What is the average cost of lung cancer treatment in India?

Lung cancer treatment in India is expensive especially if you are not covered with the best health insurance. On average the starting price of lung cancer treatment stands between INR 95,000 or 1,00,000.

Is lung cancer curable?

Yes, lung cancer is curable if detected at an early stage with advanced lung cancer treatments. However, medical professionals do not use the word cure for cancer but commonly use the term & 039;remission& 039; or & 039;no evidence of disease& 039;.

What are the early signs and symptoms of lung cancer?

Some of the early signs of lung cancer are: Intense coughing that does not go away Chest Pain Shortness of Breath Wheezing Coughing Blood Fatigue and Exhaustion at all times Weight loss without any major dietary changes

Written by Simran Kaur Vij

Published: 12 Aug 2024

Updated: 24 Jun 2026

4 min read

Expert Verified

IRDAI Licensed

Lung Cancer Treatment Cost In India

Cancer treatment of any kind is an expensive affair in India. Lung cancer, like any other cancer, has the potential to drain your life savings if not covered by a health insurance plan. The average cost of lung cancer treatment starts at INR 1,00,000 and increases with the severity of the illness.

Lung cancer affects the lungs and their capacity to perform daily functions efficiently. It begins in the lung cells and can be classified as either small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. Based on your oncologist's diagnosis, treatment will be decided after considering the severity and stage of the cancer.

Multiple factors contribute to developing lung cancer, including excessive smoking, exposure to radiation, pollution, vaping, and inhaling pollutants and fine particles.

This article discusses lung cancer treatment costs in India, along with various treatments, symptoms, and more.

Cost Of Treatment Of Lung Cancer In India

Various factors affect the overall cost of lung cancer treatment in India, as specified below:

Oncologist consultation fees
Admission fees
Patient's medical condition
Severity of lung cancer
Type of lung cancer
Post-operative complications
Required diagnostic tests (e.g., X-rays, ECG)

According to various data sources, lung cancer treatment costs vary across Indian cities. Metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, and Kolkata offer treatments ranging from INR 1 Lakh to 25 Lakhs.

Facilities Provided By Hospitals For Lung Cancer Treatment

Hospitals provide multiple facilities to patients undergoing lung cancer treatment, such as:

Emergency ambulance services
Hospital rooms
Oncologist consultations
Expert nursing staff
Food and accommodation
Transportation
Easy access to pharmacy, and more

Types of Lung Cancer Treatments

While there are over 200 types of cancer, various treatment modes are available depending on the severity of the cancer.

Here are the various types of lung cancer treatments available to help patients recover and lead healthier lives.

Surgery
Upon diagnosis, many patients undergo surgery as recommended by their oncologist. This procedure involves removing the cancerous tumor and affected lymph nodes, tissues, and cells from the lung to facilitate quicker recovery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a common and effective cancer treatment globally. It involves using drugs to eradicate cancer cells from the affected area. Depending on the cancer stage and affected area, chemotherapy may be performed to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-intensity laser beams to destroy lung cancer tumors or cells affecting the lungs. It can be delivered externally or by placing a radiation source near infected areas. This therapy helps destroy tumors and prevents cancer cells from multiplying.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy involves administering medicines that help the patient's immune system fight cancer cells and prevent their multiplication. Doctors prescribe various immunotherapy drugs for patients diagnosed with advanced stages of lung cancer.

Lung Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Undergoing cancer treatment often leads to certain side effects as the body responds to strong medications. A patient's body needs to be strong and healthy to undergo these treatments and respond positively to eliminate cancer cells and tumors. Here are the possible side effects of cancer treatments:

Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Bleeding
Chest pain or discomfort
Hair loss
Breathlessness
Coughing

Most side effects subside after weeks or months of treatment; however, some may have a prolonged effect.

Various Stages Of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is classified into different stages, each presenting distinct complications, as mentioned below:

Occult Cancer Stage
In this stage, the tumor is difficult to identify through scans or biopsy, but cancer cells are present in the mucus when a patient coughs.
In-Situ Lung Cancer
This stage is characterized by cancer detected only in the top lining of the lungs, without spreading to other parts.
Stage 1 Cancer
Stage 1 cancer indicates that the cancer has not spread outside the lungs.
Stage 2 Cancer
In Stage 2, cancer spreads to the lymph nodes surrounding the lungs.
Stage 3 Cancer
Stage 3 is diagnosed when there is more than one tumor in a different lobe within the same lung.
Stage 4 Cancer
Stage 4 is the most crucial stage, as cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.

Wrapping It Up

A lung cancer diagnosis can be a life-changing event, potentially affecting one's morale. However, advancements in medical research and the dedicated efforts of medical professionals worldwide have led to groundbreaking treatment options.

While lung cancer treatment costs in India are steep, the right health insurance plan can help you manage the disease and its hefty medical bills smoothly. To ensure the protection and well-being of your family, invest in the best cancer health insurance plans with PolicyX.