Introduction
Recently, India was named the Cancer Capital of the world. Cancer is a lethal disease resulting in a faster mortality rate for an individual, and as an outcome, exploring the right hospital plays a significant role as the diagnosis and treatments are highly regarded as essential processes in curing the disease.
Is India Good at the Treatment of Cancer?
The cancer type and stage impact the success rates of cancer treatment at hospitals in India. However, the outcomes of complete cancer treatment in India are improving, and the country has achieved success rates comparable to those in developed countries.
Numerous factors contribute to successful cancer treatments in India. The country has several well-equipped cancer hospitals along with research and innovation centers offering state-of-the-art treatments and technologies. Furthermore, India has a huge pool of highly qualified and experienced oncologists trained in leading institutions across the globe.
Moreover, the cost of cancer (oncology) treatment in India is lower than in developed countries. It has, in turn, led to the rise of medical tourism in the country, with many patients from across the globe coming to India for cancer treatment.
While the favorable outcome of cancer hospitals in India has improved, certain challenges still need to be addressed, like insufficient infrastructure, lack of awareness, and differences in access to care.
Selecting the Best Cancer Hospital in India: Several Factors Beyond Just Location!
Here are some significant aspects to consider when deciding upon the best cancer hospital in India:
- Prestige and Expertise: Look for hospitals with a strong reputation for cancer care and a team of experienced healthcare professionals comprising oncologists, surgeons, and support staff.
- Treatment Choices: Make sure the hospital provides a wide range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, designed for your specific cancer type and stage.
- Innovative Technology and Facilities: Check if the hospital has state-of-the-art technology for cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care, like PET-CT scanners, MRI machines, and advanced radiation therapy equipment.
- Clinical Trials and Research: Consider hospitals involved in clinical trials and cancer research, as this depicts a commitment to advancing treatment choices and enhancing outcomes.
- Support Services: Look for hospitals that provide complete support services for patients suffering from cancer and their families, including counseling, guidance on nutrition, pain management, and palliative care.
- Quality of Care and Patient Outcomes: Explore the hospital’s track record for patient outcomes, including survival, complication rates, and patient satisfaction scores.
- Coverage of Health Insurance and Affordability: Check if the hospital accepts your health insurance plan and provides affordable payment options, as cancer treatment can be expensive.
- Location and Accessibility: While location shouldn’t be the only determining factor, consider practical aspects like proximity to your home, ease of commute, and accessibility for follow-up appointments and ongoing care.
- Second Opinions: Don’t hesitate to seek second opinions from multiple hospitals or oncologists to ensure you’re making an informed decision about your treatment intervention.
- Patient Feedback: Look for patient reviews and testimonials online or ask for recommendations from reliable sources, such as friends, family, workplace co-workers, or healthcare professionals.
By considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision about the best cancer hospital in India for your specific requirements and circumstances.
Advanced treatment choices may include precision medicine using targeted therapies based on genetic profiling, immunotherapy to boost the body’s defense response against cancer, minimally invasive robotic surgery for accuracy and prompt recovery, proton therapy for targeted radiation, and avant-garde diagnostic techniques like liquid biopsy. The availability of these innovative options enhances the hospital’s capability to offer personalized and effective care.
Cancer hospitals in India are adapting innovative treatments and technologies, and the government is also taking steps to enhance cancer care.
