Radiation therapy cost in India varies based on multiple factors, including the type of cancer, the technology used, the number of sessions required, and the hospital chosen for treatment. Radiation therapy is a widely used cancer treatment that utilizes high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. It is commonly used for various types of cancer, including brain tumors, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and head and neck cancers.
India is home to some of the best hospitals offering advanced radiation therapy at a much lower cost compared to Western countries. The treatment may involve different techniques, such as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and brachytherapy. Each of these techniques plays a crucial role in ensuring precise targeting of cancer cells while reducing side effects. In this blog, we will provide a detailed breakdown of radiation therapy cost in India, discuss the factors affecting the pricing, and highlight the top hospitals for radiation therapy in India to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
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If you’re looking for a detailed breakdown of treatment and surgery costs for various medical procedures in India, explore our Comprehensive Guide to Treatment & Surgery Costs In India.
Table of Contents
Overview Of Radiation Therapy Cost In India (2025)
Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is commonly used for breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, brain tumors, and cervical cancer.
The cost of radiation therapy in India depends on various factors, including the type of radiation therapy, technology used, number of sessions, hospital location, and additional medical expenses.
- Average Cost per Session: ₹50,000 – ₹2,50,000
- Total Cost for Full Treatment: ₹1,50,000 – ₹25,00,000
Bifurcation of Different Costs Involved in Radiation Therapy
1. Consultation & Diagnosis Costs
Before starting radiation therapy, several tests and consultations are required to determine the type and stage of cancer.
- Oncologist Consultation: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 per visit
- MRI/CT Scan: ₹5,000 – ₹25,000
- PET Scan: ₹15,000 – ₹40,000
- Biopsy & Blood Tests: ₹3,000 – ₹15,000
Total Pre-Treatment Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹85,000
2. Types of Radiation Therapy & Their Costs
a) External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
- Uses a machine to deliver high-energy rays to the tumor.
- Cost per session: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Total cost for full treatment: ₹1,50,000 – ₹10,00,000
b) Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
- Advanced radiation therapy that precisely targets tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
- Cost per session: ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000
- Total cost for full treatment: ₹3,00,000 – ₹12,00,000
c) Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) & Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
- Highly precise radiation for brain and lung tumors, delivered in 1-5 sessions.
- Cost per session: ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000
- Total cost for full treatment: ₹5,00,000 – ₹20,00,000
d) Proton Beam Therapy
- The most advanced radiation therapy, causing minimal damage to healthy cells.
- Cost per session: ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000
- Total cost for full treatment: ₹15,00,000 – ₹25,00,000
3. Hospitalization & Supportive Care Costs
- Hospital Stay (if required): ₹5,000 – ₹50,000 per day
- Pain Management & Medications: ₹5,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Follow-up Tests & Monitoring: ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000
Total Additional Costs: ₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000
Comparison of Radiation Therapy Costs by Type
| Type of Radiation Therapy | Cost per Session (INR) | Total Treatment Cost (INR) |
| External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 | ₹1,50,000 – ₹10,00,000 |
| Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 | ₹3,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 |
| Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) / SBRT | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 |
| Proton Beam Therapy | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 |
Cost Of Radiation Therapy In Different Cities In India
Radiation therapy costs in India vary significantly depending on the city, type of radiation therapy, hospital, and facilities available. Major metropolitan cities have higher costs due to the availability of advanced technology, specialized oncologists, and premium healthcare services. On the other hand, tier-2 and tier-3 cities offer relatively affordable treatment options.
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of radiation therapy costs in different Indian cities.
City-Wise Radiation Therapy Cost in India
| City | External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) Cost (INR) | IMRT Cost (INR) | Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) Cost (INR) | Proton Beam Therapy Cost (INR) |
| Delhi | ₹1,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 | ₹2,50,000 – ₹10,00,000 | ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹2,00,000 – ₹6,50,000 | ₹3,00,000 – ₹11,00,000 | ₹6,00,000 – ₹16,00,000 | ₹16,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹1,80,000 – ₹5,50,000 | ₹2,50,000 – ₹9,50,000 | ₹5,50,000 – ₹14,50,000 | ₹15,50,000 – ₹25,00,000 |
| Chennai | ₹1,75,000 – ₹5,00,000 | ₹2,40,000 – ₹9,00,000 | ₹5,20,000 – ₹14,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 – ₹24,50,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹1,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 | ₹2,30,000 – ₹8,50,000 | ₹5,00,000 – ₹13,50,000 | ₹14,50,000 – ₹24,00,000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1,60,000 – ₹5,50,000 | ₹2,50,000 – ₹9,50,000 | ₹5,30,000 – ₹14,50,000 | ₹15,50,000 – ₹24,50,000 |
| Pune | ₹1,40,000 – ₹4,50,000 | ₹2,20,000 – ₹8,00,000 | ₹4,80,000 – ₹13,00,000 | ₹14,00,000 – ₹23,50,000 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹1,30,000 – ₹4,00,000 | ₹2,00,000 – ₹7,50,000 | ₹4,50,000 – ₹12,50,000 | ₹13,50,000 – ₹23,00,000 |
| Lucknow | ₹1,20,000 – ₹3,80,000 | ₹1,90,000 – ₹7,00,000 | ₹4,20,000 – ₹12,00,000 | ₹13,00,000 – ₹22,50,000 |
| Jaipur | ₹1,25,000 – ₹4,00,000 | ₹2,10,000 – ₹7,20,000 | ₹4,30,000 – ₹12,20,000 | ₹13,20,000 – ₹22,80,000 |
| Chandigarh | ₹1,40,000 – ₹4,50,000 | ₹2,30,000 – ₹8,00,000 | ₹4,90,000 – ₹13,00,000 | ₹14,00,000 – ₹23,50,000 |
| Bhopal | ₹1,10,000 – ₹3,50,000 | ₹1,80,000 – ₹6,50,000 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹11,50,000 | ₹12,50,000 – ₹22,00,000 |
Factors Affecting Radiation Therapy Costs In Different Cities
1. City Infrastructure & Availability of Technology
- Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai have cutting-edge radiation therapy technologies such as Proton Beam Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), which significantly increase costs.
- Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, and Bhopal have lower treatment costs due to fewer premium hospitals offering advanced radiation therapy.
2. Type of Radiation Therapy
- EBRT (External Beam Radiation Therapy) is the most affordable option, available in most cities.
- Proton Beam Therapy, available only in select hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore, is the most expensive treatment.
3. Hospital Type (Government vs. Private)
- Government hospitals (AIIMS, Tata Memorial, PGIMER, etc.) offer low-cost or even free radiation therapy for eligible patients.
- Private hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Max, Kokilaben, etc.) charge higher prices for advanced radiation therapy techniques.
4. Number of Sessions Required
- The total cost depends on the number of radiation sessions required for a patient. Shorter treatments (SRS/SBRT) are more expensive per session but need fewer sessions compared to IMRT and EBRT, which require multiple sessions over several weeks.
5. Additional Expenses
- Patients need to account for consultations, diagnostic tests, hospitalization, medication, and follow-ups, which increase total treatment costs.
Radiation therapy costs vary based on factors like the type of equipment used (such as IMRT, IGRT, or Proton Therapy), hospital location, doctor expertise, and post-treatment care. Additional costs for medications, imaging, and hospital stay can also impact the total expenses. For a complete understanding of how treatment and surgery costs differ across India, refer to our Comprehensive Guide To Treatment & Surgery Costs In India.
City-Wise Cost Trends for Radiation Therapy in India
1. Most Expensive Cities for Radiation Therapy
- Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai
- These cities have the latest technology, top oncologists, and premium hospitals, leading to higher treatment costs.
2. Affordable Metro Cities
- Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and Ahmedabad
- These cities offer moderately priced radiation therapy, especially for EBRT and IMRT.
3. Low-Cost Cities for Radiation Therapy
- Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Chandigarh
- These cities offer comparatively lower treatment costs, especially for basic radiation therapy (EBRT & IMRT).
Which Are The 10 Best Hospitals For Radiation Therapy In India?
1. Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
- Established Year: 1941
- History: Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) is India’s leading cancer care center and is a pioneer in radiation oncology. It has been at the forefront of cancer treatment, research, and education for decades. The hospital is part of the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First in India to introduce Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).
- Successfully conducted Asia’s largest clinical trial on stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer.
- Established India’s first proton therapy research unit in collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy.
- Milestones:
- Treated over 2 million cancer patients with radiation therapy.
- Developed cost-effective radiation therapy protocols for low-income patients.
- Innovations:
- Brachytherapy advancements for prostate, cervical, and head & neck cancers.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based radiation planning system to improve precision.
- Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) for tumors that change over time.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 70,000+ radiation therapy sessions annually.
- Success Rates:
- 85%+ survival rate in early-stage cancers treated with radiation therapy.
- Accreditations:
- NABH, WHO, and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Cancer Hospital in India – National Healthcare Excellence Awards.
- Global Leadership in Radiation Oncology – World Health Organization.
- Lifetime Achievement Award for Radiation Oncology Research – Government of India.
2. Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Chennai
- Established Year: 1983
- History: Apollo Cancer Hospital is one of the most advanced radiation oncology centers in India and was among the first hospitals to introduce CyberKnife technology in the country.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First in South India to offer CyberKnife radiosurgery for non-invasive cancer treatment.
- Successfully treated over 20,000 patients with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS).
- Developed hybrid radiation therapy protocols combining IMRT and Proton Therapy.
- Milestones:
- Largest network of radiation oncology centers in India.
- Conducted India’s first clinical study on MRI-LINAC guided radiation therapy.
- Innovations:
- CyberKnife Radiosurgery for brain, lung, and prostate cancers.
- MRI-LINAC Therapy for real-time tumor tracking.
- AI-Powered Radiation Dosimetry to optimize treatment plans.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 50,000+ radiation therapy sessions per year.
- Success Rates:
- Up to 90% tumor control rate in early-stage cancers treated with advanced radiation therapy.
- Accreditations:
- JCI, NABH, and ISO-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Private Cancer Hospital in India – Times Healthcare Awards.
- Center of Excellence in Radiation Oncology – Asia Pacific Oncology Conference.
- Healthcare Leadership Award for Innovation in Cancer Care.
3. Manipal Hospital, Bangalore
- Established Year: 1991
- History: Manipal Hospital is a leading multi-specialty healthcare center, with one of India’s most advanced radiation therapy departments. It was among the first hospitals in India to offer Tomotherapy.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First hospital in Karnataka to introduce TomoTherapy.
- Pioneered 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT) in South India.
- Developed specialized pediatric radiation therapy protocols.
- Milestones:
- Treated over 500,000 patients with radiation therapy.
- Established Karnataka’s first comprehensive radiation oncology training center.
- Innovations:
- 4D Respiratory-Gated Radiation Therapy for lung and abdominal tumors.
- Advanced Proton Beam Therapy for precise tumor targeting.
- AI-powered auto-segmentation technology for radiation planning.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 40,000+ radiation therapy sessions per year.
- Success Rates:
- 78-85% survival rate in patients receiving early-stage radiation therapy.
- Accreditations:
- NABH, JCI, and CAP-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Cancer Care Hospital in Karnataka – Economic Times Healthcare Awards.
- Excellence in Radiation Oncology – Indian Society of Radiation Oncology.
- Innovation Award for Advanced Radiotherapy Techniques.
4. HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai
- Established Year: 2003
- History: HCG Cancer Centre is India’s first dedicated oncology hospital network, offering precision radiation therapy across multiple locations. The Mumbai center is a flagship facility known for advanced radiotherapy technologies.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First in India to introduce Radixact Radiation Therapy.
- Developed SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) for lung cancer, increasing survival rates.
- Successfully treated over 25,000 patients with Proton Therapy.
- Milestones:
- First hospital in India to conduct radiogenomics research for radiation sensitivity.
- Established India’s first dedicated Radiation Therapy Research Unit.
- Innovations:
- Radixact Image-Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy (IG-ART) for precision treatment.
- FLASH Radiotherapy, which delivers ultra-fast doses to minimize side effects.
- AI-Powered Radiation Planning System.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 45,000+ radiation therapy treatments annually.
- Success Rates:
- 82-90% tumor control rates in early-stage cases.
- Accreditations:
- NABH, ISO, and JCI-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Oncology Hospital Network in India – Frost & Sullivan Healthcare Awards.
- Leader in Radiation Oncology – Indian Association of Radiation Oncologists.
- Most Innovative Cancer Hospital in India – FICCI Healthcare Awards.
5. Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurgaon
- Established Year: 2012
- History: FMRI is one of India’s most advanced multi-specialty hospitals, offering state-of-the-art radiation oncology treatments. It is a referral center for complex cancer cases from across the country.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First in North India to introduce MRI-LINAC Therapy, which combines MRI with radiation for real-time imaging.
- Successfully implemented stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain tumors with 98% precision.
- Developed personalized radiotherapy plans using genomic profiling.
- Milestones:
- Treated over 100,000 patients with radiation therapy.
- First hospital in India to conduct a clinical trial on AI-based radiation therapy planning.
- Innovations:
- MRI-LINAC Therapy for enhanced imaging and precision.
- Real-time adaptive radiotherapy for highly dynamic tumors.
- AI-based radiation dose optimization, reducing side effects by 30%.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 50,000+ radiation therapy sessions per year.
- Success Rates:
- 85-92% success rate in early-stage cancers treated with radiation therapy.
- Accreditations:
- NABH, JCI, and ISO-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Oncology Hospital in North India – Times Healthcare Awards.
- Excellence in Radiation Oncology – Indian Medical Association (IMA).
- Most Innovative Use of AI in Cancer Treatment – Global Healthcare Awards.
6. Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
- Established Year: 2007
- History: Artemis Hospital is known for its highly advanced oncology department, offering targeted radiation therapy techniques for treating complex tumors.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First hospital in Haryana to introduce SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy).
- Developed personalized radiotherapy plans using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Established a dedicated pediatric radiation oncology unit.
- Milestones:
- Treated over 70,000 cancer patients with radiation therapy.
- Conducted India’s first clinical study on AI-driven adaptive radiotherapy.
- Innovations:
- AI-Driven Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART).
- Respiratory-Gated Radiation Therapy for lung and abdominal tumors.
- Tomotherapy-based Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).
- Volume of Procedures:
- 35,000+ radiation therapy sessions annually.
- Success Rates:
- 80-88% survival rate in early-stage cancers treated with radiation.
- Accreditations:
- NABH and JCI-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Private Cancer Hospital in North India – Economic Times Health Awards.
- Excellence in Advanced Radiation Oncology – Association of Radiation Oncologists of India.
7. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
- Established Year: 2009
- History: Kokilaben Hospital is one of India’s top cancer hospitals, known for advanced radiotherapy facilities, including high-precision image-guided therapy.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First in Western India to introduce TrueBeam STx radiosurgery for precision cancer treatment.
- Established India’s first dedicated Tumor Board for radiation oncology.
- Successfully treated over 30,000 patients with SRS and SBRT techniques.
- Milestones:
- First hospital in India to integrate AI in radiation therapy planning.
- Conducted clinical trials for hypofractionated radiotherapy.
- Innovations:
- TrueBeam STx Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).
- Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART) for high-risk tumors.
- FLASH Radiation Therapy for ultra-fast cancer treatment.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 45,000+ radiation therapy sessions annually.
- Success Rates:
- 85%+ survival rate in early-stage radiation-treated cancers.
- Accreditations:
- NABH and JCI-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Cancer Hospital in Mumbai – Maharashtra Healthcare Excellence Awards.
- Leader in AI-Integrated Radiation Therapy – India Oncology Summit.
8. Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai
- Established Year: 1991
- History: Wockhardt Hospital is a renowned multi-specialty healthcare provider, recognized for cutting-edge radiation oncology. It is known for its international collaborations and highly skilled oncologists, offering some of the most advanced radiotherapy treatments in India.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First in Maharashtra to introduce Tomotherapy-based Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).
- Developed AI-powered radiation therapy planning systems to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Successfully conducted a multi-center clinical trial on AI-assisted tumor tracking in radiation therapy.
- Milestones:
- Treated over 60,000 cancer patients with radiation therapy.
- Implemented hypofractionated radiation therapy, reducing treatment duration by 30-50%.
- Innovations:
- Tomotherapy-based IGRT, which provides real-time imaging during treatment.
- AI-integrated radiation dose mapping, ensuring higher accuracy with minimal side effects.
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for precise treatment of small tumors.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 35,000+ radiation therapy sessions annually.
- Success Rates:
- 80-85% tumor control rates in early-stage cancers.
- Accreditations:
- NABH and ISO-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Emerging Oncology Hospital in Maharashtra – India Today Healthcare Awards.
- Excellence in Radiation Oncology – Maharashtra Medical Council Awards.
- Innovation in AI-Integrated Cancer Treatment – Global Oncology Summit.
9. BLK Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
- Established Year: 1959
- History: BLK Hospital is one of Delhi’s most advanced cancer centers, providing world-class radiation therapy treatments. The hospital is well known for comprehensive cancer care and has been a leader in integrating AI-driven radiation therapy.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First hospital in North India to offer Proton Beam Therapy, which is highly effective in targeting deep-seated tumors.
- Developed real-time tumor motion tracking systems to enhance precision in radiation therapy.
- Pioneered the use of Adaptive Radiation Therapy (ART), allowing real-time treatment adjustments.
- Milestones:
- Delivered over 100,000 radiation therapy sessions.
- Successfully used AI-assisted radiation planning, improving accuracy by 20-30%.
- Innovations:
- Proton Beam Therapy for minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
- 4D Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (4D IGRT) for highly precise tumor targeting.
- Respiratory Gating in Radiation Therapy, which helps patients with lung and abdominal tumors.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 50,000+ radiation therapy sessions per year.
- Success Rates:
- 86-90% success rates in early-stage cancers.
- Accreditations:
- NABH and JCI-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Cancer Care Hospital in North India – Times Healthcare Awards.
- Pioneer in Proton Beam Therapy – Oncology Leadership Forum.
- Excellence in Radiation Therapy – Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI).
10. Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai
- Established Year: 1950
- History: Nanavati Hospital is one of Mumbai’s oldest and most reputable multi-specialty hospitals, recognized for its advanced cancer treatment facilities. The radiation oncology department is equipped with next-generation radiotherapy machines, offering personalized treatment protocols.
- Achievements in Radiation Therapy:
- First in Mumbai to introduce 3D-Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT), improving tumor-targeting accuracy.
- Successfully implemented high-precision Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).
- Developed hypofractionated radiotherapy protocols, reducing treatment sessions while maintaining effectiveness.
- Milestones:
- Treated 70,000+ cancer patients with radiation therapy.
- Established a dedicated radiation oncology research center, collaborating with international institutions.
- Innovations:
- 3D-CRT and IGRT technologies for superior precision.
- AI-powered adaptive radiation therapy, which modifies treatment plans in real-time.
- Brachytherapy with real-time dosimetry, ensuring optimal radiation distribution.
- Volume of Procedures:
- 40,000+ radiation therapy sessions per year.
- Success Rates:
- 80-88% survival rate in early-stage cancers.
- Accreditations:
- NABH-certified.
- Awards & Recognitions:
- Best Multi-Specialty Hospital in Mumbai – Healthcare Excellence Awards.
- Top Cancer Care Hospital in Maharashtra – Global Oncology Summit.
- Excellence in Radiation Oncology – Indian Association of Oncologists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, radiation therapy in India is a vital treatment for many cancer patients and comes with a range of costs that depend on the specific treatment plan, technology used, and the hospital chosen. The affordability of radiation therapy in India, combined with high-quality medical care, makes it an attractive option for patients from around the world. Many hospitals offer state-of-the-art facilities and experienced oncologists who provide personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes. Moreover, the integration of radiation therapy with other treatments like chemotherapy in top hospitals further enhances the quality of cancer care available in India.
For patients and families facing the challenge of managing these treatment expenses, fundraising platforms offer a practical solution. These platforms allow individuals to share their personal stories and reach out to a supportive community of family, friends, and even strangers who are willing to help. By using crowdfunding, patients can raise the necessary funds to cover the radiation therapy cost in India, ensuring that financial challenges do not delay access to crucial treatment.
FAQs Related To Radiation Therapy
1. Is Radiation Therapy Painful?
Radiation therapy itself is not painful. The treatment involves targeted radiation to the cancer cells, but patients do not feel the radiation. However, side effects such as skin irritation or fatigue may occur over time, which can cause discomfort.
2. What Is the Success Rate of Radiation Therapy?
The success rate of radiation therapy depends on the type of cancer, stage, and location. For some cancers, it can provide a high success rate, especially when used in combination with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy. Early-stage cancers often have better outcomes.
3. How to Reduce Side Effects of Radiation Therapy?
To reduce side effects of radiation therapy, patients can:
- Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
- Use prescribed creams for skin irritation
- Get adequate rest and exercise
- Avoid sun exposure to treated areas
- Follow the doctor’s instructions regarding pain management and other medications
4. How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation therapy works by using high-energy rays or particles to damage or kill cancer cells. The radiation targets and destroys the DNA in cancer cells, preventing them from growing or dividing. Healthy cells in the treatment area can also be affected, which may cause side effects.
5. Is Radiation Therapy Safe?
Yes, radiation therapy is generally safe when administered by trained professionals. The amount of radiation used is carefully calculated to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. However, side effects may occur, which can be managed by the healthcare team.
6. Is Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy the Same Thing?
No, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are different:
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to target specific cancer cells or tumors in a particular area.
While both are effective treatments, they work in distinct ways and may be used together in a treatment plan.
7. What Foods to Eat After Radiation Therapy?
After radiation therapy, it’s important to eat nutritious, easy-to-digest foods to help the body heal. Recommended foods include:
- High-protein foods like lean meats, eggs, and legumes
- Whole grains for energy
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated
Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough foods if they irritate the mouth or digestive system.
8. Who Invented Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy was developed after the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Röntgen in 1895. Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie later advanced the use of radioactive substances in medicine, leading to the development of modern radiation therapy.
9. How Long Does Radiation Therapy Last?
Radiation therapy treatment typically lasts for a few minutes per session. The entire course of treatment can range from 1 to 8 weeks, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Most patients receive radiation 5 days a week, with weekends off.
10. What Are the Types of Radiation Therapy?
The main types of radiation therapy include:
- External beam radiation therapy: Directed at the tumor from outside the body
- Internal radiation therapy (Brachytherapy): Radioactive material is placed inside or near the tumor
- Systemic radiation therapy: Radioactive substances are injected into the bloodstream to target cancer cells
11. How Much Does Radiation Therapy Cost in India?
The cost of radiation therapy in India can vary depending on the hospital, location, and type of cancer. On average:
- Per session cost: ₹50,000 – ₹2,50,000
- Total treatment cost: ₹1,50,000 – ₹25,00,000 or more, depending on the treatment duration and number of sessions required
