Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Treatment in India - What International Patients Can Expect?

This short explains the typical steps involved when you travel to India for colorectal cancer treatment. The process begins with a review of your medical reports and an in-person consultation with a specialist.

Initial steps and evaluation

The first stage involves sharing your medical history and arriving in India for consultations and tests.

• Medical review. Your journey begins with a specialist reviewing your existing medical reports. This helps them to understand your case before you travel.
• Arrival and consultation. Once you arrive, you will meet your surgeon. They will discuss your case in detail, perform a physical examination, and answer your questions.
• Further tests. New scans or tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and plan the best course of treatment. This often includes a colonoscopy and imaging like CT or MRI scans.

Treatment and surgery

Treatment is tailored to the stage and location of the cancer.

• Surgical options. Surgery is the main treatment for many colorectal cancers. The goal is to remove the tumour and nearby lymph nodes. This can often be done with minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) techniques.
• Stoma formation. In some cases, a temporary or permanent stoma (colostomy or ileostomy) may be necessary. Your surgeon will explain if this is likely in your situation.
• Other treatments. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be recommended before or after surgery. This is decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the cancer's stage.
• Hospital stay. You can expect to stay in the hospital for several days after surgery. The length of your stay depends on the type of operation and your recovery.

Recovery and follow-up

• Post-surgery care. After leaving the hospital, you will need to stay in India for a period of recovery. This allows for follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.
• Final consultation. Before you are cleared to fly home, you will have a final check-up with your surgeon. They will provide a plan for your ongoing care and a summary of your treatment.
• Long-term monitoring. After you return home, you will need regular follow-up care with your local doctors. This is important for monitoring your long-term health.

The suitability of any treatment depends on your individual circumstances. A final plan can only be made after a specialist has reviewed your medical reports and recent imaging.