Cancer Oncology Treatment in India for Patients from Nigeria

Timely diagnosis and proper staging of cancer and a well-thought-out treatment plan are essential for treating cancer. Patients from Nigeria seeking high-quality medical treatment overseas can find access to skilled oncologists, comprehensive cancer centers, state-of-the-art diagnostic amenities and a variety of treatment modalities.

Cancer oncology in India includes all aspects of cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, target therapy, supportive care etc. GetWellGo provides support to patients of Nigeria in finding the right hospital and oncologist, arranging an appointment with them, organizing your travel and planning your treatment in India.

What is Cancer Oncology?

Cancer oncology is a medical specialty that treats the diagnosis, treatment and management of cancer. The treatment of cancer could be one or more of the following depending on the type, stage, location, molecular nature and general health of the person with cancer.

Generally, cancer care is divided into three main groups:

• Medical oncology: Treatment with drugs (chemotherapy, immunotherapeutics, hormone therapy and targeted therapy).
• Surgical oncology: Cancer surgery including removal of cancerous tumors and affected tissues.
• Radiation oncology: Uses radiation to destroy or control cancer cells.

In many contemporary treatments for cancer, all these specialties are combined by a team of specialists to create a plan tailored to the individual needs of the patient.

The advantages of picking Cancer Oncology Treatment in India

India is now a preferred tourist spot for patients from around the world who are looking for specialized cancer care. The major hospitals in India have established oncology units and have the facilities for a high level of diagnostic and treatment technology.

Treatment in India may offer patients from Nigeria access to:

• Well-trained doctors (medical, surgical and radiation)
• Multi-disciplinary cancer teams.
• The use of advanced imaging and diagnostic services.
• The latest in radiation therapy technology.
• Chemo / Day-care infusion centres
• Immunotherapy or specific treatment, if medically appropriate
• Complex cancer surgeries
• Specialized bone marrow and stem cell transplantation centers
• Personalized treatment planning
• International patient co-ordination services

Treatment depends on your medical records and diagnosis and the appropriate hospital. GetWellGo can assist patients with finding the appropriate specialists for their cancer and treatment needs.

Types of Cancer Treated in India

All types of cancers are treated in Indian oncology centers, ranging from early stages to advanced stages and among various age groups. Some of the most frequently treated cancers are:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Cancer of the head and neck.
• Brain tumors
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Pediatric cancers
• Sarcomas
• Non-Melanoma and other skin cancers.

Treatment is decided following a review of all pathology, imaging, laboratory investigations and other relevant clinical information.

Cancer Oncology Treatment Options in India

Cancer treatments are customized to the person. In some cases, one treatment method is enough, and in others it may be necessary to combine several different types of treatment.

Cancer Surgery

• If a tumour can be removed safely, then surgery may be considered. Surgery could range from simple to complex cancer surgery, and may be a tumor removal, organ-preserving surgery, minimally invasive surgery or complex cancer surgery depending on the type of cancer. Some hospitals also provide laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques when suitable.

Chemotherapy

• The medicines in chemotherapy kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be given before surgery to shrink tumour before treatment, after surgery to lower the chances of the tumour coming back or as a treatment for advanced cancer. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously, orally or by other means depending on the type of chemotherapy and the type of cancer.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation oncology involves treatment with high-energy radiation to treat cancer cells. It treats some types of cancers, decreases the chance of coming back after surgery, decreases the size of the tumor before surgery and alleviates symptoms from advanced cancer. Centers of excellence may be able to offer intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, stereotactic radiation therapy and other specialized treatment methods.

Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy boosts or enhances the body's immune system response to cancer cells. It is used for specific cancers depending on clinical characteristics and, in some instances, biomarker/molecular testing. Immunotherapy is not appropriate for all patients and the treating oncologist will decide if it is.

Targeted Therapy

• Medicines that are targeted are made to work on certain molecular characteristics that are linked to the development of cancer. Patients may undergo molecular (or genetic) testing to determine if there is a target for an individual drug in their cancer. Depending on the diagnosis, targeted therapy may be given on its own or along with other cancer treatments.

Hormone Therapy

• Hormones affect some cancers, such as some breast and prostate cancers. For those whose tumours are hormone-sensitive, hormone-blocking drugs can thus be included in treatment.

Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplantation

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be suitable for patients with some types of blood cancers and other blood disorders. The procedure may be with a patient's own stem cells or stem cells from an appropriate donor. Please see disease/care history, overall health and specialist assessment for eligibility.

How the treatment is planned for the Nigerian patients?

A detailed treatment plan generally begins with an evaluation of the patient's existing medical records. GetWellGo can support to arrange the information needed for a specialist review.

A list of documents that are important may include:

• Pathology/brain biopsy reports
• If applicable, immunohistochemistry reports are included.
• Reports from any of the following: CT, MRI, PET-CT
• Laboratory test results and blood tests
• Previous surgery reports
• History of previous chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
• Current medication details
• Medical history and relevant discharge recordings.

These documents are then presented to an oncologist who may order further tests before confirming the treatment plan.

Cancer Oncology Treatment Process in India

Typically, a treatment process for a person in Nigeria might include the following steps:

Step 1: Medical Record Evaluation

• Patient's available reports are gathered and reviewed to find suitable oncology doctors and hospitals.

Step 2: Specialist Consultation

• The oncologist reviews the diagnosis, prior treatment, stage of disease and lab test results.

Step 3: A treatment plan and cost estimate

• The hospital can offer a plan of care (treatment) and the estimated cost of care based on the information they have about your health.

Step 4: Travel & Hospital Co-ordination

• GetWellGo can help with scheduling appointments and other areas of the patient's medical travel.

Step 5: India's treatment assistance

• The patient is treated and investigated according to the recommendations of the oncology team.

Step 6: Follow-Up and Continuity of Care

• The medical team makes recommendations for follow-up after treatment. The patient's doctors may also coordinate continued monitoring after his/her return to Nigeria.

Cost of Cancer Oncology Treatment in India

Costs of cancer treatment are quite variable, since there is no single treatment that is appropriate for all people with cancer. Costs may be variable based upon:

• The type and stage of cancer will be taken into account.
• Diagnostic investigations
• Type of surgery
• Number of rounds of chemotherapy
• The technique and the number of sessions of radiation therapy.
• Immunotherapy, targeted medicines
• Hospital and specialist fees
• The duration of the stay in the hospital.
• Desire for extra care or other procedures
• Follow-up requirements

Patients should receive a personalized estimate once they have their medical records reviewed by the hospital they are receiving care from. Treatment costs also include the cost of prescriptions.

Planning for Cancer Treatment in India

Patients should ensure they have a copy of their medical records, diagnostic reports, imaging studies, prescriptions, previous treatment information before traveling. Having a list of current medications and allergies is also helpful. Prior to treatment, patients should talk with the treating hospital about the anticipated treatment course, potential side effects, follow-up needs and anticipated costs.

Conclusion

The treatment of cancer oncology in India is a blend of specialized medical skills and a wide variety of diagnostic, surgical, medical and radiology treatment methods. India can offer many cancer types access to multidisciplinary cancer teams and advanced cancer treatment centers to patients from Nigeria. GetWellGo supports patients from Nigeria with cancer to finding the right doctor, arranging and coordinating their medical records, scheduling hospital visits, arranging travel and providing follow-up care. GetWellGo can provide access to the patient's medical reports to help find proper treatment and hospitals in India according to the patient's specific medical condition.

Cancer Oncology for Nigerian patients in India GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our Nigerian clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24-hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Help in choosing the best hospitals in India for Cancer Oncology.
• Expert oncologist with proven results in success. 
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food

FAQ

Is there any facility to treat cancer for patients from Nigeria in India?

• Yes. Indian hospitals catering for International patients are equipped and have Oncology services. Treatment appropriateness will be determined by the patient's diagnosis and medical condition.

Can GetWellGo connect Nigerian patients with Oncologist in India?

• Yes. GetWellGo can help with evaluations of medical records, coordination with specialists/hospitals, appointments, treatment estimates and other services for overseas patients.

Should I go to India before the treatment plan?

• Patients should be encouraged to bring available medical records to specialists for review prior to travel. This can be useful to know if further tests or consultations are needed and to have a better idea on the treatment advised.

Is cancer treatment in India appropriate for people who have advanced cancer?

• Sometimes, advanced cancer can be treated with systemic treatments, radiation, surgery or a combination of treatments. This will depend on the type, stage, molecular profile and prior treatment and health of the cancer patient.