Thailand Cancer Treatment: What Makes It a Prime Destination?
Thailand draws over 2.5 million medical tourists annually, many seeking cancer treatment. Thailand integrates state-of-the-art medical technology with a tranquil healing environment at affordable prices.
What Are the Costs of Cancer Treatment in Thailand?
Booking through Bookimed often provides savings of up to 50-70% compared to similar treatments in the UK and US.
| Category | Procedure/Service | Thailand (USD) | UK (USD) | US (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Targeted Therapy | Molecular Targeted Therapy | $2,800 - $4,200 | $10,000 - $16,000 | $13,000 - $22,000 |
| Immunotherapy | Immunotherapy (per session) | $1,200 - $2,800 | $13,000 - $17,000 | $15,500 - $23,000 |
| Hormonal Therapy | Hormonal Therapy | $150 - $300 | $500 - $1,500 | $800 - $2,500 |
| Stem Cell Therapy | Stem Cell Therapy for Cancer | $9,000 - $11,500 | $20,000 - $24,000 | $24,000 - $32,000 |
| Surgical Oncology | Mastectomy | $3,800 - $5,200 | $7,000 - $11,000 | $9,000 - $16,000 |
| Lumpectomy | $2,200 - $3,200 | $4,500 - $7,500 | $5,500 - $9,500 | |
| Prostatectomy | $4,200 - $6,800 | $9,000 - $14,000 | $11,000 - $18,000 | |
| Colectomy | $2,800 - $4,200 | $7,000 - $11,000 | $9,000 - $14,000 | |
| Gastrectomy | $3,800 - $5,800 | $9,500 - $14,500 | $11,500 - $18,500 | |
| Hysterectomy | $1,800 - $2,800 | $4,500 - $7,500 | $5,500 - $9,500 | |
| Nephrectomy | $2,800 - $4,200 | $7,000 - $11,000 | $9,000 - $14,000 | |
| Radiation Therapy | IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) | $1,800 - $3,200 | $4,500 - $9,000 | $6,500 - $13,000 |
| Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) | $2,200 - $4,200 | $5,500 - $10,500 | $8,000 - $15,000 | |
| Chemotherapy | Standard Chemo (per session) | $600 - $1,000 | $1,200 - $2,500 | $1,800 - $3,500 |
💡Chemotherapy treatments often involve one or more medications to target cancer cells, highlighting the versatility and cost-effectiveness of these treatments in Thailand.
❗The lower cost is primarily due to economic factors such as lower salaries and operational costs in Thailand compared to the UK and US.
What Are The Main Cost Factors?
➕ Thailand cancer treatment cost factors include:
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The type of treatment. More advanced therapies like gene therapy may cost more.
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Length of stay. Depending on the treatment protocol, some patients may require an extended stay.
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Additional services. Such as rehabilitation and holistic care options.
What's Included in an All-inclusive Cancer Treatment Package in Thailand?
Bookimed offers all-inclusive cancer treatment packages in Thailand, simplifying the process for patients and families. These packages typically cover the following:
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Medical care. From initial consultations and diagnostic tests (like MRI, CT scans, or biopsies) to treatment (such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation) and follow-up care.
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Travel and accommodation. Help with travel arrangements and local accommodations close to the treatment facility.
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Additional services. Includes translation services, meals tailored to dietary needs, and access to emotional support.
Continuous help from Bookimed coordinators ensures smooth treatment and quick resolution of any issues.
💚Offers provide better value than organizing each element separately. Clinics provide special offers for Bookimed patients, especially for limited-time promotions, making it more affordable than booking services independently.
✅These offers are tailored to meet individual health needs, ensuring personalized treatment.
❗The specifics of what's included can vary depending on the exact nature of the cancer treatment needed.
Patients can always discuss and clarify package details with the clinic or a Bookimed medical coordinator to understand precisely what's included and any additional costs that might arise.
What Are The Best Oncology and Oncosurgery Hospitals in Thailand Like?
Thai hospitals are renowned for:
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Accreditation. A Thailand cancer hospital typically holds Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, ensuring they meet international healthcare quality standards.
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Collaborations. They often collaborate with global cancer research institutes like the National Cancer Institute in the US, enhancing their research and treatment protocols.
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Technology. The usage of cutting-edge technologies such as proton therapy and robotic surgery ensures precise and minimally invasive treatment options.
*You can explore the Thailand clinic options above on this page.
What Cancer Treatment Options are Available in Thailand?
Thailand offers a variety of treatments:
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Chemotherapy. Using the latest drug protocols.
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Radiation therapy. Techniques like IMRT and stereotactic body radiation therapy are commonly employed.
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Surgical oncology. Includes minimally invasive surgeries and complex tumor resections.
Some surgical procedures available for cancer patients in Thailand include:
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Advanced therapies. Including molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy specifically targeting cancer growth mechanisms.
💡Immunotherapy treatments are designed to enhance the body's immune response to fight cancer cells effectively.
What is the process for receiving cancer treatment in Thailand?
The process typically involves:
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Diagnostic evaluation. Advanced imaging techniques like PET scans and MRI are used.
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Treatment planning. Personalized plans are developed by a multidisciplinary team that includes oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists.
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Treatment Implementation. Administered by highly qualified specialists in their respective fields.
What are the Success Rates for Cancer Treatment in Thailand?
Thailand boasts high success rates due to:
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Advanced diagnostic tools. Thailand's top cancer centers are equipped with the latest generation of digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis machines, which are crucial for the early and accurate detection of breast cancer.
👉 3D tomosynthesis can increase the detection rate of invasive cancers by up to 40% compared to traditional 2D mammography.
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Skilled medical teams. Thai oncologists have international training and are proficient in traditional and novel treatments. A specific instance is the use of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer, which has been shown to improve recovery times significantly.
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Comprehensive treatment approaches. Thai hospitals offer customized cancer care by incorporating the latest research and techniques, such as immunotherapy. For instance, introducing CAR-T cell therapy for certain blood cancers has resulted in remission rates previously unattainable with conventional treatments.
👉Cancer survival rates vary significantly by stage, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. Stage I has a 10-year survival rate of around 88%, while stages III and IV show 5-year survival rates below 50%. In Northeast Thailand, a study found 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year survival rates to be 77.36%, 49.29%, and 43.16%, respectively.
❗Patients receiving surgical treatment have higher survival rates
How Do I Choose the Best Cancer Hospital in Thailand?
Key considerations include:
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Certifications. Look for hospitals with certifications like JCI accreditation, ISO certification, or Thai Hospital Accreditation (HA) accreditation. These certifications ensure that hospitals meet high international and local patient care and safety standards.
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Affiliations. Check for partnerships with international research institutes. For example, Thai hospitals might be affiliated with prestigious organizations like Johns Hopkins Medicine for training programs, Harvard Medical School for joint research projects, or the National Cancer Institute (USA) for access to clinical trials.
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Staff qualifications. Doctors in Thailand have trained internationally, often in Europe or the US. Look for qualifications from reputable institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, or the University of Toronto. Board certifications in oncology from bodies like the American Board of Internal Medicine or the European Society for Medical Oncology signify a high level of expertise and a commitment to maintaining clinical excellence.
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Doctors` memberships in international oncology societies. Such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology or the International Society of Pediatric Oncology, also indicate ongoing engagement with the latest research.
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Treatment services. From traditional therapies to specialized treatments like gene therapy or stem cell treatment.
How Should I Prepare for Cancer Treatment in Thailand?
Preparatory steps include:
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Medical consultation. Engaging with oncologists to discuss treatment options.
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Logistical arrangements. Planning for travel and accommodations is often facilitated by international hospital patient departments.
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Financial planning. Understanding the cost structure and exploring insurance or payment options.
💚For more information and guidance on your cancer treatment journey, contact a Bookimed medical coordinator.
What Does Aftercare and Follow-up Look Like?
Aftercare involves:
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Regular health evaluations to monitor recovery and detect any recurrence.
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Rehabilitation programs are tailored to help patients regain strength and functionality.
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Access to support groups and mental health services to assist in post-treatment life adjustments.
Patient Stories and Testimonials
Patient stories and testimonials are a powerful way to showcase the success of cancer treatment in Thailand. Patients who have undergone treatment at Thailand’s cancer hospitals have shared their reviews on Bookimed. With a reputation for excellence, oncology surgery in Thailand attracts patients worldwide.
References
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) | USAGov. Making government services easier to find | USAGov. URL: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/national-cancer-institute (date of access: 29.01.2025).
- SIOP. SIOP. URL: https://siop-online.org/ (date of access: 29.01.2025).
- Survival after Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer Patients at a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Northeast Thailand / R. Wannasin et al. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2023. Vol. 24, no. 5. P. 1759–1767. URL: https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.5.1759 (date of access: 29.01.2025).
- Clinical Performance Metrics of 3D Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Compared With 2D Digital Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening in Community Practice / J. S. Greenberg et al. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2014. Vol. 203, no. 3. P. 687–693. URL: https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.14.12642 (date of access: 29.01.2025).
- Finch S. Thailand top destination for medical tourists. Canadian Medical Association Journal. Vol. 186, no. 1. P. E1–E2. URL: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.109-4655 (date of access: 29.01.2025).
- ESMO. European Society for Medical Oncology. URL: https://www.esmo.org/ (date of access: 29.01.2025).