Stomach Cancer Treatment Cost in India: A Guide

Posted on: Nov 25, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Stomach Cancer Treatment Cost in India: A Guide

Imagine one day you wake up with a persistent stomach ache. At first, you brush it off as indigestion as you have been doing graveyard shifts lately that have impacted your lifestyle. However, you notice that the pain is intensifying as the days pass and you are losing weight. You visit your doctor, and the lab test results have devastating news — you've been diagnosed with stomach cancer. Well, that’s the story of thousands of people every year. The battle against this ruthless disease requires not only physical and mental toughness but also financial strength. Learn about the stomach cancer treatment costs in India to make well-informed choices.

What is Stomach Cancer Surgery?

Stomach cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. If cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, surgery is the best option, often along with other treatments, to cure the ailment. Also known as gastrectomy, stomach cancer surgery is a procedure to remove part or all of the stomach to treat stomach cancer. Most patients with stomach cancer will require surgery at some point.

There are different types of stomach cancer surgery, depending on the location of the cancer in the stomach–

1. Endoscopic Resection

When cancer is in the very early stage and is limited to your stomach’s uppermost layers, it is removed through endoscopy. An endoscope or flexible tube is inserted into the stomach through the mouth, which removes the tumour.

2. Partial gastrectomy

In this procedure, the surgeon will remove part of the stomach that is affected by cancer; it is often the lower part. The lymph nodes and fatty tissue surrounding the stomach are also removed. The part of the stomach that remains is reconnected to the small intestine or oesophagus.

3. Total gastrectomy

In total gastrectomy, the entire stomach, nearby lymph nodes, fatty tissue, and other organs are removed. The oesophagus is connected directly to the small intestine. Sometimes, the surgeon may create a new `stomach’ or pouch by folding over a portion of the intestines for proper digestion.

How much does Stomach Cancer Treatment cost in India?

There is no fixed cost of stomach cancer treatment in India, as many factors come into play. Let’s take a look at the cost in some cities across India –

City	Lowest Cost	Highest Cost
New Delhi	2,10,000	3,70,000
Mumbai	2,25,000	3,75,000
Chennai	2,35,000	3,90,000
Bangalore	2,40,000	4,00,000
Hyderabad	2,45,000	4,15,000
Ahmedabad	2,50,000	4,75,000
Nagpur	2,00,000	3,50,000
Pune	2,25,000	3,75,000
Gurugram	2,10,000	3,70,000
Kolkata	2,50,000	4,75,000
Chandigarh	2,45,000	4,15,000
Jaipur	2,35,000	3,90,000
Noida	2,10,000	3,70,000
Kerala	2,45,000	4,15,000
Goa	2,50,000	4,75,000

What is the average cost of Stomach Cancer Treatment in India?

The average cost of stomach cancer treatment can range between Rs 2 lakhs and Rs 5 lakhs. It varies depending on the stage of cancer, location of cancer, type of surgery, type of hospital (private or government), patient’s age and medical history, city where you want to have the surgery done, doctor’s expertise, post-operative care, etc.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing persistent and intolerable stomach pain, you must not ignore it, as there can be an underlying issue. If the stomach ache pain gets diagnosed as cancer, do not panic. Consult your doctor, who will advise on the treatment options depending on the stage and severity of the cancer. As it can be a long-term treatment, check if your health insurance policy will cover the expenses. If the coverage is insufficient, consider buying critical illness insurance to meet your medical and non-medical expenses. However, you must survive a certain period, 14-30 days, after being diagnosed with a covered critical ailment to claim compensation.

FAQs

1. Is surgery the only option to cure stomach cancer?

No. Once the diagnosis and stage of cancer is confirmed, the oncologist will decide the treatment options. If cancer is detected at a very early stage, the tumour can be removed through endoscopy. An endoscope or flexible tube is inserted through the patient’s mouth to remove the tumour.

2. Will my entire stomach be removed if I have surgery?

This depends on the cancer’s stage and location. There are two types of surgery – partial gastrectomy and total gastrectomy. In partial gastrectomy, only a part of the stomach affected by cancer is removed. In total gastrectomy, the entire stomach is removed, and the oesophagus is connected directly to the small intestine.

3. How expensive is stomach cancer treatment?

The cost varies depending on the stage and location of cancer, type of surgery, type of hospital, location, patient’s age and medical history, etc. The cost will be between Rs 2 lakhs and Rs 5 lakhs.

4. Are there any side effects of stomach cancer surgery?

Some side effects of the surgery include abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, and diarrhoea. These get better with time, but if not, your doctor will prescribe medications.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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