment center during outpatient visits.
It’s normally administered over a period of weeks, and it’s occasionally given twice a day for a period of time. External radiation does not make a person radioactive, thus they do not need to take additional measures at home.
2. Internal radiation
Brachytherapy is another term for internal radiation. A radioactive source is inserted into or near the tumor inside the body. Radiation may be implanted and left in the body to work in some types of brachytherapy. It is sometimes implanted in the body for a short length of time before being removed. This is determined by the cancer type. For a period of time, special safety precautions are required for this sort of radiation. However, it’s crucial to understand that if internal radiation is left in the body, it will eventually become non-radioactive.
3. Systemic radiation
Certain forms of cancer are treated using radioactive medicines that are taken orally or injected into a vein. After that, the medications travel throughout the body. Following the administration of these drugs, the patient may need to take extra measures at home for a length of time.
The type of radiation that the patient may receive is determined on the type of cancer they have and its location. In some circumstances, many types are employed.
Radiation therapy may be used as the primary treatment for some cancer patients. Radiation therapy is sometimes given together with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy has been shown to increase local response and decrease metastatic illness.
Radiation therapy is used before (neoadjuvant treatment) or after (adjuvant treatment) surgery in some instances.
Radiation Vs Chemotherapy
When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, treatment options may include both chemotherapy and radiation. Concurrent cancer treatment, often known as chemoradiation therapy or concurrent treatment, is a term used to describe this.
Every cancer is different, depending on the location, genetic mutations that caused cancer to form, or cell type. A multi-pronged approach to treatment is frequently required. Using a variety of treatment options, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, to combat cancer may improve the odds of a cure or a better prognosis.
Combination therapy can increase or decrease the risk of adverse effects depending on the type of tumor, its location, and the regimens used. Exhaustion, gastrointestinal problems, skin sensitivity, hair loss, discomfort, and exhaustion are all frequent side effects of mixed modality therapy.
Chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the two is a challenging option that must be made in conjunction with the oncology team’s recommendations.
Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used to kill cancer cells and slow or stop cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy and radiation, on the other hand, use different strategies.
Radiation therapy is a treatment in which ionizing energy is used to target a tumor or a specific region, usually in the form of an invisible light beam. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment in which cytotoxic medicines are injected into a vein and circulated throughout the body. As a result, one key distinction between the two is that chemotherapy targets the entire body, whereas radiation is more focused.
Hair loss and nausea/vomiting, which are common side effects of systemic chemotherapy, are not normally caused by radiation. If the radiation fields cover a large portion of the abdomen or the scalp, these negative consequences can be seen. Radiation side effects are influenced by the treatment site, the size of the area receiving radiation, the overall dose, and the existence of previous therapy.
Pre-operative Procedure Of Radiation
Radiation therapy for the patient will be determined by a team of experts that includes a radiation oncologist and a doctor who treats cancer with radiation. The team will also determine the appropriate dose and frequency of radiation for the patient-specific cancer kind and stage.
A radiation simulation is used to prepare for radiation therapy. It usually entails the stages outlined below.
The patient will be lying on the same type of table that is used for the treatment. Because maintaining a stable position at the correct angle is critical for treatment success, the doctor may employ cushions and restraints to position the patient for treatment.
After that, CT scans or X-rays will be performed to assess the entire extent of cancer and where the radiation should be directed.
The treatment team will mark the area with a very small tattoo after selecting the ideal placement for radiation treatment. Typically, this tattoo is the size of a freckle. In some circumstances, a permanent tattoo is unnecessary.
After this, the patient is ready to start the radiation treatment.
During Radiation Procedure
Radiation therapy can be given numerous times a week for several weeks during treatment sessions. The patient is frequently given a weekend vacation from therapy, which aids in the restoration of normal cells. Radiation therapy can be delivered less often or as a one-time dose in some cases. It may be given once every few months for some IV radiation treatments.
A linear accelerator machine is used in radiation therapy to direct radiation to the correct location. The machine may move around the table to ensure that the radiation is directed at the proper angles. A buzzing sound may also be heard from the machine.
During the session, you should not experience any discomfort. If necessary, the patient will be able to interact with the team via the room’s intercom. The doctors will be observing the session from a nearby room. Each session can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
Post-operative Radiation Procedure
The doctors will regularly monitor the treatment plan and dose, as well as the general health, during the weeks of treatment.
During radiation, the patient will have multiple imaging scans and tests so the doctors can see how well the patient is reacting to therapy. These scans and tests can also tell them if the treatment needs to be changed.
It is advisable to inform the doctors during the next checkup if the patient experiences any side effects from radiation, even if they’re expected. Small modifications can sometimes make a major difference in minimizing side effects. At the absolute least, the patient might get some counsel or medication to help feel better.
Tips And Advice
It is advisable to incorporate physical activity into the daily routine. To make life more active, focus on tiny steps. More often, take the stairs or park further away from the destination and walk the rest of the way. Before starting any workout program, consult the doctor.
Include a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as entire grains, in the diet. Every day, consume at least 2.5 cups of fruits and vegetables. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and walnuts, are recommended.
Choose low-saturated-fat proteins such as fish, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Choose healthful carbohydrate sources including whole grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables.
Sleep issues are more common in cancer patients, including survivors. This could be related to physical changes, medical side effects, stress, or other factors. However, obtaining adequate sleep is critical to your recuperation.
Sleep allows the mind and body to repair and recharge, allowing the patient to perform at their best while awake. Getting enough sleep can improve cognitive abilities, hormone function, and blood pressure. It may also simply make the patient feel better overall.
Eat and drink healthily while undergoing cancer treatment. Examine the water to see if it is safe to drink. Understand how to safely cook and store foods. Be cautious when dining out. Consume no raw vegetables, meat, shellfish, etc.
Keep the house in order. If at all possible, avoid crowds. If a visitor has a cold, request that they wear a mask or refrain from coming. Avoid smoking and any other addictive drugs as they can interfere with the treatment plan.
The patient needs to be in constant contact with the doctor. Do not miss any follow-ups. In case of any emergency, contact the doctor immediately.
How can MyMedTrip.com help?
If you have decided to travel to India for Radiotherapy, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost! We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.
Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers, even though most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian, Bengali, and English.
If you have any further queries or questions related to Radiotherapy in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Radiation
Is it true that radiation therapy is harmful?
Radiation therapy procedures are designed to kill cancer cells while causing the least amount of damage to healthy cells.
Is it painful to have radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is not painful; it is similar to getting an x-ray. Each session is 15 to 30 minutes long.
Is radiation therapy required for all cancer patients?
In addition to surgery or chemotherapy, most cancer patients require radiation therapy. It is dependent on the type of cancer and its stage
How often will a patient be required to visit the hospital for radiation therapy?
Radiation treatments are normally scheduled five days a week. Depending on the individual demands of each patient, treatment can last anywhere from one week to thirty days.
Why do some patients only require 5-7 sessions of radiation while others require 5 weeks?
The number of radiation sessions required for a patient is determined by the technology used and the radiation dosage administered. It varies based on the circumstances.
Will I have to be admitted to the hospital for Radiation Therapy?
No, radiation treatments are brief, lasting roughly 15 to 30 minutes. They are done on an outpatient basis, thus no admission is required.
Can I have cancer treatment at one facility and radiation therapy in another?
Yes, it certainly can be done. Because the patient must travel to the hospital for radiation therapy sessions on a daily basis, they may receive radiation from a cancer center that is conveniently located nearby.
Is radiation more harmful than chemotherapy?
Radiation therapy has fewer adverse effects than chemotherapy since it focuses on a certain part of the body. It may, however, have an effect on healthy cells in the body.
How long does radiation therapy take to recover from?
Radiation therapy can cause side effects at any moment during, immediately after, or a few days or weeks thereafter. The majority of side effects subside within a few weeks to two months after treatment is completed.
Is it true that radiation causes hair loss?
Hair loss is another side effect of radiation therapy. It, too, targets rapidly developing cells in the body, but unlike chemotherapy, it only affects the area where treatment is focused. If the head is exposed to radiation, the patient will most likely lose hair.
