The prostate is a small gland in men related to sexual reproduction, about the size of a walnut. In India, there are many types of prostate cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, medication, and surgery. These treatments can cure, control, or relieve cancer symptoms by stopping or killing cancer cells.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide, making it a serious disease. In India, there has been a significant increase in prostate cancer treatments, attracting many foreign patients. This post provides detailed information on prostate cancer treatment in India, including costs, hospitals, and doctors.
Prostate cancer treatment in India costs between Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 7,50,000. This includes diagnosis before treatment, patient conditions, detailed assessments, types of procedures, and hospital stays for both the patient and caregiver. However, treatment costs can vary based on the type and stage of cancer, or other circumstances advised by healthcare providers.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer happens when cells in the prostate gland grow too fast. The prostate is a gland found only in men. It helps make some of the fluid in semen. When these cells grow out of control, it can cause health problems and needs to be treated.
Types of Prostate Cancer
There are different types of prostate cancer based on their features and where they are located. The main types are:
Adenocarcinoma
This is the most common type, making up over 95% of all prostate cancers. Adenocarcinoma starts in the gland cells of the prostate and usually grows slowly. It is often found only in the prostate gland in its early stages, but if not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Neuroendocrine Tumors
These are rare and usually diagnosed when they have already spread to other parts of the body. Neuroendocrine tumors start in the neuroendocrine cells of the prostate. They can be harder to detect because they might not raise the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These tumors are more likely to grow and spread quickly, so they are treated differently from adenocarcinomas.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, you might experience:
- Need to pee more often, especially at night.
- A slow or weak urine stream that stops and starts.
- A burning feeling when urinating or in the private area.
- Difficulty holding urine, sometimes leading to accidents.
- Trouble controlling bowel movements, especially in older patients.
- Painful ejaculation or erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Blood in the semen or urine.
- Discomfort or pain in the lower back, hips, or chest.
How Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed in India
Not all men with prostate cancer need immediate diagnosis. If your doctor thinks the tumor is slow-growing, they might not rush into tests. But if the tumor is growing quickly or spreading, more tests are needed, such as a biopsy.
Here are some common tests to diagnose prostate cancer:
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create a picture of the prostate.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the prostate.
- Biopsy: A small sample of prostate tissue is taken to look for cancer cells.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for lumps or abnormalities.
- PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a substance made by the prostate. High levels can be a sign of cancer.
Treatment Options For Prostate Cancer
The best treatment for prostate cancer depends on how far the cancer has spread, how fast it’s growing, how healthy the person is, and what they prefer. Here are some common treatments for prostate cancer:
Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
Surgery is when doctors remove the entire prostate gland. It’s done for prostate cancer that hasn’t spread much. They can do it through open surgery or with small cuts using robots. In India, the cost for this surgery is between Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.2,50,000.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses strong rays to kill cancer cells. They can aim these rays from outside (external beam) or put tiny radioactive seeds inside the prostate (brachytherapy). It’s used for early cancers or after surgery. In India, it costs about Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.3,00,000.
Active Surveillance
For slow-growing and low-risk cancers, doctors might just watch it closely. They do regular tests like PSA checks and biopsies. Treatment starts only if the cancer shows signs of growing.
Hormone Therapy
Prostate cancer feeds on male hormones. Hormone therapy lowers these hormones or stops them from working. It’s done with pills or by removing the testicles. Costs in India range from Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.3,00,000.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It’s used for cancers that have spread and don’t respond to hormone therapy. Doctors often combine it with hormone therapy. In India, it costs about Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.2,50,000.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs that aim at specific parts of cancer cells. It’s used for advanced cancers that don’t respond to other treatments, like hormone therapy or chemotherapy.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Prostate Cancer Treatment in India
The cost of treating prostate cancer in India can vary based on several factors. Here are the key considerations:
Admission Fee: This is the charge for getting admitted to the hospital for treatment. It can vary depending on the hospital’s facilities and services.
Oncologist Fee: The fee charged by the oncologist or cancer specialist who oversees the treatment. Experienced doctors may charge higher fees.
Age of the Patient: Younger patients might require different treatment approaches compared to older patients, which can influence costs.
Severity or Metastasis of the Tumor: The stage and spread of the cancer can impact the complexity of treatment needed, affecting costs.
Medical Condition of the Patient: The overall health and any existing medical conditions of the patient can influence the treatment plan and costs.
Type of Prostate Cancer Treatment: Different treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy have varying costs due to equipment, medications, and procedure complexity.
Post-procedure Complications: Potential complications after treatment can require additional medical attention and affect overall treatment costs.
Type of Hospital: Costs can vary between private hospitals and government hospitals, depending on the facilities and level of care provided.
Admission Room Type: The choice of room, such as general ward, semi-private, or private room, can impact overall hospital expenses.
Additional Tests: Costs may increase if additional tests like X-rays, ECGs, or laboratory tests are required before, during, or after treatment.
In India, the cost of prostate cancer treatment typically ranges from approximately USD 1400 to USD 13,400, depending on these factors. This range contrasts significantly with the cost of treatment in the United States, where it can reach around USD 250,000. Understanding these factors can help patients and their families plan for treatment expenses effectively.
Costs of Prostate Cancer Treatment in Major Cities of India
Here are the costs of prostate cancer treatment in major cities of India:
- Bangalore: Rs.1,00,000 – Rs.8,50,000
- Delhi: Rs.1,05,000 – Rs.8,92,500
- Mumbai: Rs.1,10,000 – Rs.9,35,000
- Gurgaon: Rs.1,00,000 – Rs.8,50,000
- Chennai: Rs.95,000 – Rs.8,07,000
- Hyderabad: Rs.1,00,000 – Rs.8,50,000
- Pune: Rs.1,00,000 – Rs.8,50,000
What is the Recovery Time After Prostate Cancer Surgery in India?
After prostate cancer surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, most patients stay in the hospital for about 3-4 days. A tube called a Foley catheter is used to help with urination and stays in place for 2-3 days after the surgery. You might feel pain and discomfort, which can be managed with medication.
Usually, patients can return to their normal routines in about two weeks. However, very intense activities and sexual activities should wait for 8-10 weeks. It might take several months to fully recover. Regular follow-ups with your doctor are important to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back.
Why Do People Choose India for Prostate Cancer Treatment?
India is a top destination for medical treatment, especially for prostate cancer. Many people from around the world come here for cancer treatment. Here’s why:
Low Cost: Prostate cancer treatment in India is much cheaper than in other countries. The cost is about one-eighth of what it is in the USA, making it very affordable for patients.
Better Hospital Facilities: Indian hospitals like Denvax have top-notch infrastructure, providing a comfortable environment for patients. They offer the best cancer treatments and have skilled medical teams.
Skilled Doctors: Indian oncologists are experienced and trained in treating cancer. They can identify the stage of cancer and design effective treatments. They work closely with nursing staff to ensure patients receive the right care.
Latest Approved Drugs: India has easy access to the latest FDA-approved cancer drugs. These drugs are much cheaper in India compared to other developed countries, making them more affordable for patients.
These factors make India a preferred choice for prostate cancer treatment.
Also Read: Can prostate cancer go away by its own?
