Surgery for Breast Cancer in India: Guide to Cost, Surgeons & Treatment
Explore surgery for breast cancer in India at affordable costs. Learn all about the procedure & types of surgeries.
Find skilled surgeons at JCI-accredited hospitals. Read more!
What Is the Cost of Surgery for Breast Cancer in India?
The cost of surgery for breast cancer in India ranges from USD $6,000 to $7,250. The same treatment in the United States costs around USD $90,000 and can even go up to USD $180,000[1].
To provide a clear comparison, here is a table depicting the costs of different types of breast cancer surgery in India and the US:
|
Breast cancer treatment |
Cost in India (USD) |
Cost in the US (USD) |
| Surgery | $6,000 to $7,000 | USD $90,000 - USD $180,000 |
The cost in India includes
- Surgical treatment
- All tests, including blood and gene tests
- Stay and meals as per treatment plan (only for specific time)
- Medications
- Consultation from the primary team
The cost does not include anything that is out of the treatment plan scope.
Looking to get cancer surgery in other countries? Read Cancer Treatment Abroad and find the best countries with affordable and safe cancer treatment.
Cost of Alternate Treatments for Breast Cancer
- The treatment for breast cancer depends on the type, stage, and severity of the disease.
- Typically, alternate treatment options for cancer include Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, and Immunotherapy.
- Chemotherapy[2] uses drugs to kill the cancer cells. It is used in various types of cancer, either alone or in combination with other treatments.
- Radiation therapy[3] uses high-power radiation to kill cancer cells and reduce the size of the tumor mass.
- Immunotherapy[4] strengthens the body’s immune system to destroy cancer cells. It is widely accepted and has lesser-known side effects than other treatment options.
|
Treatment Type |
Cost in India (USD) |
Cost in the US (USD) |
| Chemotherapy | Starts at $6,000[5] | Up to $48,000[6] |
| Radiation therapy | $4,400-$6,500 | $20,000 - $ 50,000[7] |
| CAR T cell therapy | Starts at $85,000 | Over $400,000[8] |
Know the complete guide to Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India.
Procedure: Surgery for Breast Cancer in India
Breast cancer is a disease where cancer cells are formed in the tissues of the breast. It is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Surgery is often a crucial part of breast cancer treatment. It involves removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue to prevent the spread of cancer.
Surgery for breast cancer in India includes lumpectomy, which removes the tumor, or mastectomy, which involves removing the entire breast. These procedures are often complemented by chemotherapy or radiation therapy and are instrumental in enhancing survival rates and facilitating recovery. Timely detection and comprehensive treatment strategies are critical for achieving favorable patient outcomes.
Types of Surgery
There are different types of surgeries for breast cancer, which depend on the stage of cancer, tumour size and location, lymph node involvement, breast size, patient’s overall health, and patient preference.
Want to know more about surgery as an option for other cancers, such as prostate cancer? Read our blog on Robotic Surgery for Prostate Cancer In India.
Chemotherapy and Surgery for Breast Cancer
- Chemotherapy is often used with surgery to treat breast cancer.
- Before surgery, chemo (called neoadjuvant chemotherapy) can shrink the tumour, making it easier to remove and possibly allowing for breast-conserving surgery.
- After surgery, chemo (called adjuvant chemotherapy) helps kill any remaining cancer cells, reducing the risk of the cancer coming back.
- Studies show that combining chemo with surgery can improve survival rates and lower the chances of cancer returning by up to 50%[9]. This combined approach makes treatment more effective.
Precautions and Preparations Before the Surgery
- Medical Evaluation: Complete required tests to assess overall health.
- Medication Review: Disclose all medications.
- Fasting: Adhere to fasting instructions provided by your surgeon.
- Smoking: Quit smoking to aid healing and reduce risks.
- Planning: Review medical history and imaging to plan surgery.
- Options Discussion: Inform patients about surgery choices and expectations.
- Consent: Ensure understanding of surgery risks and benefits.
- Anaesthesia Coordination: Coordinate with the anaesthesia team.
Recovery After Breast Surgery
Complete recovery after breast cancer surgery varies based on patient tolerance, the type and extent of surgery, and whether chemotherapy or radiation therapy is needed. Typically, recovery after a lumpectomy takes about 2 weeks[10], while a total mastectomy may require 3-6 weeks[11] for full recovery.
After your surgery:
- You will be taken to a recovery room where your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be closely monitored.
- Expect to have a bandage covering the surgery site.
- You may experience some pain, numbness, and a pinching sensation in your underarm area.
- Before you leave, you'll receive detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself at home, including: Managing your incision and drains; Recognizing signs of infection; Understanding any activity restrictions
- You'll be given prescriptions for pain medication and other medicines to help manage the side effects of surgery.
- Once home, you can resume your regular diet.
- You can shower a day or two after surgery, depending on the specific instructions given by your healthcare team.
Side Effects of Breast Surgery
- Nerve damage[12]: Surgery can bruise or injure nerves in the armpit, upper arm, chest wall, or breast, causing numbness, tingling, shooting pain, or loss of feeling.
- Pain and discomfort: You may experience pain and discomfort after surgery.
- Bleeding: You may experience bleeding from the wound dressing after surgery.
- Lymphedema: A mild type of lymphedema can occur within a few days after surgery and usually lasts a short time.
- Seroma accumulation: Fluid build-up around the surgical site.
- Emotional and psychosocial changes: You may experience depression, anxiety, fatigue, concerns about body image, and sexual issues.
- Shoulder stiffness
Overview of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a prevalent form of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast. This section introduces its causes, treatment options, procedures, and global perspective on breast cancer.
Breast cancer occurs when cancer cells in the breast tissue multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour mass. It predominantly affects women but can also occur in men. It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with 2.3 million[] breast" number="13" text="It is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with 2.3 million women per year globally. " url="https://gco.iarc.who.int/tomorrow/en/dataviz/trends?cancers=20&key=total&show_bar_mode_prop=0&populations=900_904_905_992&multiple_populations=1"] women per year globally.
Surgery is used to treat breast cancer to remove cancerous tissue, reduce the size of tumours, and prevent cancer from spreading. The type of surgery depends on the type of breast cancer and how advanced it is, and it may be done for different reasons.
Surgery for breast cancer works by carefully removing tumours and affected tissue surgically to stop cancer from spreading. It's crucial for controlling the disease and lowering the chance of it coming back. Surgeons aim to remove cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible, helping patients to recover and move forward with their lives after treatment.
Indian Perspective on Breast Cancer
Recent research indicates that surgery for breast cancer in India has gained prominence over the last decade, with advancements in surgical techniques and increasing accessibility to healthcare facilities. While traditionally recognized for medical tourism due to lower costs and high-quality care, India's healthcare sector is evolving to offer specialized treatments comparable to global standards.
Although breast cancer is prevalent in India, early diagnosis, robust treatment approach, and newer treatment options make it a reliable option for comprehensive care. Comparative studies[14] suggest that surgery for breast cancer in India is becoming a significant healthcare center, attracting patients seeking affordable yet effective medical interventions.
Success Rate of Surgery for Breast Cancer Globally
The success rate of surgery for breast cancer is 91%[15] for a localised tumour mass, 85% if lymph nodes are involved, and 30%[16] if the tumour has spread to other parts of the body, according to The American Cancer Society, which relies on information from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.
Best Hospital for Surgery for Breast Cancer in India.
The JCI-accredited facility is one of the largest private clinics in Delhi and ranks among the top 10 multi-specialty hospitals.
As part of the Max Healthcare Group, a leading provider in India, it caters to both domestic and international patients.
The hospital specializes in cancer treatment, bariatric surgery, and cardiology, using advanced equipment that meets European hospital standards.
- 60+ Years of Experience
- JCI Accredited
- NABH Accredited
- Advanced technology medical oncology like immunotherapy, targeted therapy and chemotherapy
- Leading medical oncology specialists with organ-specific expertise
- Round-the-clock critical care with OPD services, which are designed for an organ-specific approach
With advanced diagnostic units, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, is a renowned 250-bed hospital in South Delhi, India.
It has 12 modular theatres, emergency care, Tesla MRI and Cath Labs and 50 critical beds. The hospital offers Cardiac Sciences, Orthopaedics, Urology, Neurology, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology.
With 300+ specialists working here, it is a highly sought-after healthcare centre.
- NABH Accredited
- 300+ Doctors
- 22+ Departments
- JCI-accredited with high-tech equipment like Da Vinci Robot, Novalis Tx for IMRT/IGRT, Radiosurgery, HIPEC and SRS/SRT for oncology care
- Pioneers in all kinds of cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, hormone therapy and stem cell transplant
- Highly skilled oncology team, including specialists with over 4 decades of experience
Best Specialist for Surgery for Breast Cancer in India.
Dr. Surender Kumar Dabas
Dr. Surender Kumar Dabas is the Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery at BLK Hospital.
He is also the Vice President of the International Guild of Robotic & Endoscopic Head & Neck Surgery.
A pioneer in Robotic Surgical Oncology in India, Dr. Dabas is also an international mentor for robotic oncological surgeries.
He has performed over 20,000 complex cancer surgeries, including 2,500 robotic procedures.
Education
National Board of Examination, India
Memberships
- Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO)
- Robotic & Endoscopic Head - Neck Surgeons (IGREHNS)
- International Guild of Robotic & Endoscopic Head & Neck Surgery
Why MTC Partners for Breast Cancer Surgery?
- MTC Partners in India have excellent breast cancer surgery programs with advanced treatments, experienced doctors with over 20 years of practice, and affordable care.
- The Breast Cancer Program at MTC partner hospitals provides different surgeries based on the cancer stage. These include major surgeries to remove the tumor, surgeries to save as much of the breast as possible, and special techniques to rebuild lost tissue.
Conclusion
Surgery for breast cancer in India offers premium treatment solutions and effective care. Various surgical options are tailored to the stage of cancer. These programs attract patients worldwide, making India a reliable and cost-effective destination for breast cancer treatment.
Your healing journey starts here!
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Is Surgery for Breast Cancer Safe in India?
Yes, surgery for breast cancer in India is safe. Studies have shown that Indian hospitals adhere to international standards of care and employ highly skilled surgeons with extensive experience in oncology. Research published in the Indian Journal of Surgery[17] indicates that breast cancer surgeries in India have comparable success rates to those in developed countries, affirming the safety and effectiveness of these procedures.
FAQs
Mastectomy is often required for more advanced stages of breast cancer, particularly stage II and stage III. In these stages, the tumour is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Whether you need chemotherapy after a mastectomy depends on the stage and type of breast cancer, tumour size, lymph node involvement, hormone receptor status, and overall health.
References
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center: PROs Crucial in Cost Analyses of Reconstruction Options Straight After Mastectomy
- National cancer institute: Chemotherapy to treat cancer
- NCBI: A global comparison of the cost of patented cancer drugs in relation to global differences in wealth
- WebMD: The Costs of Breast Cancer
- International journal of radiation oncology: Exploring the Cost of Radiation Therapy Delivery for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer in a Public and a Private Center in Latin America Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing
- ASCO: High Cost of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells: Challenges and Solutions
- Clin adv Hematol Oncol.: What Is the Optimal Duration of Adjuvant Therapy in Colon Cancer?
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer center: Lumpectomy
- NHS inform: Mastectomy
- Cancer council NSW: Side effects of surgery
- International agency for research on cancer: Estimated numbers from 2022 to 2050, Males and Females, age [0-85+] breast
- WJCO: Breast cancer in India: Present scenario and the challenges ahead
- Cleveland clinic: Breast Cancer Surgery
- Indian Journal of Surgery: Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in India: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
