Cancer Treatment Abroad: Complete Guide to Countries, Cost & Travel
Looking for affordable, quality, and safe cancer treatment? Get cancer treatment abroad to fight the life-threatening disease.
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Which Are the Best Countries To Get Cancer Treatment Abroad?
India, Turkey, and Mexico are some of the top countries for cancer treatment abroad.
This is possible due to precision technology, expert oncologists, safe treatment plans, and a multidisciplinary approach to fighting cancer.
What Is the Cost of Cancer Treatment Abroad?
The cost of cancer treatment in countries like India and Turkey ranges from USD $7000 - $11,000[1], compared to the US, where the cost can go well over $100,000[2].
Costs vary depending on the type of cancer treatment. Here is a breakdown comparison chart to show some popular cancer treatments and their costs in different countries.
| Cancer Treatment | Country | Cost |
| Chemotherapy | India | $4000 - $5000 |
| Turkey | $6000-$13000 | |
| Mexico | $11,000[3] | |
| US | Starts at $17000[4] | |
| Radiation Therapy | India | 5000 - 7000 |
| Turkey | $6000- $9000 | |
| Mexico | Approx $9000[5] | |
| US | 17000[6] - 25000[7] | |
| Cancer Surgery | India | $7000 - $9000 |
| Turkey | CONTACT US TO KNOW | |
| Mexico | CONTACT US TO KNOW | |
| US | $29000[8] | |
| Advanced Immunotherapy like T-cell Therapy | India | $50,000 - $85000 |
| Turkey | CONTACT US TO KNOW | |
| Mexico | CONTACT US TO KNOW | |
| US | 400,000[9] - 700,000[10] |
As seen above, India is one of the most economical destinations to get cancer treatment abroad.
Travel to India for affordable treatments such as:
surgery for breast cancer, immunotherapy for lung cancer, Surgery for oral cancer, immunotherapy for prostate cancer
Overview of Cancer Treatment Abroad
Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. In 2022, there were 9.7[11] million cancer-related deaths worldwide.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common procedures that people undergo on medical tourism trips include cancer treatment.[12]
Global Perspective on Cancer Treatment Abroad
More and more international patients are traveling abroad to get cancer treatment, with reasons ranging from exorbitant costs to high waiting periods to a lack of proper healthcare infrastructure in some African countries.
In a recent article published by Business Standard, more than 600,000[13] International patients traveled to India for advanced cancer care and other cardiac, orthopedic, or transplant-related treatments.
Patients from Pacific islands, African countries, Eurasian planes, and former Soviet Union (CIS), collectively representing around 21%[14] of the world's population, are looking towards India as an ideal destination for cancer treatments.
As of a report from 2024[15], here are the most common types of cancers affecting people based on their gender.
|
Top 3 Cancer Affecting Men |
|
| Type of Cancer | Percentage |
| Prostate | 48% |
| Lung | |
| Colorectal | |
|
Top 3 Cancers Affecting Women |
|
| Type of Cancer | Percentage |
| Breast | 51% |
| Lung | |
| Colorectal | |
Read our article and learn all about advanced treatments like Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India and Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer in India.
Turkey is also emerging as a destination for international patients for cancer treatment. Evidence has indicated that there has been a huge rise in advanced cancer care in terms of early detection, microscopic confirmation of negative margins, and widespread use of new drugs.
This has reduced local recurrence of deadly cancers such as breast cancer by at least 50%[16], and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) has shown success of over 75% in Turkey.
Types of Cancer Treatment Abroad
The field of oncology is a multi-disciplinary one. Cancer patients are given treatment per their treatment plan, which can involve one or more therapies.
In a study, it was roughly seen that doctors recommend administering chemotherapy (87.0%), radiotherapy (28%), and surgery (21.0%). 4% of patients also get bone marrow transplantation to treat blood cancers.[17]
General Surgery
General surgery to treat cancer is to remove the cancerous tumor from the body part affected surgically.
Usually, oncologists and surgeons perform open surgery, where they make a large incision or a cut and take out the cancerous tumor. In these cases, other affected organs are also removed if the cancer spreads to nearby areas.
Now, there are other minimally invasive techniques that are being used by doctors, like
- Laparoscopic surgery
This is the type of surgery where the surgeon uses a long, thin device called a Laparoscope to make small cuts and remove the cancerous part from the patient’s body. This surgery can be done manually or using robots.
- Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery
This is when robots are used to perform the surgery directly instead of a surgeon. In this case, usually, a doctor is at the console and directs the robotic arm to reach out and precisely perform the tumor removal surgery.
Top hospitals in India use the latest Da Vinci XI robots to deliver high-quality cancer surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy refers to using drugs in the form of chemicals to weaken or destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy comprises a host of various drugs that are used in different combinations with proven efficacies over different forms and types of cancers
Read our complete guide on Chemotherapy Treatment Abroad to know all the details.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses intense beams of energy to kill the cancer cells. The radiation beams, largely X-rays or photon beams, are precise and noninvasive. This is a great alternative to open-invasive surgery and can help treat cancer in a few sittings.
IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) is largely used in treating different types of cancers. Here, the radiation beam is split into intent short beams, which target the cancer using sharp rays.
Another more effective type of radiation therapy called IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy) is also being introduced in the treatment plans. Here, the tumor or cancerous cells are accurately targeted despite slight movement, thanks to cutting-edge image monitoring.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that fights cancer by boosting the immune system in many ways. From injecting lab-made substances similar to immune cells to modifying the body’s soldier T-cells, immunotherapy has a lot of potential in treating cancer even when other therapies fail.
Immunotherapy is delivered alongside other treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, many times. Read our guide to Immunotherapy for cancer in India right here.
Targetted Therapy
Targeted therapy targets proteins that control how cancer cells grow, multiply, and spread.
Precision oncology is based on this mode of treatment. Most types of targeted therapy help treat cancer by stopping specific proteins that help cancer grow. This differs from chemotherapy, which often kills all cells that grow and divide quickly.
Procedure: Get Cancer Treatment Abroad
With the help of our medical advisors, international patients can access affordable cancer treatment abroad with high success rates.
Touch-Point with Our Medical Advisors
Once the patient connects with our team, they are asked to share all initial medical reports with our advisors, who can guide them on the way forward.
Cancer treatments are multi-disciplinary and depend on a variety of factors, such as
- Stage of cancer
- Organ affected
- Ongoing cancer treatments
- Initial test results such as gene tests, blood tests etc.
- Other complications or medical issues
Our team will connect you with the best hospitals abroad after understanding your medical history.
Timeline for Cancer Treatment Abroad
The duration of cancer treatment varies depending on several factors, such as
- Type of cancer
- Stage of cancer
- How individuals respond to ongoing cancer treatment such as chemotherapy
Many times, when patients travel abroad for cancer treatment, they would already have received some level of chemotherapy, drugs & medication, or radiation therapy in their home country.
The oncologists handling their case in our partner hospital will ensure that all subsequent treatment is as per their already existing treatment plan, if not better!
Success Rate for Cancer Treatment Abroad
The success rate for cancer treatment abroad can range from 83%[18] to 85%[19]
According to studies, the best survival outcomes were for those treated with only surgery (95.6%) or in combination with either radiotherapy (90.6%) or with radiotherapy and chemotherapy (85.5%).[20]
Best Hospitals for Cancer Treatment Abroad.
Founded in 1995, Medical Park is Turkey's largest JCI-accredited hospital group with 25 hospitals in 17 cities.
Surgeons here specialize in oncology, cardiology, and organ transplantation. They have performed over 3,683 organ transplants, including 3,447 kidney and 202 liver transplants.
- 31+ Years of Excellence
- 57+ Departments
- JCI Accredited
- Holistic cancer care hospital for medical oncology and pediatric oncology.
- Advanced treatment methodologies for oncology such as Tomotherapy, Gamma Knife Radio Surgery, Stem Cell transplantation.
- Precise diagnosis thanks to tests such as biopsies, sedimentation, blood smear (cell typing & cellular rates), and viral serology, amongst others.
JCI-accredited, it is one of the largest private clinics in Delhi and ranks among the top 10 multi-specialty hospitals.
It serves local and international patients, specializing in cancer, bariatric surgery, and cardiology with advanced, European-standard equipment.
- 60+ Years of Experience
- JCI Accredited
- NABH Accredited
- State-of-the-art technology, world-class facilities, and an experienced surgical, medical, and radiation oncologist team, including reconstructive microvascular surgeons.
- World-class robotics program for oncology cases.
- Advanced cancer treatment facilities such as TomoTherapy, Trilogy Tx Linear Accelerator, HDR Brachytherapy, Megavoltage Computed Tomography, and the latest configuration of Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).
NABL and NABH accredited, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj offers advanced medical care in Cardiac Sciences, Oncology, Neurosciences, and more.
With 116 ICU beds, 11 high-end Operation Theatres, and over 510 doctors and 770 nurses, it delivers holistic healthcare.
The hospital excels in complex procedures like neurovascular interventions and cancer treatments.
- AACI Accredited
- JCI Certified
- NABH Accredited
- Accurate diagnosis through complex tests such as genomic sequencing, identifying specific mutations or alterations, amongst other tests.
- Advanced technologies, including Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) for high-end precision in treatments.
- Distinguished medical experts affiliated with globally recognized medical and oncological associations.
Istanbul, Turkey
The JCI-accredited multi-specialty hospital delivers American-standard care at affordable prices.
It collaborates with Johns Hopkins Medical Center (USA) for an exchange of medical expertise and also supports the education of its doctors and staff.
The hospital has locations in Kemer, Belek, and Antalya, and features a laboratory and research institute.
- ISO Certified
- JCI Accredited
- ESMO Certified
- Association with renowned medical thought-leaders like John Hopkins Hospital, Organisation of European Cancer Institutes & European Society of Medical Oncology.
- Multi-faceted cancer care including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, assessment of treatment plan & emotional support.
- Experts with over 4 decades of experience in the field of oncology.
Best Doctors for Cancer Treatment Abroad
Dr. Chandragouda Dodagoudar( BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital )
Dr. Dodagoudar was awarded the Best Resident Doctor at RGCI & RC from the Honourable Vice President of India.
He has also received the Bharat Jyoti Award from NGO - India International Friendship Society.
Education
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India
Memberships
- Delhi Medical Council
- Karnataka Medical Council
Dr. Pramod Kumar Julka( Max Super-Speciality Hospital Patparganj )
Dr. Julka, a renowned oncologist and cancer researcher, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013.
He is a WHO fellow - MD Anderson and Long Beach Memorial Cancer Centre. He also received the "Leading Scientist of the World 2005" award from the International Biographical Centre of Cambridge, England.
Education
- Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
- Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences
Memberships
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- National Advisory Committee of Global Cancer Summit
Why Choose MTC Partner Hospitals for Cancer Treatment Abroad?
Comprehensive Patient Care with gold certification in patient-centric care excellence.
Advanced technology such as Da Vinci XI robots for precision surgery or the megavoltage Computed Tomography, guided by IGRT technology.
Top-notch hospitals with affiliations from the world-renowned John Hopkins Institute
Oncologists with over 4 decades of experience in multi-disciplinary fields
Experts from some of the highest-rated medical associations, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Indo-American Cancer Association.
Seamless International Patient Service ensures patients are comfortable throughout their journey and receive safe and quality cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Choose safe and affordable cancer treatment abroad with the best oncologists.
Still doubtful? Let MTC help you find the right hospital for your cancer treatment today.
Is Cancer Treatment Safe Abroad?
Yes cancer treatment abroad is safe, with a success rate that ranges between 83% to 85%. However, as is the risk with cancer, there are side effects to all treatments, and a 100% cure is not guaranteed.
FAQ
India, Turkey, and Mexico are some of the top countries for cancer treatment abroad, thanks to precision technology, expert oncologists, safe & reliable treatment plans, and a multidisciplinary approach to fighting cancer.
Yes, you can go to other countries such as India, Turkey and Mexico for cancer treatment at much lower costs.
Consult us and find out which country and hospital is the right fit for you
References
- National Library of Medicine: Economic burden of lung cancer in Turkey: a cost of illness study from payer perspective
- National Cancer Institute: Financial Burden of Cancer Care
- National Library of Medicine: Costs of breast cancer care in Mexico: analysis of two insurance coverage scenarios
- Healthcare Cost Institute: Rising Share of Chemotherapy Services Provided in Outpatient Departments is Associated with Higher Costs for Patients and Payers
- National Library of Medicine: Costs of breast cancer care in Mexico: analysis of two insurance coverage scenarios
- Science Direct: The cost effectiveness of 3D conformal radiation therapy compared with conventional techniques for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer
- Value Based Cancer Care: CyberKnife Cost-Effective in the Long-Term
- JAMA Network: Assessment of Out-of-Pocket Costs for Robotic Cancer Surgery in US Adults
- American Society of Clinical Oncology: High Cost of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells: Challenges and Solutions
- National Library of Medicine: The future of affordable cancer immunotherapy
- National Cancer Institute: Cancer Statistics
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Medical Tourism: Travel to Another Country for Medical Care
- Business Standard: Rising Interest of International Patients for Cancer Treatment in India
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology: Analysis of Medical Tourism of Cancer Patients in Asia-Africa-Oceania Region and Financial Toxicity due to Migration
- National Cancer Institute: Cancer Statistics
- American Society of Clinical Oncology: Surgical Trends in Breast Cancer in Turkey: An Increase in Breast-Conserving Surgery
- National Library of Medicine: Understanding and comparing the medical tourism cancer patient with the locally managed patient: A case control study
- Indian Journal of Medical Sciences: Survival rate of cervical cancer from a study conducted in India
- National Library of Medicine: Survival of gynecological cancers in Turkey: where are we at?
- Indian Journal of Medical Sciences: Survival rate of cervical cancer from a study conducted in India
