Tata Cancer Hospital Mumbai: A Beacon Of Hope In Onco Care

Cancer is the most horrifying challenge in people's lives. With high rates of cancer cases worldwide, seeking expert and timely medical treatment becomes significantly important. In India, Tata Cancer Hospital Mumbai, also officially well-known as the "Tata Memorial Hospital” (TMH), has become a great hope for cancer patients all across the nation and other neighboring countries. TMH is transforming several patients' lives with its skilled doctors, advanced technology, innovative treatments, and extensive research.

Let's explore and comprehensively learn how Tata Cancer Hospital Mumbai is making a huge difference in turning sadness into hope. 

Tata Cancer Hospital Mumbai: An Overview

Located in Parel, Mumbai, Tata Cancer Hospital, or Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) was established in 1941 by Sir Dorabji Tata. The hospital has a clear mission to offer high-quality care to people struggling with cancer, regardless of their financial state. Continuing this mission, TMH is not only providing cancer treatment but also giving hope for a healthier future. 

Thus, over the years, the TMH has emerged as the leading cancer care health institution, playing a significant role in treatment, research, and education. 

List of Doctors in Tata Cancer Hospital Mumbai

Around 10 medical specialists, including oncologists, general surgeons, and more serve the Tata Cancer Hospital, Perel, Mumbai:

• Dr. Rajendra Badwe- Medical Oncologist and Surgical Oncologist

• Dr. Raees Ton- Radiation Oncologist

• Dr. Jyoti Poddar- Radiation Oncologist

• Dr. Prasun P- General Physician

• Dr. Shailesh V. Shrikhande- General surgeons, General Physician

• Dr. Shivpal Saini- General Surgeon, Surgical Oncologist

• Ms. Ankita Chitre- Physiotherapist

• Dr. Vidula Mestry- Head and Neck Oncologist

• Ms. Saumya Dixit- Occupational Therapist

Availability of Beds in Tata Cancer Hospital, Parel, Mumbai

Around 600 beds are available at Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel, Mumbai:

• Inpatient treatment: 530 beds

• New building: More than 500 beds

• Platinum Jubilee Block: 550 beds

The availability of several beds ensures the hospital meets the healthcare needs of cancer patients by reducing long wait times in the emergency care unit and delays in treatment. 

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Cost

TMH's mission to offer accessible cancer care to countless cancer patients is reflected in its treatment plans. The cancer diagnosis and treatment cost can vary depending on the types of diagnostic tests and treatment.

Take a look at a general overview of pricing in Tata Cancer Hospital Mumbai:

Consultation Fee

 It can vary based on the type of consultation:

• Online consultation: Costs INR 400.

• Teleconsultation: For the NC category- INR 100, general category- INR 500, and private category- INR 800. This type of consultation is unavailable for new cancer patients or emergency cases.

• In-person consultation: Range around INR 900-2000. 

Diagnosis Costs

It may vary depending on the type of diagnostic test:

• Basic tests (like X-rays, blood tests): May cost around INR 500-10,000.

• Advanced imaging tests (such as MRIs and CT scans): May range between INR 5,000- 15,000 or higher

Cancer Treatment Costs

This may differ according to the type and length of treatment, and many other factors:

• Chemotherapy: Can cost from INR 40,000 to INR 80,000 per session

• Radiotherapy: Typically ranges between INR 2,500 and INR 4,500 per session.

• Surgery: May vary from INR 1,50,000 to INR 4,50,000, based on the procedures' complexity.

• CAR-T cell therapy: Costs approximately INR 50 lakhs.

Supportive Care Cost

Costs for physiotherapy, palliative care, ICU stay, and other support services might also add to the complete cancer treatment costs.

Note: TMH offers quality cancer care at subsidized rates (affordable prices) to people in need, ensuring quality care for every patient, irrespective of their financial status. 

Comprehensive Cancer Care Services in Tata Memorial Hospital

Do you know, according to the National Health Institution, in India, there were around 1.46 million cancer cases in 2022, with the number expected to increase to approximately 1.57 million by the year 2025?

Here, TMH offers extensive diagnostic testing, different cancer treatments, preventive, and post-care services for patients. By utilizing high-end medical technology and modern infrastructure, the hospital provides the following comprehensive services:

Screening and Prevention Programs:

• Several screening programs for early detection of various cancers such as cervical, prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer.

• Awareness campaigns, public education, and preventive measures are also organized to encourage healthy lifestyle changes and timely cancer screenings.

Diagnosis:

• Equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic tools, including PET scans, MRI, biopsies, and CT scans to appropriately diagnose the type and stage of cancer.

• Moreover, TMH also features a pathology department for detailed analysis and staging of different types of cancer. 

Surgical Oncology:

• Offers the expertise of experienced oncologists to treat complex and high-risk cancer surgeries such as organ-preserving surgeries, tumor removal, or reconstructive procedures.

• Oncologists customize surgical treatment plans according to the specific type and stage of cancer. According to one research, 27 patients in Tata Memorial Hospital who received Bevacizumab for treatment of high-grade glioma (tumor in the brain or spinal cord) showed improvement in symptoms. 

Radiation Oncology:

• Advanced radiotherapy techniques such as IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Linear Accelerators (LINAC) by TMH's radiation oncology department ensure precise cancer treatment.

• Radiation oncologists are experienced in delivering an accurate dose of radiation to kill cancerous cells while preventing damage to nearby healthy tissues. 

Medical Oncology:

• Medical oncology involves chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy which involves the use of current cancer medications.

• The oncologists help with personalized treatment plans, ensuring better health outcomes for cancer patients.

Pediatric Oncology:

• A dedicated pediatric oncology unit provides special care for young children living with cancer.

• Moreover, pediatric oncologists treat young cancer patients using high-end cancer treatments and clinical trials.

Bone Marrow Transplantation:

• Offers bone marrow and stem cell transplants for individuals with blood cancers such as leukemia, myeloma, and lymphoma.

• TMH's comprehensive health program also provides allogeneic and autologous transplants for suitable patients.

Genetic Counseling and Testing:

• Genetic testing & counseling by TMH helps assess the risk of cancer due to genetics and also guide preventive measures.

• The healthcare team also provides personalized health advice on early detection, cancer prevention, and even lifestyle adjustments.

Palliative and Supportive Care:

• Beyond treatment, TMH also focuses on improving the quality of life by supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of each patient.

• The palliative team of TMH also offers counseling services for patients and families, assisting them cope with emotional and physical challenges. 

Rehabilitation Services:

• Provides rehabilitation services after treatment for physical and emotional recovery.

• Offers health programs focused on improving strength and overall health.

Clinical Trials & Research:

• Provides advanced clinical trials for evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of new cancer treatments.

• Supports participation in national as well as international research collaborations to create new cancer treatments and improve patient care.

The availability of these services makes Tata Cancer Hospital, the leading healthcare institute in the nation, ensuring appropriate cancer treatments and support throughout the cancer journey.

Special Cancer Care Programme or Initiatives at TMH by Tata Trusts

Around 2.25 million people are living with cancer in India. Roughly 13 lakh cases are registered yearly and over 8 lakh are death cases due to cancer. Seeing such an increase in cancer cases, in 2017, Tata Trust created a special cancer care program- the ‘Distributed Cancer Care Model’ which focuses on managing the burden of such a fatal disease.

This model has 4 pillars:

1. Access

Focuses on bringing cancer care closer to the homes of people by giving access to advanced oncology services, lab services, research facilities, palliative care, and day-care units and by ensuring the availability of specialized, proficient medical professionals to provide these services and operate these units.

2. Quality

By following the National Cancer Grid (NCG) guidelines, this model offers virtual consultations, pathology reporting, remote radiology, a virtual tumor board, and more.

3. Affordability

The hospital is now on the list of insurance schemes of several central and state governments, ensuring affordable cancer treatment.

4. Awareness, Early Detection, & Palliative Care

The last pillar focuses on preventing cancer progression and lowering the burden of such a disease in the state. The Tata Trust ensures proper training of medical specialists & front-line workers for accurate health screening and awareness. They set up "Swasth Kiosks", Health Screening and Awareness Centres in collaboration with government organizations to provide free diagnostics and awareness services to cancer patients and their family members.

On " World Cancer Day", in the year 2023, the Tata Trusts took a great move to #closethecaregap by launching the campaign called "Kaise Ka Cancer". This campaign helps assure light and hope to cancer patients through sensitive storytelling. 

Cancer Research and Education at Tata Memorial Hospital

Beyond cancer treatment, Tata Memorial Hospital is a world-class leader in cancer research and education:

• The National Cancer Grid (NCG), basically an initiative by TMH, brings together over 200 cancer centers all over India. This significant collaboration helps improve cancer treatment across the nation.

• TMH focuses on understanding biological processes causing cancer, establishing new guidelines for treatment, and even improving overall health results.

• These efforts aim to regulate and improve cancer care in the country which can help facilitate the accessibility of cancer treatment to people living in underserved and remote areas.

• Moreover, TMH also emerged as a top-notch educational institution, offering diplomas, degrees, and fellowships in oncology. These academic programs are provided to train or educate the next generation of surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and researchers. 

Global Collaborations

These collaborations allow TMH to provide its patients with access to the latest and most advanced cancer treatments.

• Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, has developed as a leading healthcare institution in oncology not only in India but also on the international stage.

• TMH collaborates with several global institutions such as the United States, Japan, and Europe to conduct clinical trials on cancers, share knowledge, and adopt the use of current techniques in cancer treatment.

• These collaborations allow TMH to offer high-end cancer treatments and clinical trials to its patients, providing hope for those who may have tired out of other treatment options. 

TMH: A Symbol of Hope

• For thousands of cancer patients, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai is a symbol of hope more than just a hospital. Whether it's a new diagnosis, needing specialized treatment, or an end-stage cancer, TMH offers first-class care with a great commitment to the patient's well-being.

• With the expertise of skillful medical specialists, a comprehensive care approach, and advanced facilities, TMH, Mumbai remains the renowned cancer institution in India.

• More than the place of cancer treatment, it is a space where patients and their families get support and hope to fight off cancer. 

Contact Information:

About the services provided at Tata Memorial Hospital, people can visit the official website or directly contact the hospital to schedule an appointment and consultation.

• Official Website: Tata Memorial Hospital

• Address: Tata Memorial Hospital, Dr. Ernest Borges Road, Parel, 400012, Mumbai, India.

Conclusion

Well, Tata Cancer Hospital Mumbai is beyond a healthcare institution for several cancer patients. It's a symbol or mark of hope and also a great source of strength in fighting off cancer. While maintaining its legacy of providing excellent medical care, TMH continues to lead the way, ensuring each patient gets the chance for a healthier future.

If you are looking for cancer treatment in India, Tata Memorial Hospital always remains available and committed to offering expert medical care as well as the support and empathy required during this challenging journey.