Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our services, treatments, appointments, and patient care options to help you make informed health decisions.
01
What types of cancer does Apollo Cancer Centres treat?
Apollo Cancer Centres provides comprehensive treatment for over 100 types of cancer, including breast, lung, gastrointestinal, gynaecological, genitourinary, head and neck, neurological, haematological, bone and soft tissue, skin, and paediatric cancers. Care is delivered by more than 240 specialist oncologists across a network of dedicated cancer centres in India, supported by Apollo Proton Cancer Centre for advanced radiation therapy.
02
What is a multidisciplinary Tumour Board, and why does it matter?
A Tumour Board is a panel of medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, along with radiologists, pathologists and geneticists, who meet to jointly review each patient's case and agree on the most effective, unbiased treatment plan. At Apollo, every complex cancer case is discussed by a Tumour Board, ensuring decisions reflect collective expert judgement rather than a single opinion.
03
What is proton therapy, and where can I access it?
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation treatment that targets tumours with millimetre precision while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, using high-energy proton beams instead of conventional X-rays. It is available at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) in Chennai, South Asia's first and only proton therapy centre and India's first JCI-accredited cancer hospital.
04
What are the early warning signs of cancer I shouldn't ignore?
Warning signs vary by cancer type, and some cancers show no symptoms at all in early stages- which is why routine screening matters as much as symptom awareness. That said, a persistent cough, an unusual lump, unexplained bleeding, a sore that won't heal, unexplained weight loss, or ongoing fatigue are worth getting checked if they last more than two to three weeks.
05
How is cancer diagnosed at Apollo Cancer Centres?
Diagnosis typically combines a clinical evaluation, imaging tests such as CT, MRI and PET-CT, a tissue biopsy to confirm the cancer type, and molecular or genetic testing to guide personalised treatment. Apollo Cancer Centres offers advanced diagnostic infrastructure, including digital pathology and genomic testing, to ensure an accurate, subtype-specific diagnosis.
06
What cancer treatment options are available at Apollo Cancer Centres?
Apollo offers the full spectrum of cancer care, including surgical oncology (with robotic and minimally invasive techniques), medical oncology (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy), radiation oncology (IMRT, IGRT, SBRT and proton therapy), and bone marrow/stem cell transplantation. Treatment plans are personalised for each patient and reviewed by a multidisciplinary Tumour Board.
07
How do I book a consultation with an oncologist at Apollo Cancer Centres?
You can book a consultation online through the Apollo Cancer Centres website or by calling your nearest Apollo Cancer Centre directly. Appointments can typically be scheduled with a specific oncologist or specialty, such as surgical, medical or radiation oncology, based on your diagnosis or symptoms.
08
Is cancer treatment at Apollo Cancer Centres covered by insurance?
Most major health insurance providers are accepted at Apollo Cancer Centres, and the hospital's insurance desk assists patients with cashless claims, pre-authorisation and documentation. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by policy and treatment plan, so it's best to confirm specifics with Apollo's insurance team before starting treatment.
09
Which cities have Apollo Cancer Centres?
Apollo Cancer Centres operates across a network of 22+ dedicated cancer centres in India, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and other major cities, with Apollo Proton Cancer Centre based in Chennai. This makes advanced, specialised cancer care accessible closer to home for patients across the country.
10
Do international patients receive treatment at Apollo Cancer Centres?
Yes. Apollo Cancer Centres and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre treat patients from over 120 countries, supported by dedicated international patient services for travel, accommodation and treatment coordination. Many international patients specifically seek out Apollo Proton Cancer Centre for advanced proton therapy not widely available elsewhere in the region. Visit our International Patient page for more details
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