Lung Cancer in India? 5 Must-Ask Questions for Your Doctor

Lung Cancer in India? 5 Must-Ask Questions for Your Doctor

• Dr. Parveen Yadav
• Sep 10, 2025

Hello, I am Dr. Parveen Yadav, a thoracic onco-surgeon based in Gurgaon. Over my 18 years in this field, I have sat with thousands of patients and their families right after they received the words they dreaded most: "You have lung cancer". I understand the storm of emotions that follows the shock, the fear, the confusion. Your world suddenly feels like it's spinning, and a hundred questions are racing through your mind, all at once.  

In these first few moments, knowledge is your greatest ally. Being prepared for your first consultation with a lung cancer specialist in India can transform fear into focus and confusion into clarity. It empowers you to become an active partner in your own treatment journey.

This article is not just a list of questions. It is a roadmap. It’s the conversation starter I wish every newly diagnosed patient in India had. Let’s walk through it together, step by step, so you can enter your doctor’s office with confidence and leave with a clear plan.

Question 1: "What is the exact type and stage of my lung cancer, and what does this mean?"

This is the most fundamental question. It moves you from the terrifying, abstract idea of "cancer" to a specific, manageable medical condition. The answer to this question forms the bedrock of your entire treatment plan.  

Understanding the 'Type' of Your Lung Cancer

First, you need to know that "lung cancer" is not a single disease. There are two main categories, and your doctor will likely use one of these names :  

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): This is the most common type, making up about 85% of all lung cancer cases. If you have NSCLC, your doctor might even specify a subtype, such as adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. In the Indian population, adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent form we see.  
• Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): This type is less common but tends to grow and spread more quickly. Its treatment is often different from NSCLC right from the start.  

Knowing the type is crucial because it tells your medical team about the cancer's behaviour and which treatments are likely to be most effective.

Demystifying the 'Stage' of Your Cancer

The "stage" of your cancer simply tells you how far it has spread. Think of it like a location tracker. Doctors use a simple I to IV system :  

• Stage I: The cancer is small and located only within the lung.
• Stage II/III: The cancer is larger and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it is still confined to the chest.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread (metastasised) to other parts of the body, such as the other lung, liver, bones, or brain.  

The stage is one of the most important factors in determining your prognosis and treatment options. However, and this is critical, please do not rush to Google the survival statistics for your stage. Those numbers are often outdated and don't account for your personal health, the specific characteristics of your tumour, or the incredible advances in treatment we have today. Your stage is a starting point for a conversation, not a final verdict.

The Indian Context: Why a Specialist is Crucial

Here in India, we face a unique diagnostic challenge. The symptoms of early lung cancer can sometimes mimic other common respiratory illnesses, including tuberculosis. This can lead to delays in getting the correct diagnosis. This is why it is absolutely vital to consult a specialist—a thoracic surgeon or a pulmonologist—who has the experience to look beyond the obvious and ensure your diagnosis is accurate from day one.  

Question 2: "What further tests do I need, especially for molecular or biomarker profiling?"

In modern cancer care, the initial biopsy that confirms "cancer" is just the beginning. The most important breakthroughs in lung cancer treatment in the last decade have come from our ability to understand the specific genetic makeup of your tumour. This is where biomarker testing comes in.

Why Your First Biopsy Report Isn't the Full Story

Think of your cancer as a house with many locked doors. The initial biopsy tells us it's a house, but biomarker testing gives us the specific keys to unlock those doors. This testing, also called molecular profiling, is done on the tissue sample from your biopsy to look for specific genetic mutations or proteins on the cancer cells.  

Biomarker Testing: The Key to Personalised Medicine

This is not just an academic exercise; it has a direct and profound impact on your treatment. According to the National Cancer Grid of India, certain biomarker tests are now considered essential for guiding treatment. Some of the most important markers your doctor will look for include:  

• EGFR
• ALK
• ROS1
• PD-L1

If your tumour tests positive for a marker like EGFR, it's a game-changer. It could mean that the best first treatment for you is not traditional chemotherapy, but a highly effective pill known as a "targeted therapy". These drugs are designed to attack the cancer cells with the specific mutation, often with fewer side effects than chemotherapy. Asking about biomarker testing shows you are ready to explore the most advanced and personalised lung cancer treatment in India.  

Question 3: "Based on my case, what are ALL my treatment options, and what is the goal of each?"

Once your type, stage, and biomarker status are known, your oncologist can lay out a comprehensive treatment plan. It's important that you understand every option available, not just the one being recommended first.  

A Quick Look at Your Treatment Toolkit

Modern lung cancer care uses a combination of powerful tools. Your plan will likely involve one or more of the following :  

• Surgery: My area of specialty. For early-stage lung cancer (Stage I and II), surgery to remove the tumour offers the best chance for a cure. We now use minimally invasive techniques like Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), which involves smaller cuts, less pain, and a much faster recovery.  
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cells throughout the body.
• Targeted Therapy: Pills or IV drugs that target the specific genetic weaknesses found through biomarker testing.
• Immunotherapy: A revolutionary treatment that boosts your own immune system to recognise and fight the cancer.

Understanding the 'Goal' of Treatment: Cure vs. Control

It's crucial to have an honest conversation about the objective of your treatment. The goal can be different depending on the stage of your cancer :  

• Curative Intent: This means the goal is to eliminate the cancer completely and achieve a long-term cure. This is typically the aim for early-stage lung cancer.
• Palliative Intent: For more advanced cancers, the primary goal may be to control the cancer's growth, manage symptoms, and maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible. Palliative care is not just "end-of-life" care; it is about living well, despite the diagnosis.

Your doctor may also talk about adjuvant therapy (treatment given after the main treatment, like surgery, to kill any remaining cells) or neoadjuvant therapy (treatment given before surgery to shrink the tumour).

Question 4: "Who will be on my treatment team, and why is a second opinion so important?"

Treating lung cancer is a team sport. You will not be dealing with just one doctor, but a group of specialists working together. You also have the right to ensure the team and the plan are the absolute best fit for you.

It Takes a Village: Meet Your Cancer Care Team

A good lung cancer hospital in India will have a multidisciplinary team. The key players on your team will likely include :  

• Surgical Oncologist / Thoracic Surgeon (like me): The expert who performs surgery to remove tumours.
• Medical Oncologist: The expert who manages chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
• Radiation Oncologist: The expert who plans and delivers radiation treatment.
• Pulmonologist: A lung specialist who may be involved in your diagnosis and managing your breathing.
• Pathologist: The doctor who analyses your biopsy tissue and performs the crucial biomarker tests.

The Power of a Second Opinion: Your Right to Confidence

Let me be very clear: seeking a second opinion is not a sign of distrust in your doctor. It is a standard, smart, and highly recommended step in the cancer journey. A second opinion can:  

• Confirm your diagnosis and staging are correct.
• Ensure all possible treatment options, including clinical trials, have been considered.
• Give you peace of mind and confidence as you begin treatment.

As a lung cancer specialist in India, I firmly believe that every patient deserves this clarity. That is why I offer a 100% free and confidential second opinion service. You can securely upload your reports, and I will personally review your case to provide guidance, helping you make informed decisions with confidence.  

Question 5: "What are the practical and financial impacts I should prepare for?"

A cancer diagnosis doesn't just affect your body; it affects your entire life—your work, your family, and your finances. Addressing these practical concerns head-on is a vital part of preparing for the road ahead.  

Talking About the Cost of Lung Cancer Treatment in India

Cost is a major source of anxiety for families, and it's a conversation you must have with your treatment team. While costs vary greatly depending on the hospital and city, here are some approximate figures to give you a starting point for discussion :  

• Lung Cancer Surgery: ₹2,63,000 – ₹5,26,000
• Chemotherapy (per cycle): ₹38,000 – ₹75,000
• Radiation Therapy: ₹2,63,000 – ₹4,13,000

Please note: These are estimates from 2024 and can vary. They are intended to be a guide for your conversation.

Ask your hospital if they have a financial counsellor who can help you understand the costs, navigate your insurance policy, and explore any available financial aid schemes.

Life During Treatment: Recovery, Work, and Side Effects

Ask your doctor how treatment will impact your daily life.  

• Recovery: If you are having minimally invasive surgery (VATS), your hospital stay could be as short as 3-4 days, with a return to normal activities in a few weeks.  
• Work: Discuss whether you can continue working during treatment. Many patients can, especially with targeted therapy or less intensive chemotherapy regimens.
• Side Effects: All treatments have potential side effects, but most are manageable with modern supportive care. Be open with your team about any issues you face.

Your Next Steps: Taking Control of Your Journey

Facing a lung cancer diagnosis is daunting, but you are not powerless. By asking these five questions, you are taking the first and most important step: becoming an informed, empowered patient.

Remember to take a family member or a trusted friend with you to your appointments. They can help you listen, take notes, and remember the details. Write down your questions beforehand so you don't forget anything in the moment.  

This journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Be kind to yourself. Lean on your support system. And know that with the right team and the right information, there is every reason to be hopeful.