15 Frequently Asked Questions — Breast Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India for Australian Patients

Q1 · Why Do Australian Patients Consider Breast Cancer Treatment and Surgery in India?

Australian patients may consider India for breast cancer treatment because of a combination of specialist expertise, large cancer and multispecialty hospitals, multidisciplinary oncology teams and potentially lower private-treatment costs.

Some reasons patients consider India include:

• Experienced breast surgeons and surgical oncologists
• Multidisciplinary breast cancer treatment teams
• Large cancer and multispecialty hospitals
• Breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy options
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary surgery
• Oncoplastic breast surgery
• Breast reconstruction options
• Chemotherapy and immunotherapy services
• Radiation oncology facilities
• Hormone therapy and targeted cancer treatments
• Advanced diagnostic imaging and pathology
• Genetic and molecular testing at selected centres
• International-patient services in major Indian medical cities
• Potentially shorter waiting periods for planned treatment
• Competitive treatment costs compared with some private healthcare options

Breast cancer treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, tumour biology, receptor status, lymph-node involvement and overall health. Surgery may be combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy depending on the individual treatment plan.

However, cost should not be the only factor. Australian patients should research the destination, hospital, breast surgeon and oncology team carefully and discuss overseas treatment with an Australian healthcare professional before travelling. The Australian Government specifically recommends researching the doctor, hospital and procedure and arranging appropriate insurance and follow-up care before overseas medical treatment.

Q2 · How Much Does Breast Cancer Treatment and Surgery Cost in India for Australian Patients?

The cost of breast cancer treatment varies according to the type and stage of cancer, surgery, hospital, surgeon, reconstruction, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medicines, room category and the patient's individual medical condition.

Australian patients should compare the complete treatment cost rather than looking only at the surgical fee.

For Easy Comparison, Costs are mentioned in US Dollars (USD), Indian Rupees (INR) and Australian Dollar (AUD)

Exchange Rate Used for Planning

A$1 ≈ US$0.65  •  US$1 = INR 95

USD conversions are approximate and exchange rates change regularly. These are planning ranges rather than guaranteed hospital quotations. Australian costs vary according to the private hospital, surgeon, insurance arrangements and individual circumstances. Indian costs vary according to the hospital, surgeon, treatment protocol, reconstruction, room category, medicines, technology and package inclusions.

What Should Be Included in the Total Cost?

• Surgeon and professional fees
• Hospital and operating-room charges
• Anaesthesia
• Breast surgery
• Lymph-node surgery, where required
• Reconstruction, if planned
• Pathology and biopsy
• Imaging and investigations
• Chemotherapy and medicines, if included
• Radiotherapy, if included
• Room category and expected hospital stay
• Follow-up and possible additional hospital days
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation, where required
• Management of possible complications
• Travel, accommodation, visa and insurance costs when calculating the full medical- tourism budget

Compare the Complete Treatment Cost

Australia: Surgery + Hospital + Surgeon + Pathology + Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy + Rehabilitation + Follow-up

India: Surgery + Hospital + Surgeon + Pathology + Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy + Flights + Accommodation + Visa + Insurance + Rehabilitation + Follow-up

Compare the full planned treatment journey, not only the surgery quotation.

Q3 · Which Indian Cities Are Best for Breast Cancer Treatment and Surgery for Australian Patients?

India has several established healthcare destinations with major cancer and multispecialty hospitals. The right city depends on the patient's cancer type and stage, breast surgeon, oncology team, hospital facilities, treatment technology, rehabilitation and international-patient support— not simply the lowest price.

The final city should be selected according to the patient's diagnosis, proposed treatment plan,

Q4 · Which Hospitals in India Should Australian Patients Consider for Breast Cancer Treatment and Surgery?

India has a wide range of established cancer and multispecialty hospitals. The hospitals below are provided as options for Australian patients to research and compare; they are not presented as a ranking.

What Should Australian Patients Check Before Choosing a Hospital?

• Who will perform the breast cancer surgery?
• What is the surgeon's experience with the patient's particular type of breast cancer?
• Does the hospital have a multidisciplinary breast cancer team?
• Is a medical oncologist available?
• Is a radiation oncologist available?
• Is breast reconstruction available?
• Are pathology and molecular testing facilities available?
• What treatment protocol is recommended?
• What is included in the quotation?
• Are chemotherapy and radiotherapy included or quoted separately?
• How long is the expected hospital stay?
• What complications may require additional treatment?
• What rehabilitation and lymphoedema support is available?
• What postoperative oncology follow-up will be provided?
• Can complete medical records be provided for follow-up in Australia?

Q5 · What Types of Breast Cancer Surgery and Treatment Are Available in India?

a. Breast-Conserving Surgery / Lumpectomy

Breast-conserving surgery removes the cancer and a surrounding margin of healthy tissue while preserving most of the breast.

b. Mastectomy

Mastectomy removes the breast tissue and may be recommended depending on the cancer type, tumour size, breast size, multiple tumour areas, genetic risk or other clinical factors.

c. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Selected lymph nodes may be removed and examined to determine whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

d. Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Additional lymph nodes under the arm may be removed when clinically indicated.

e. Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

Oncoplastic techniques combine cancer surgery with plastic-surgery principles to help preserve breast shape and symmetry.

f. Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction may be performed at the time of mastectomy or as a later procedure using implants or the patient's own tissue, depending on the individual treatment plan.

g. Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

Systemic treatment may be recommended before or after surgery depending on tumour type, stage and biological characteristics.

h. Radiotherapy and Hormone Therapy

Radiotherapy and endocrine/hormone therapy may be recommended according to the cancer type, surgery, receptor status and overall treatment plan.

The final treatment depends on pathology, tumour size, stage, lymph-node status, hormone- receptor status, HER2 status, genetic factors where relevant, overall health and the multidisciplinary team's recommendation.

Q6 · How Can I Get a Breast Cancer Treatment and Surgery Quotation From an Indian Hospital While I Am in Australia?

Australian patients can begin the evaluation process remotely by submitting their complete medical records to an Indian cancer hospital or international-patient department.

You may be asked to provide:

• Breast cancer diagnosis
• Biopsy and pathology reports
• Mammogram reports and images
• Breast ultrasound reports
• MRI reports and images, if available
• PET-CT/CT reports where relevant
• Hormone-receptor results
• HER2 results
• Genetic testing results, if performed
• Previous surgery reports
• Previous chemotherapy records
• Previous radiotherapy records
• Current medication list
• Blood-test results
• Previous discharge summaries

The hospital may review these records and provide a preliminary medical opinion and estimated treatment plan.

Ask for a written breakdown covering:

• Breast surgeon/professional fees
• Hospital and operating-room charges
• Anaesthesia
• Breast surgery
• Lymph-node surgery
• Reconstruction, if planned
• Pathology
• Imaging
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Medicines
• Room and hospital stay
• Follow-up
• Expected duration of stay

Also ask what is not included, such as:

• Additional procedures
• Complications
• Additional hospital days
• ICU treatment
• Additional chemotherapy
• Additional radiotherapy
• Reconstruction revisions
• Treatment of unrelated medical conditions

Q7 · Should I Get a Second Breast Cancer Treatment Opinion From India Before Travelling From Australia?

A second opinion may help an Australian patient understand the diagnosis, treatment options and proposed sequence of surgery and oncology treatment.

Send

• Biopsy and pathology reports
• Mammogram and ultrasound reports/images
• MRI reports/images where available
• CT/PET-CT reports where relevant
• Hormone-receptor results
• HER2 results
• Genetic test results, if available
• Previous treatment records
• Current medication list

The specialist opinion should ideally address:

• Breast cancer type
• Stage
• Tumour size
• Lymph-node involvement
• Hormone-receptor status
• HER2 status
• Whether breast-conserving surgery is possible
• Whether mastectomy is recommended
• Whether lymph-node surgery is required
• Whether chemotherapy is required
• Whether radiotherapy is required
• Whether hormone or targeted therapy is required
• Whether reconstruction should be considered
• Expected treatment sequence
• Expected duration in India
• Follow-up requirements in Australia

An online medical opinion is preliminary. The final treatment plan should be confirmed after appropriate clinical assessment and review of the patient's complete medical information.

Q8 · What Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction Options Are Available in India, and What Records Should an Australian Patient Take Home?

Breast cancer surgery can involve breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy, lymph-node surgery, oncoplastic surgery and breast reconstruction depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Australian patients should discuss:

• Lumpectomy/breast-conserving surgery
• Mastectomy
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy
• Axillary lymph node dissection
• Oncoplastic surgery
• Implant-based reconstruction
• Autologous/tissue-based reconstruction
• Immediate reconstruction
• Delayed reconstruction

The most appropriate option depends on tumour characteristics, breast anatomy, cancer stage, previous treatment and the patient's preferences.

Patients should take home complete treatment records, including:

• Final pathology report
• Operative report
• Tumour size and pathological stage
• Lymph-node results
• Hormone-receptor results
• HER2 results
• Genetic testing results, if performed
• Surgical margins
• Reconstruction details
• Implant manufacturer/model, if an implant was used
• Chemotherapy records
• Radiotherapy records
• Medication list
• Discharge summary
• Follow-up recommendations

These records can help Australian doctors continue the patient's cancer treatment and surveillance after returning home.

Q9 · Is Breast Cancer Surgery and Treatment in India Worth Considering for an Australian Patient?

Breast cancer treatment in India may be worth considering when an Australian patient has a clear diagnosis, a medically appropriate treatment plan, an experienced multidisciplinary oncology team and a suitable hospital.

Before travelling, Australian patients should ask:

• Is surgery required immediately?
• Is breast-conserving surgery possible?
• Is mastectomy recommended?
• Do I need lymph-node surgery?
• Do I need chemotherapy before surgery?
• Do I need chemotherapy after surgery?
• Do I need radiotherapy?
• Do I need hormone therapy?
• Do I need HER2-targeted therapy?
• Is immunotherapy appropriate?
• Is genetic testing required?
• Should reconstruction be performed at the same time?
• Who will coordinate the multidisciplinary treatment?
• What is included in the treatment quotation?
• How long should I remain in India?
• What follow-up will be available after returning to Australia?

Breast cancer treatment should not be selected based on price alone. The Australian Government recommends that Australians travelling overseas for medical procedures research the hospital, doctor, procedure, possible complications, insurance and follow-up arrangements before travelling.

Q10 · What Should Australian Patients Know About Travel Insurance, Medicare and Unexpected Medical Costs When Having Breast Cancer Treatment in India?

Australian patients should carefully check insurance arrangements before travelling to India for planned cancer treatment.

Medicare generally does not cover planned medical treatment overseas, and standard travel insurance may exclude planned medical tourism or complications arising from elective treatment overseas.

Ask your insurer specifically about:

• Planned breast cancer treatment overseas
• Breast cancer surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Surgical complications
• Emergency hospitalisation
• ICU treatment
• Medical evacuation
• Repatriation to Australia
• Accommodation if recovery is delayed
• Flight changes
• Companion expenses
• Pre-existing cancer or medical conditions
• Follow-up treatment after returning to Australia

Australian patients should also check whether their private health insurer has any overseas treatment arrangements.

Do not assume that ordinary travel insurance covers planned cancer treatment or complications.

The Australian Government advises patients to check whether insurance covers the specific procedure, post-operative care, complications and medical evacuation.

Q11 · Can an Australian Patient Have Breast Cancer Surgery and Other Treatment During the Same Trip to India?

Yes, selected patients may be able to complete different stages of breast cancer treatment during the same trip, but this depends entirely on the individual treatment plan.

For example, depending on diagnosis and medical suitability, treatment may involve:

• Consultation and investigations
• Breast surgery
• Lymph-node surgery
• Reconstruction
• Pathology
• Initial oncology consultation
• Planning for chemotherapy or radiotherapy

However, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may require longer treatment schedules and may not always be practical to complete during a short international stay.

The treatment decision may depend on:

• Cancer stage
• Tumour biology
• Surgery required
• Need for chemotherapy
• Need for radiotherapy
• Need for reconstruction
• Overall health
• Recovery from surgery
• Treatment response
• Travel requirements

Australian patients should discuss:

• Expected surgery duration
• Hospital stay
• Recovery period
• Whether reconstruction can be performed at the same time
• Whether chemotherapy begins before or after surgery
• Radiotherapy timing
• Expected duration in India
• Fitness to fly
• Follow-up in Australia

The final treatment schedule should be confirmed by the treating breast cancer team.

Q12 · How Do Australian Patients Arrange Their Medical Visa, Flights and Hospital Admission for Breast Cancer Treatment in India?

Step 1: Collect Medical Records

Prepare pathology, imaging, cancer reports, treatment history and medication records.

Step 2: Obtain Specialist Opinion

Send your records to the selected Indian cancer centre for preliminary review.

Step 3: Obtain a Treatment Plan and Cost Estimate

Request a written treatment plan and detailed quotation.

Step 4: Obtain the Hospital Treatment Letter

Once treatment is planned, request the required hospital documentation for the medical visa process.

Step 5: Apply for the Indian e-Medical Visa

Check the latest Indian medical visa requirements and eligibility before applying.

Step 6: Arrange Attendant Visa

If a family member or caregiver is travelling with the patient, check the applicable medical- attendant visa requirements.

Step 7: Book Flights

Avoid booking an inflexible return flight until the treating team provides a realistic estimate of treatment and recovery time.

Step 8: Arrange Accommodation and Transfers

Plan accommodation before admission and after discharge if the treating team requires the patient to remain near the hospital.

Visa and entry requirements can change and should be verified before travel.

Q13 · How Long Should an Australian Patient Stay in India Before Flying Home After Breast Cancer Surgery?

The required stay depends on the type of surgery, reconstruction, recovery, complications and whether additional treatment is planned.

The duration may depend on:

• Lumpectomy versus mastectomy
• Lymph-node surgery
• Breast reconstruction
• Wound healing
• Drain management
• Pain control
• Mobility
• Pathology results
• Complications
• Need for further treatment
• Treating surgeon's assessment

The complete journey may include:

Consultation → Investigations → Pre-operative assessment → Breast Surgery → Hospital Recovery → Pathology → Wound/Drain Care → Follow-up → Fitness-to-fly → Australia

Australian patients should avoid arranging a rigid return date before surgery.

Before flying, discuss:

• Wound condition
• Drain management
• Mobility
• Risk of blood clots
• Medication
• Pain control
• Follow-up arrangements
• Fitness to fly
• Travel precautions

If chemotherapy or radiotherapy is planned, the patient should also confirm whether these treatments need to be started or completed in India or can safely continue in Australia.

Q14 · How Should an Australian Patient Plan Follow-Up Care After Returning Home From Breast Cancer Treatment?

Follow-up care should be planned before leaving India.

Australian patients should take home:

• Discharge summary
• Operative report
• Final pathology report
• Lymph-node results
• Hormone-receptor results
• HER2 results
• Genetic testing results, if performed
• Chemotherapy records
• Radiotherapy records
• Medication list
• Reconstruction details
• Implant information, if applicable
• Wound-care instructions
• Physiotherapy instructions
• Follow-up schedule
• Treating surgeon's contact details

Before returning to Australia, arrange follow-up with:

• Australian GP
• Breast surgeon
• Medical oncologist
• Radiation oncologist
• Plastic/reconstructive surgeon, where required
• Physiotherapist
• Lymphoedema specialist, if required

Follow-up may include monitoring:

• Wound healing
• Breast and chest-wall recovery
• Arm and shoulder movement
• Lymphoedema
• Pain
• Reconstruction
• Further chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Surveillance imaging
• Cancer recurrence

Australian follow-up should be coordinated with the Indian treating team so that complete pathology, surgical and oncology records are available to Australian healthcare professionals.

Q15 · Should I Have Breast Cancer Treatment and Surgery in Australia or Travel to India?

There is no single answer that is right for every Australian patient.

The decision should consider:

• Cancer type and stage
• Tumour biology
• Breast surgeon experience
• Multidisciplinary oncology team
• Hospital facilities
• Surgery and reconstruction options
• Chemotherapy and radiotherapy availability
• Total treatment cost
• Waiting time
• Insurance
• Travel requirements
• Recovery time
• Rehabilitation
• Long-term oncology follow-up

Australia May Be Preferable When

• You have access to an experienced breast cancer team in Australia
• Your treatment is covered or substantially supported by insurance
• You prefer treatment close to family and your existing medical team
• Post-operative care in Australia is easier to arrange
• You want continuity with your Australian oncology team

India May Be Worth Considering When

• You are medically suitable for treatment overseas
• You have researched an experienced breast surgeon and oncology team
• The centre provides multidisciplinary breast cancer care
• You receive a clear treatment plan and written quotation
• The overall cost remains attractive after including flights, accommodation, visa and insurance
• There is a clear rehabilitation and follow-up plan for returning to Australia

Compare the Complete Cost

Australia

Surgery + Hospital + Surgeon + Pathology + Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy + Rehabilitation + Follow-up

India

Surgery + Hospital + Surgeon + Pathology + Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy + Flights + Accommodation + Visa + Insurance + Rehabilitation + Follow-up The lowest surgical quotation is not necessarily the lowest overall cost. Australian patients should compare the complete medical and travel journey before making a decision.