The Real Cost of Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India

As the name suggests, pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the cells of the pancreas. Pancreas is a vital organ required for the body's normal functioning; thus, if left untreated, pancreatic cancer can be fatal. 

Pancreatic cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer and ranks 24th in incidence in India. Although anyone can develop cancer at any point in life, more than 50% of pancreatic cancer cases are in the age bracket of 65 to 75. 

Early detection of the disease helps oncologists manage cancer effectively. Oncologists in India are highly trained in managing pancreatic cancer and its symptoms, thereby improving patients' quality of life. Hospitals are equipped with all the latest technology and offer patient-centric treatment plans. 

Now you must be wondering, with world-class hospitals and experienced doctors, pancreatic cancer treatment Cost in India would be high. But that's not true. If detected early, you can get pancreatic cancer treatment for as low as INR 2,40,000.  

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreas is a 6-inch-long organ that is located in the abdomen. When the cells of the pancreas undergo unregulated divisions, a tumor is formed that can be both cancerous and noncancerous. The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma which occurs in the ducts carrying digestive enzymes.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include – 

• Jaundice
• Dark urine
• Light colored stool
• Loss of appetite 
• Abdominal and lower back pain
• New onset of diabetes or existing diabetes becoming difficult to control
• Nausea and vomiting 

Treatment options for pancreatic cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, and total pancreatectomy.  

How Much Does Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Cost in India?

The cost of pancreatic cancer treatment depends upon the therapy and surgery received and ranges from INR 2,80,000 to INR 6,00,000. In India, international patients would spend USD 7000 – USD 10000 for pancreatic cancer treatment. 

The patient is hospitalized for 7-8 days and has to stay outside the hospital for 20-25 days.

Some common treatments available in India for pancreatic cancer and their average costs are mentioned below.

• Chemotherapy: INR 15,000 or USD 200 per cycle
• Radiation therapy: INR 60,000 or USD 800
• Targeted therapy: INR 1,20,000 or USD 1600
• Distal pancreatectomy: INR3,00,000 or USD 3800
• Total pancreatectomy: INR 3,80,000 or USD 4600
• Whipple procedure: INR 5,00,000 or USD 7000

How Expensive is Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer does not have prominent symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to diagnose. Moreover, the symptoms are confusing and can be misdiagnosed with other diseases. 

Various diagnostic tests can be performed for accurate and earlier diagnoses of pancreatic cancer. 

• Biopsy: Biopsy is done to determine the type of cancer and can cost from INR 5,000 to INR 25,000.
• PET scan: It is done to find the location of cancer and to which parts it has spread. PET scan costs INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.
• CT scan: CT scan is also done to find the location and extent of pancreatic cancer. Pricing for a CT scan in India is INR 1,500 – INR 4,500.
• MRI scan: MRI is used to check if the tumor is cancerous or noncancerous and if it has metastasized. You can get an MRI done for INR 4000. 
• Blood tests: CA19-9 is a tumor marker test used to check specific proteins released by pancreatic cancer cells and is priced at INR 800 to INR 1,500.
• Ultrasound: Endoscopic ultrasound is used to make images of the pancreas, costing around INR 1,000 to INR 3,000.

Which are the best hospitals for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?

• Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi: Indraprastha Apollo Hospital was established in 1996 and is accredited by JCI. The hospital has 52 specialties, including oncology, cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, and nephrology. 
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon: Fortis Memorial Research Institute, accredited by NABH and JCI, is a multi-super-specialty hospital in Delhi NCR. It is spread over 11 acres and has 1000 beds. FMRI has a designated department for oncology patients.   
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai: Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital accredited by top accrediting authorities like JCI, NABH, NABL, and CAP. The 750 bedded hospital has more than 520 nurses, 100 doctors, and 200 para-medical staff.   
• Manipal Hospital (Old Airport Road) Bangalore: Manipal Hospital, located in Bangalore, is the first hospital that was set up by the group in 1991. It has over 600 beds and offers top-class medical care in 60+ specialties. 

Who are the Best Oncologists for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment in India?

• Dr. Naveen Ravel: Dr. Naveen Ravel is a renowned Oncologist who has been practicing for 35+ years. His clinical interests include lymphomas, pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and breast cancer.
• Prof. Dr. Suresh H. Advani: Dr. Advani was the first surgeon to perform bone transplant surgery in India successfully. With an experience of 50+ years, he has treated more than 20 lakh patients. His expertise includes the treatment of cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer, head & neck cancer, and colorectal cancer.
• Dr. V.P. Gangadharan: Dr. V.P. Gangadharan is a popular Medical Oncologist in India who has been practicing for 44 years. He specializes in treating prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia.  
• Dr. Malay Nandy: Dr. Malay is a well-known Oncologist with over 31 years of experience. He has extensive experience in treating solid tumors, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.  

With more than 40 hospitals being accredited by JCI, India offers top-of-the-line medical services to patients. Most oncologists have received training from some of the best institutions worldwide and are proficient in treating each stage of pancreatic cancer. The surgeries are affordable, with a success rate comparable to Western nations.