Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Treatment in India

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Gastric (stomach) cancer is a serious digestive system malignancy that requires timely diagnosis and a multidisciplinary treatment approach. India offers advanced medical care with board-certified oncologists at an affordable cost. The average cost of treatment in India ranges from $6,000 to $10,000, whereas in the USA it ranges from $40,000 to $70,000, and in Thailand, it's approximately $15,000 to $25,000, making India an ideal choice for international patients.

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What Is Gastric (Stomach) Cancer?

Gastric cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach. It often goes undetected in its early stages and is usually diagnosed when it has already spread beyond the stomach. The main risk factors include infection with Helicobacter pylori, poor diet, smoking, alcohol, and family history. Early diagnosis is vital because the disease can progress silently.

Gastric (stomach) cancer remains a significant global health concern, especially in countries with limited access to early diagnostic tools. It ranks among the top five cancers worldwide in terms of incidence and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The burden is disproportionately high in Eastern Asia, Latin America, and parts of Eastern Europe, but developing nations and underserved populations elsewhere also face increasing cases.

Delayed diagnosis, vague early symptoms, and access limitations make the disease challenging. However, outcomes dramatically improve with early detection and access to expert multidisciplinary treatment. For international patients, India offers a combination of cutting-edge technology, global expertise, and affordability—making it a rising hub for gastric cancer care.

 

What Are the Types and Causes of Gastric Cancer?

Types of Gastric Cancer:

  1. Adenocarcinoma – The most common form, arising from glandular cells.
  2. GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors) – Rare, originate in interstitial cells.
  3. Lymphoma – Arises in the stomach’s immune cells.
  4. Carcinoid Tumors – Rare, typically slow-growing.

Causes and Risk Factors:

  1. Infection with H. pylori
  2. Diet high in salty and preserved foods
  3. Smoking and alcohol use
  4. Family history
  5. Obesity
  6. Long-standing gastritis
  7. Genetic mutations (e.g., CDH1 gene)

What Are the Symptoms and How Is It Diagnosed?

 Common Symptoms:

  1. Persistent stomach pain or discomfort
  2. Feeling full quickly (early satiety)
  3. Bloating and indigestion
  4. Unintentional weight loss
  5. Blood in vomit or stools
  6. Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting

Diagnostic Protocol in India:

  1. Upper GI Endoscopy with biopsy
  2. CT or MRI scans to check tumor spread
  3. PET-CT scan for metastasis
  4. Endoscopic Ultrasound to measure depth and node involvement
  5. Tumor marker tests like CEA, CA 19-9

Detailed Treatment Protocol for Gastric Cancer in India

Treatment in India is tailored according to the stage of cancer and patient condition:

Stage I–IIA:

  1. Surgery (Subtotal or Total Gastrectomy)
  2. Lymph node removal
  3. Follow-up Adjuvant Chemotherapy for recurrence prevention

Stage IIB–IIIC:

  1. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to shrink tumor
  2. Followed by surgery
  3. Adjuvant chemo or chemoradiation based on surgical findings

Stage IV (Advanced/Metastatic):

  1. Palliative chemotherapy or immunotherap
  2. Surgery or radiation to relieve symptoms (bleeding, obstruction)

Special Cases

  1. HER2-positive tumors: Treated with Trastuzumab (targeted therapy)
  2. PD-L1 or MSI-H tumors: Candidates for immunotherapy like Nivolumab

Why Choose India for Gastric Cancer Treatment?

  1. International-standard hospitals (NABH, JCI certified)
  2. Highly experienced oncologists and GI surgeons
  3. Comprehensive care across surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation
  4. Significantly lower treatment cost
  5. Minimal wait time for diagnosis and surgery
  6. Full international patient services, including visa assistance

Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bahl?

  1. Over 20 years of experience in gastrointestinal cancers
  2. Trained in leading international institutions
  3. Special focus on personalized and evidence-based treatment
  4. High success rate in complex gastric cancer surgeries
  5. Trusted by foreign patients from 30+ countries

What Technologies and Equipment Are Used?

  1. Minimally Invasive Surgery (Laparoscopic, Robotic)
  2. Chemo Ports and IV Infusion Pumps
  3. Advanced Linear Accelerators (IMRT, SBRT) for precision radiation
  4. Diagnostic tools: PET-CT, MRI, Endoscopy, EUS

What Does the Patient Journey Look Like?

  1. Teleconsultation & Review of medical records
  2. Visa assistance and flight planning
  3. Arrival and preliminary diagnostics
  4. Staging investigations including scans and biopsies
  5. Multidisciplinary team meeting for treatment planning
  6. Surgical treatment (if operable)
  7. Post-op care and discharge
  8. Follow-up via telemedicine or in-country partner facilities

What Is the Cost Breakdown in India?

Service

Estimated Cost (USD)

Initial Consultation

$50 – $100

Diagnostic Imaging & Biopsy

$500 – $1,200

Surgery (Gastrectomy)

$3,000 – $6,000

Chemotherapy (per cycle)

$400 – $800

Radiation Therapy (if needed)

$1,500 – $2,500

Hospital Stay & Medications

$1,000 – $2,000

Total Estimated Cost

$6,000 – $10,000

 

Cost Comparison with Other Countries

Country

Total Cost (USD)

India

$6,000 – $10,000

USA

$40,000 – $70,000

Thailand

$15,000 – $25,000

UK

$30,000 – $50,000

Singapore

$25,000 – $45,000

Conclusion & Call to Action

Gastric cancer requires prompt, skilled, and coordinated care. India offers all this at a fraction of global costs, without compromising quality. With experts like Dr. Ankur Bahl, advanced medical infrastructure, and supportive international patient services, India is a trusted destination for gastric cancer treatment.

📞 Contact us today for a second opinion or a personalized treatment plan.
🛫 Let India be your partner on the road to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, gastric cancer can be cured, especially when diagnosed in its early stages. In India, treatment follows globally accepted protocols combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. With access to expert surgical oncologists, modern technologies like laparoscopic and robotic surgery, and well-structured follow-up care, many patients achieve long-term remission or complete recovery when treated in time.

Most major hospitals in India begin diagnostics within 24–48 hours of your arrival. Depending on your condition and test results, surgery or chemotherapy can be scheduled within 3–7 days. The absence of long wait times and the availability of multidisciplinary teams allow international patients to begin treatment promptly—critical for a cancer like gastric cancer that can progress rapidly.

Not at all. English is widely spoken across Indian medical institutions. Furthermore, top hospitals have dedicated international patient departments with interpreters fluent in Arabic, French, Swahili, Russian, and other common foreign languages. Doctors, nurses, and administrative staff are trained to communicate clearly and compassionately with global patients.

Yes, and it’s very common. After completing surgery or the initial treatment in India, patients receive a detailed medical summary, medication protocol, and follow-up schedule. Your oncologist in India will remain available for teleconsultations to coordinate with doctors in your home country. This hybrid approach allows flexibility while ensuring continuity of care.

Success rates depend on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. For early-stage gastric cancer, India’s top oncology centers report 5-year survival rates exceeding 60–70% with curative treatment. Even in advanced cases, quality of life and survival are significantly improved with palliative surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Indian oncologists use evidence-based global protocols similar to those in the US or UK.

Yes. Many leading cancer hospitals in India are NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals) and JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited, which ensures strict compliance with global standards of safety, hygiene, patient rights, and clinical excellence. Infection control, patient privacy, and transparent billing are rigorously maintained—making Indian facilities safe and trustworthy for foreign patients.
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