Cancer is caused due to an alteration in the DNA structure of human body cells — a process known as genetic mutation. Due to this mutation, the DNA keeps on instructing cells to grow and reproduce in an abnormal way, forming a lump of tissue known as a tumour. Most cancers spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system.
Types Of Cancer Treatment
- Surgery: Removes the cancerous tumour and surrounding infected tissue. Often the first and most important step in solid tumour treatment.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses targeted radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. Typically delivered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancerous tissue.
- Chemotherapy: Uses anti-cancer drugs to stop cancer cell growth. Administered before surgery to shrink tumours, or after surgery to prevent relapse.
- Hormone Therapy: Performed when oestrogen receptors are found in cancer cells. Blocks or reduces oestrogen to stop it from driving abnormal cell growth.
- Biological Therapy: Uses targeted drugs such as Herceptin to block cancer cell growth and multiplication. Delivered alongside or after other treatments. Also known as targeted therapy.
All these treatments are used individually or in combination based on the stage of cancer. A thoughtful combination is important to ensure no relapse and complete removal of cancer from the body.
Cancer Treatment Cost In Bangalore
India offers 60%–80% cost savings compared to the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Kenya, or Nepal. Complete cancer treatment in Bangalore ranges from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 6 lakh. Lumpectomy surgery costs around Rs 1.5 lakh, total mastectomy Rs 1.75 lakh, and radical mastectomy Rs 2.5 lakh. Radiotherapy costs around Rs 1.25 lakh for a few rounds, and one chemotherapy session costs Rs 50,000–60,000.