Over the last 20 years, there have been major changes in how people with cancer receive treatment in India. With more technology available than ever before, better quality of care due to enhanced hospital buildings and architecture, and an increasing number of ways to provide patient treatment, India continues to grow into a leading place for cancer patients looking to get quality care.
To help patients and their families to navigate the complexities of finding the right cancer care infrastructure when making a critical decision at that time, Dr Sandeep Batra, an expert in comprehensive cancer care, gives key points on how cancer treatment is delivered, what resources are available and what patients should consider when deciding which cancer centre to choose.
How is the Cancer Care Infrastructure in India?
- India has a varied cancer care system with government hospitals, private multi-speciality hospitals, standalone cancer hospitals, and local cancer clinics working together to help patients with their diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and palliative needs.
- There are large cancer hospitals in metropolitan cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad; however, there are ongoing efforts to improve on the services available for patients in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.
- Dr Sandeep Batra states that while the availability of formalised (structured) cancer infrastructure is better than in the past, having awareness about early diagnosis and effective treatment is still a major barrier to patients receiving timely and effective care for their cancers.
What are the key Components of Cancer Care Infrastructure?
- The early detection of cancer is important for improving patient survival rates in cancer. The advances in India to be able to access state-of-the-art imaging modalities such as MRI, CT scans, and PET, the availability of diagnostic tests (molecular and genetic) and the availability of histopathology and immunohistochemistry laboratories have aided early identification of cancers. The availability of breast, cervical, oral, and colorectal cancer screening programs in India has also improved the ability to detect cancer early. According to Dr Sandeep Batra, selecting diagnostic centres with in-house diagnostic services improves cancer patients’ treatment plan, and minimises the likelihood of delays in treatment.
- Contemporary oncology is increasingly divided among numerous professionals. The majority of prominent cancer centres have adopted an MDT approach, including medicine, surgery, and radiation specialities; pathology; radiology; anaesthesia; nursing care; counselling/psychological services; nutritional /dietetic; occupational/physical therapy. A multi-disciplinary (MDT) approach means that patients can receive a tailored and evidence-based treatment program that reflects their individual needs, something Dr Sandeep Batra advocates strongly.
- India provides Cancer treatment with Advanced Technologies available today, such as targeted Radiation Therapy using IMRT, IGRT and SBRT and inimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery options. Additionally, targeted therapies and immunotherapy are available for many cancers, and Stem Cell Transplantation and Bone Marrow Transplantation are also performed in India.
- India has a unique strength with its ability to deliver high-quality cancer care, while also maintaining low prices when compared to the rest of the world. Many health schemes, such as Ayushman Bharat and various state health programs, in combination with financial counselling from hospitals, can all reduce the financial burden on patients by providing access to financial support related to their treatment. According to Dr Sandeep Batra, patients need to be proactive in having discussions regarding their treatment costs, including insurance coverage and available financial assistance, prior to starting treatment.
The growth of the cancer care system throughout India is very promising for the approximately 30 million people who face a cancer diagnosis each year. By combining cutting-edge technology, highly trained and skilled professionals, affordable access to these resources, and providing treatment in a caring environment, patients will receive cancer treatment at the same level as anywhere else in the world.
According to Dr Sandeep Batra, an expert in the field of complete and supportive cancer care, providing our patients with accurate information about the cancer care system will help them have the knowledge to make informed decisions about their timely care, how to seek the best medical professional for their treatment and how to proceed with confidence throughout all phases of their cancer treatment. If you or someone near and dear to you is facing the diagnosis of cancer, finding an experienced oncologist such as Dr Sandeep Batra can provide optimal cancer treatment that is not only technologically advanced but also tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.