Finding the right cancer care centre is often the most critical decision for patients and families. Chennai is home to some of the best cancer hospitals in India, offering advanced diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplants, and even cutting-edge proton therapy. Leading names such as Apollo Hospitals, Adyar Cancer Institute, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), Gleneagles Global Health City, and Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre are trusted for their expertise and compassionate care. While the cost of cancer treatment in Chennai can reach lakhs depending on the type and stage, many families turn to ImpactGuru crowdfunding to manage expenses, making world-class treatment more accessible and affordable.
Table of Contents
What is the Cost of Cancer Treatment in Chennai?
The cost of cancer treatment in Chennai typically ranges between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹20 lakh or more, depending on the type of cancer and treatment required. Here is an average estimate of cancer treatment costs based on its type:
| Treatment Type | Estimate Cost |
| Chemotherapy | ₹40,000 to ₹1,50,000 per cycle. |
| Radiation Therapy | ₹5,000–₹18,000 per session |
| Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant | ₹8–32 lakh. |
Since costs are substantial, many families turn to ImpactGuru crowdfunding to raise funds and access timely treatment. Patients can also use ImpactGuru’s cost calculator to estimate cancer treatment expenses in Chennai.
Which are the 5 Best Cancer Hospitals in Chennai?
- Apollo Cancer Centre / Apollo Proton Cancer Centre – Teynampet & Tharamani
- Cancer Institute (W.I.A.), Adyar – Adyar
- Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) – Park Town
- Gleneagles Global Health City – Perumbakkam
- Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (SRMC) – Porur
List of 5 Best Cancer Hospitals in Chennai
1. Adyar Cancer Institute (W.I.A.)
Founded in 1954, Adyar Cancer Institute is a not-for-profit centre with 545+ beds. Nearly 40% of its care is either free or highly subsidised, making it one of the most affordable cancer centres in India. The hospital offers surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, prevention, and research facilities, making it one of the best cancer hospitals in Chennai. It is recognised by WHO as a “Centre of Excellence” in oncology.
2. Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is India’s first proton therapy facility, treating complex cancers like brain, spine, and paediatric tumours. It offers comprehensive services: diagnostics, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and advanced surgical oncology. Accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), it attracts patients from over 150 countries.
3. Gleneagles Global Health City
Located in Perumbakkam, Gleneagles Global Health City is known for advanced oncology. It has successfully performed 100+ robotic cancer surgeries annually, including complex HIPEC procedures for abdominal cancers. Equipped with PET-CT, 3T MRI, and SBRT systems, it specialises in bone marrow transplants, precision radiation, and minimally invasive surgeries. Its oncology team includes some of the best cancer specialist doctors in Chennai, offering world-class treatment standards.
4. Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH)
RGGGH, established in 1664, is one of the largest government hospitals in India with 2,722 beds. The Department of Medical Oncology treats thousands of cancer patients each year, with services ranging from chemotherapy and radiation to surgical oncology. As a public hospital, treatment here is lower-priced than in private hospitals, making it an essential option for underprivileged patients. It also functions as a teaching hospital affiliated with Madras Medical College.
5. Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre (SRMC)
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) runs SRMC, a 1,500-bed hospital in Chennai. Its oncology department offers medical, surgical, and radiation oncology, including advanced facilities like IMRT, IGRT, and stereotactic radiosurgery. The hospital is NABH and NABL-accredited, with cancer care supported by multi-disciplinary tumour boards. It has been ranked among India’s top private hospitals.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Cancer Treatment
- Type of Cancer: The treatment approach varies for solid tumours, blood cancers, or rare cancers, directly impacting overall expenses.
- Stage of Cancer: Early-stage cancers may need only surgery or limited therapy, while advanced stages often require multi-modality treatment (surgery + chemo + radiation + targeted drugs).
- Treatment Modality: Costs differ widely between standard chemotherapy/radiation and advanced therapies such as proton therapy, robotic surgery, immunotherapy, or bone marrow transplant.
- Hospital Choice: Government and charitable hospitals are more affordable, while private multispeciality hospitals may have higher costs due to advanced technology and facilities.
- Duration of Treatment: Longer hospital stays, repeated cycles of chemo or radiation, and extended recovery increase total bills.
- Doctor’s Expertise: Treatment under leading cancer specialist doctors in Chennai may involve higher professional fees, but ensures top-quality care.
How to Raise Funds for Cancer Treatment?
Cancer treatment expenses can quickly become overwhelming, especially when advanced therapies such as proton therapy, bone marrow transplants, or targeted drugs are involved. While many patients rely on health insurance, it often comes with limitations, leaving large out-of-pocket expenses. This is where ImpactGuru crowdfunding has emerged as a life-changing solution for families in Chennai and across India. By creating a campaign on ImpactGuru, patients can raise funds online within days, with contributions coming from friends, family, colleagues, and even compassionate strangers. Crowdfunding not only eases the financial burden but also ensures timely access to critical treatment, offering hope when it is needed most.
Conclusion
Cancer treatment in Chennai combines advanced medical care with options for affordable access through government and charitable hospitals. Costs can vary greatly, especially when advanced therapies are required, making financial planning essential. For many families, ImpactGuru has become a reliable way to bridge the funding gap and begin treatment without delay. With the right hospital, expert doctors, and timely financial support, patients can focus on recovery with greater peace of mind.
