Stomach (Gastric) Cancer Treatment in India

Stomach (gastric) cancer is a common but treatable gastrointestinal malignancy that often requires surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. In India, comprehensive treatment costs $4,500–$9,000 USD, compared to $35,000–$60,000 in the US and $18,000–$28,000 in Thailand. Patients benefit from international-standard care, cutting-edge facilities, and renowned oncologists like Dr. Ankur Bahl, at a fraction of global costs.

What is stomach (gastric) cancer?

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs when malignant (cancerous) cells form in the lining of the stomach. It is a common gastrointestinal cancer worldwide and often goes undetected in early stages due to non-specific symptoms.

The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which originates in the mucosal lining. Other rare forms include lymphoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and neuroendocrine tumors.

What causes stomach cancer and who is at risk?

Stomach cancer has multiple contributing factors, both environmental and genetic.

Key Risk Factors:

• H. pylori infection (a major risk)
• Diet high in salty, smoked, or pickled foods
• Chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Family history of gastric cancer

Obesity

• Prior stomach surgery or pernicious anemia

Men over age 50 and individuals of Asian, South American, or Eastern European descent are at higher risk.

What are the types and stages of stomach cancer?

Types of Stomach Cancer:

• Adenocarcinoma (90% of cases)
• Lymphoma (cancer of the immune cells)
• GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors)
• Neuroendocrine tumors

Stages (TNM Classification):

Stage 0 (in situ): Limited to inner lining

Stage I–II: Localized or regional spread

Stage III: Spread to deeper layers and nearby lymph nodes

Stage IV: Distant metastasis (liver, lungs, peritoneum)

Staging is critical in planning surgery and deciding on chemotherapy or targeted therapy.

What are the symptoms of stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer symptoms are often vague in early stages but become more noticeable as the disease progresses.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Persistent indigestion or heartburn
• Feeling full after eating small meals
• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Blood in stools or black stools

Early screening is advised for high-risk individuals.

How is stomach cancer diagnosed in India?

India offers fast, affordable, and advanced diagnostic services for gastric cancer.

Diagnostic Tests May Include:

• Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy (gold standard)
• CT scan or PET-CT for staging
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) for tumor depth
• Histopathology and immunohistochemistry
• HER2 testing (to assess targeted therapy eligibility)

Most hospitals complete diagnosis within 2–4 days for quick treatment planning.

What treatment options are available for stomach cancer in India?

India provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatments for gastric cancer, following international oncology guidelines.

Major Treatment Options:

Surgery

• Subtotal or total gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach)
• Lymph node dissection is routinely performed
• Often done with laparoscopic or open techniques

Chemotherapy

• Neoadjuvant (before surgery) or adjuvant (after surgery)
• Common drugs: 5-FU, Capecitabine, Cisplatin, Oxaliplatin

Targeted Therapy

• For HER2-positive tumors, drugs like Trastuzumab (Herceptin) are used
• Also includes angiogenesis inhibitors like Ramucirumab

Radiation Therapy

• Typically used post-operatively for local control
• Delivered using IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) or 3D-CRT

Immunotherapy

• Available for select patients with PD-L1-positive advanced gastric cancers

What is the standard treatment protocol followed in India?

Indian oncology hospitals adhere to global protocols such as NCCN, ESMO, and ASCO, while customizing treatment based on patient profile.

Standard Treatment Plan:

Stage I–II: Surgery followed by observation or adjuvant chemo

Stage III: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy → Surgery → Adjuvant chemotherapy ± radiation

Stage IV: Systemic chemotherapy ± targeted/immunotherapy for symptom control

All cases are reviewed in a multidisciplinary tumor board, ensuring every patient gets personalized, best-in-class treatment.

Why choose India for stomach cancer treatment?

India is among the top destinations globally for advanced, affordable cancer treatment.

Top Reasons:

• Access to internationally trained oncologists
• Hospitals equipped with robotic and laparoscopic surgical platforms
• Faster access to PET-CT, endoscopy, and pathology
• 60–80% cost savings compared to Western nations
• Multilingual staff and personalized care coordinators
• JCI and NABH-accredited hospitals across metro cities

Why choose Dr. Ankur Bahl for stomach cancer care?

Dr. Ankur Bahl is a top-rated senior medical oncologist with expertise in treating gastrointestinal cancers, including complex gastric cancer cases.

Why International Patients Prefer Dr. Bahl:

• Over 18 years of experience in GI oncology
• Expert in systemic and targeted therapies for gastric cancer
• Access to cutting-edge drug regimens and clinical protocols
• Offers teleconsultation before travel, and ongoing virtual follow-up
• Fluent English communication and global patient success stories

Patients trust him for clinical clarity, ethical care, and seamless coordination.

What technologies and surgical techniques are used in India?

India’s top cancer centers are equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, rivaling top hospitals globally.

Technologies Include:

• High-definition endoscopy with biopsy
• PET-CT and MRI scanners for accurate staging
• Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted gastrectomy
• IMRT and IGRT for precision radiation delivery
• Molecular and genetic profiling labs
• Central sterile oncology wards for infection-free recovery

These ensure minimally invasive procedures, better outcomes, and shorter recovery times.

What is the cost of treatment in India?

India offers highly cost-effective stomach cancer treatment using international-standard care and infrastructure. The exact cost varies based on cancer stage, medications, and hospital choice.

Estimated Cost Breakdown (in USD):

India delivers 70–80% cost savings compared to major Western nations without compromising outcomes.

How does the cost compare with the US, UK, and Thailand?

Here’s how treatment in India compares to other countries:

Patients choosing India benefit from:

• No waiting time
• High-end medical facilities
• End-to-end international patient support

What is the treatment timeline and recovery period for international patients?

Foreign patients are treated on a priority basis in India.

Typical Timeline:

Day 1–3: Consultation, endoscopy, imaging, biopsy

Day 4–6: Treatment planning by tumor board

Week 2: Surgery (if required)

Week 3–6: Chemotherapy/Targeted Therapy

Week 7+: Follow-up and discharge

Recovery Period:

• Hospital stay: 5–10 days after surgery
• Full recovery (with chemo): 4–8 weeks
• Many patients fly home 2–3 weeks post-surgery and continue chemo locally or via coordinated care

What are the side effects and risks of stomach cancer treatments?

While treatments are effective, they may involve manageable side effects. Indian hospitals provide comprehensive care to minimize complications.

Common Side Effects:

• Surgery: Bleeding, infection, bowel changes, reflux, or weight loss
• Chemotherapy: Fatigue, nausea, hair loss, reduced immunity
• Targeted therapy: Diarrhea, skin issues, liver changes
• Radiation: Abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fatigue

Supportive care includes nutrition counseling, physiotherapy, and psychological guidance.

What documents are needed to begin treatment in India?

Required Documents:

• Valid passport and medical visa
• Biopsy, PET-CT, or endoscopy reports
• Prior treatment summaries (if any)
• Attendant’s passport copy (if applicable)
• Insurance, if using international coverage

The hospital will provide a visa invitation letter, assist with accommodations, and guide airport transfers.

How can foreign patients start treatment with Dr. Ankur Bahl?

Dr. Ankur Bahl is a senior medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach cancer. Starting treatment under his care is fast, seamless, and well-supported for international patients.

Step-by-Step Process:

• Send Medical Records
  Email your endoscopy, biopsy, PET/CT reports, and clinical history to the hospital’s international desk or Dr. Bahl’s coordination team.
• Book a Virtual Consultation
  Dr. Bahl will assess your case via video call, explain your diagnosis and options, and recommend a treatment strategy with estimated cost and duration.
• Receive Visa Invitation Letter
  Once treatment is confirmed, the hospital issues a medical visa invitation letter to support your visa application.
• Apply for a Medical Visa
  Submit the invitation and your documents at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate. Most visas are approved within 2–7 days.
• Travel to India
  Upon arrival, the hospital provides airport pickup, hotel options, interpreter (if needed), and medical support throughout your stay.
• Begin Treatment Immediately
  You will undergo tests, surgery or therapy as planned, and receive post-treatment care and travel fitness certificates.
• Follow-up Care
  Continue your follow-ups from home via teleconsultation, with regular updates and remote monitoring as needed.

Dr. Bahl’s patients receive full transparency, multilingual assistance, and dedicated coordinators throughout the journey.

Final Summary and Call to Action

Stomach cancer treatment doesn’t have to come with high costs or long waiting periods. India delivers world-class care at one-third the price, with leading experts like Dr. Ankur Bahl guiding you through every step—from diagnosis to recovery.

Why Choose India:

• 60–80% cost savings
• Globally trained oncologists
• No waiting time for surgery or chemo
• Internationally accredited hospitals
• Personalized attention for foreign patients

Why Choose Dr. Ankur Bahl:

• 18+ years in oncology with GI cancer specialization
• Expertise in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy
• International patient trust and teleconsultation options
• Transparent and ethical cancer care

Ready to Begin?

Send your medical reports now to receive a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate. Start your journey toward recovery with India’s best cancer care team.

Take action today — affordable, expert-led cancer treatment in India is just one consultation away