Colon cancer is the most commonly treated cancer worldwide. This disease affects the large intestine, and it is diagnosed through regular screening. The stage and severity of cancer as well as the overall health of the patient, decides the treatment of cancer.

In India, there are various treatment methods available for colon cancer, from surgery to radio and chemotherapy. Colon cancer treatment cost is relatively low as compared to other countries such as Thailand USD 1530 to USD 1870, Turkey USD 6750 to USD 8250) and Germany USD 12600 to USD 15400. Colon cancer treatment cost in India varies from Rs.288600 to Rs.384800

How is colon cancer being diagnosed?

Colon cancer screening- Doctors prescribe specific screening tests for healthy adults who have no signs or symptoms of colon cancer or noncancerous colon polyps. Discovering colon cancer at an early stage increases the chances of a cure. Screening has been demonstrated to lower your chances of dying from colon cancer. 

Colonoscopy-To observe your whole colon and rectum, a long, flexible, and slender tube is linked to a video camera and monitor. If any worrisome regions are discovered, your doctor can use surgical instruments to extract tissue samples (biopsies) for study and to remove polyps.

How is Colon cancer being treated?

Surgery is mainly used in treating colon cancer. Additional therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, may be suggested as well.

Surgery for early-stage colon cancer–

• Polypectomy: If your cancer is microscopic, localized, wholly contained within a polyp, and in an early stage, your doctor may be able to completely remove it during a colonoscopy.
• Mucosal resection: Bigger polyps may be removed during colonoscopy using specific equipment to remove the polyp as well as a tiny bit of the colon’s inner lining in a process known as endoscopic mucosal resection.
• Laparoscopic surgery: Polyps that cannot be removed during a colonoscopy can be removed with laparoscopic surgery. In this procedure, cameras and equipment are inserted by your surgeon through small incisions in your abdominal wall. The cameras display your colon on a video monitor, while the surgeon may also collect samples.

If the cancer has spread to or through your colon, your surgeon may advise you to:

Partial colectomy: During this procedure, the surgeon will remove the malignant piece of your colon and a margin of normal tissue on each side of the tumour. Your surgeon will often be able to reconnect the healthy pieces of your colon or rectum. This procedure is typically performed using a minimally invasive technique (laparoscopy).

Surgery for advanced cancer

If your cancer is advanced or your overall health is poor, your surgeon may recommend surgery to remove a blockage in your colon or other difficulties to relieve your symptoms. This surgery is done to relieve symptoms such as a blockage, bleeding, or pain rather than to cure cancer.

Your doctor may offer surgery or other targeted therapies to eliminate cancer if it has only spread to the liver or lung, but your overall health is generally good. Chemotherapy can be given either before or after this operation. This method offers a long-term probability of being cancer-free.

• Chemotherapy- If the malignancy is big or has spread to the lymph nodes, chemotherapy is frequently administered following surgery. Chemotherapy may eliminate any cancer cells that remain in the body, lowering the likelihood of cancer recurrence.

• Radiotherapy- Radiation treatment destroys cancer cells by utilizing high-energy sources such as X-rays and protons. It might be used to reduce a huge tumor before surgery to make removal simpler.
• Radiation treatment may be used to address symptoms such as pain when surgery is not an option. Radiation is sometimes coupled with chemotherapy.

• Targeted drug therapy-Targeted drug treatments target specific defects seen in cancer cells. Certain drug therapies that prevent these anomalies can destroy cancer cells.
• Typically, targeted medications are used in combination with chemotherapy. Targeted therapies are frequently reserved for those with advanced colon cancer.
• Immunotherapy-Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that employs your immune system to fight the illness. Since cancer cells produce proteins that hinder immune system cells from recognizing cancer cells, your body’s disease-fighting immune system may be unable to fight your cancer. Immunotherapy is frequently reserved for advanced colon cancer patients. Your doctor may check your cancer cells to discover if they are likely to respond to this treatment.

Why is India preferred for colon cancer treatment?

• India has got a lot of experienced and qualified doctors who are experts in treating cancer using the latest techniques.

• Indian hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies in cancer treatment, such as PET-CT scans and MRI, as well as cutting-edge treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

• Colon cancer treatment cost in India is considerably lower as compared to other countries.

What factors are included in the cost of colon cancer treatment?

Colon cancer treatment cost in India depends on the following factors:

• Charges of the hospital room
• Stage of cancer
• Individuals may need to be examined again with PET CT and other testing. Chemotherapy / Radiation Treatment / Post-surgery etc., tests may be necessary to determine the condition of the illness throughout therapy.
• A prolonged stay in the hospital
• Accommodation costs for follow-ups if the patient is not a local resident may take longer if chemotherapy or radiation is used.

Some of the best hospitals in India for Colon cancer treatment are:

• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon-The hospital’s gastrointestinal department is well-equipped with cutting-edge equipment and devices to execute various sophisticated operations such as capsule endoscopy, colonoscopy, esophageal manometry, flexible sigmoidoscopy and many more.
• Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai-There is a provision for the most recent endoscopic operations for gastrointestinal bleeds and malignancies, foreign body removal, and various other conditions. Gastroenterologists commonly use minimal access surgery to address significant gastrointestinal surgical issues involving the intestines, pancreas, and hepatobiliary tract.
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai-The hospital’s gastroenterology unit is well-equipped with the most recent technologies and devices which perform diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP and much more.
• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi-Regarded as one of the best gastroenterology hospitals in India, it offers surgical and medical treatment for a wide range of diseases, including colon polyps, jaundice, gastroesophageal reflux, gastrointestinal cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, peptic ulcer disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and others.
• A comprehensive liver transplant program is well renowned for its very successful adult and pediatric liver transplant programs and cutting-edge hepatobiliary procedures.

Conclusion

The cost of colon cancer in India vary greatly based on the individual’s circumstances, the hospital and doctor chosen, and the nation where the treatment is received. Furthermore, there are numerous convincing reasons why India is a popular colon cancer treatment destination. The country provides:

• World-class medical treatment.
• Cutting-edge facilities and equipment.
• Experienced and professional medical staff.
• Reasonable costs.
• A well-developed medical tourism infrastructure.
• A friendly and inviting atmosphere.

All of these things contribute to India’s attractiveness.