Cancer is the second deadliest disease which can end with the loss of life, as per the World Health Organization. In order to spread awareness about the life-threatening disease among the people of India, November 7 is celebrated as National Cancer Awareness Day in the country, every year since 2014.
Cancer Statistics in India
According to Cancer India, one woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. For every 2 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, one woman dies of it in India. Mortality due to tobacco use in India is estimated at upwards of 3500 persons every day. Tobacco (smoked and smokeless) use accounted for 3,17,928 deaths in men and women in 2018.
Cancer Treatment Centres in India
The battle against cancer can be won if it is dealt with effectively at the correct time. Following are some of the best cancer treatment centres in India, which would help the patients in giving the best shot towards their fight against the disease at a very affordable cost or for free.
Tata Memorial Government Hospital – Mumbai
Address: Dr. Ernest Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
Tata Memorial Centre is amongst the oldest and largest cancer centres in the world, with over 75 years of exceptional patient care, high-quality training and innovative cancer research. Over the years, it has grown in size and stature, maintaining its pre-eminent position at the forefront of national and global cancer control efforts. Naturally, it’s on our list of the top cancer treatment centres in India.
Compassionate patient care has been the major focus of Tata Memorial Centre, with eleven Disease Management Groups (or multidisciplinary teams) breaking departmental silos and providing optimal care for every patient. This emphasis on team approach leverages the extensive experience and expertise of various specialists, thereby providing patients with evidence-based, yet individualized care tailored not just to cancer but also the patient’s unique physical, emotional and psychosocial needs.
Tata Memorial Hospital has one of the least expensive cancer treatments with quality medical services in the country.
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
Address: Dr. M.H. Marigowda Road, Bangalore, Karnataka – 560029
The Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology is one of the most reputed institutes for cancer treatment in India. The hospital is armed with sophisticated machines and modern infrastructure for effective treatment of the disease. It is funded by the Indian government and provides free-of-cost treatment to people living below the poverty line. Compared to market rates, the cancer medicines sold at Kidwai Memorial Institute are at least 40 to 60 per cent cheaper. The state government of Karnataka works in close association with this institute to run schemes to the underprivileged and provide monetary assistance for their cancer treatments.
Tata Memorial Government Hospital – Kolkata
Address: 14, MAR(E-W), DH Block(Newtown), Action Area I, Newtown, Kolkata, West Bengal 700160
The Tata Memorial Hospital in Kolkata is also dedicated to lowering the cost of cancer treatment and drugs, and it has its doors open to the poorest members of society who are afflicted by this dreadful disease. Tata Memorial in Kolkata provides free cancer treatment to disadvantaged people, as well as discounted care and drugs to others.
The hospital is an integrated Oncology facility with well-trained professional staff and equipped with modern facilities and contemporary medical equipment. The Hospital, with a capacity of 431 beds, serves all sections of the society, with 75% of the infrastructure earmarked for subsidized treatment for the underprivileged sections. It provides a wide spectrum of services from complete diagnosis to multimodality therapy, from prehabilitation to rehabilitation and Psycho oncological support to palliative care. The Institution’s objective is to excel in cancer care, patient service, education and research.
Dr B.R.A. Institute – Rotary Cancer Hospital
Address: Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, IRCH road, Ansari Nagar East, AIIMS Campus, New Delhi, Delhi 110029
Dr. B.R.A. Institute – Rotary Cancer Hospital is a speciality centre for cancer treatment of AIIMS New Delhi. It is one of the oldest cancer treatment centres in the country, with the availability of 200 beds at present. The centre possesses best of radiodiagnostic and radiotherapy machines including state of art linear accelerator, brachytherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy. It also has a vacuum-assisted advanced mammography unit, which is first of its kind in India, making stereotactic breast biopsy possible at the centre. DR. B.R.A. Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital is one of the few centres in the country to have established hematopoietic stem cell bone marrow transplant programme; more than 250 transplants have been performed. In collaboration with dept. of CTVS, stem cell transplant programme has been extended to treat myocardial ischemia also.
For affordable and free cancer treatment in India, the Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is a prime destination. The popular hospital with 320 beds and modern amenities offer 31 beds for free treatment which is given to poor patients. Located in Shankara Math, Bangalore, the hospital has 9 floors and it is spread over a region spanning 3,50,000sq.ft. It is a not-for-profit organization and so the cost of running is covered through contributions and donations from NRIs, Donors and corporate. It has sections like Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Pediatric Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Services Department.
Dharamshila Hospital and Research Centre (DHRC)
Address: Dharamshila marg, Vasundhara Enclave Near Ashok Nagar Metro Station, Dallupura, New Delhi, Delhi 110096
One of the centres to get affordable and free cancer treatment in North India is Dharamshila Hospital and Research Centre. This is a 300-bed hospital located in New Delhi is known for offering affordable cancer diagnosis and treatment. Some patients, notably those living below the poverty level are eligible for availing free cancer treatment at this facility. It was the country’s first cancer hospital to obtain NABH accreditation. Apart from offering free cancer treatment in India, the DHRC also conducts cancer awareness campaigns from time to time for increasing mass awareness on cancer.
Cancer Centre Foundation of India – Mumbai
Address: 5 Shradha Bulding, Greater, Ground Floor Zerbai Wadia Marg, Mumbai – 400014, Near Tata Cancer Hospital Parel
The Cancer Centre Foundation of India’s (CCFI) Mumbai centre offers free therapy to anyone seeking alternative and complementary medicines to combat cancer or the negative effects of other cancer treatments. They treat cancer patients with Ayurvedic concepts, yoga, and cow urine therapy, as well as food and nutritional counselling. Many people have found that these treatments have helped them cope with allopath treatments and have improved the absorption of cancer medications. Nasik and Bangalore are also home to CCFI centres.
Gujarat Cancer Research Institute
Address: M. P. Shah Cancer Hospital, New Civil Hospital Campus, Asarwa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380016
The Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI) is also known as M. P. Shah Cancer Hospital. It has been labelled a Regional Cancer Centre by the Govt of India. It receives funding from the Gujarat Cancer Society and Government of Gujarat and offers low-cost treatment to patients afflicted by different forms of cancer. It has 6 speciality oncology units and all facilities to carry out diagnostic tests for cancer types.
Adyar Cancer Institute, Chennai
Address: W Canal Bank Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020
One of the prime destinations to avail cancer treatment at a subsidised rate in India is the Adyar Cancer Institute of Chennai. The hospital was that was set up in 1954, was later made into Centre of Excellence. This non-profit institute offers, treatments and services like Blood Component Therapy, Paediatric Oncology, Nuclear Medical Oncology, Hyperthermia Treatment, and more. Out of its 535 beds, 40 per cent are chargeable and on an average 66% get either free or reduced rate treatment. The entity is also known for its pioneering efforts in spearheading cancer R7D in the country.
Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
Address: Inside Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute Of Medical College, Jai Nagar W Rd, Medical College Campus, Ulloor, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695011
The Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) of Thiruvananthapuram is known for its advanced clinical research in cancer treatment. The centre is also well known for offering free cancer treatment in India to people with limited income. It offers the latest infrastructure and facilities for cancer treatment and diagnosis, including chemotherapy and CT scanning free of cost. At the hospital, about approx 60% of patients are offered free cancer treatment and about 29% receive of patients receive treatment at nominal rates. Those detected with a curable type of cancer can avail free treatment irrespective of income level. RCC has a unique ‘Cancer Care for Life’ plan for gathering funds for cancer victims.
ICS Cancer Detection Centre, Mumbai
Address: Jer Bai Wadia Rd, Dhabholkar Wadi, Bhoiwada, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
The Indian Cancer Society of Mumbai is a major destination for people seeking free cancer treatment in India. Set up in 1951 ICS offer low-cost cancer screening facilities. The entity also conducts Cancer Awareness programmes free of cost. The centre conducts various types of screening and diagnostic tests for cancer and then based on the outcome, refers the patients to suitable hospitals for apt treatment. The motto is the early detection of cancer, which makes curing the ailment possible in most instances. It has set up to conduct all types of screening and cancer diagnostic test, including ENT Examination, Chest X-ray, and more.
