Star Cancer center launches free second opinion clinic

STAR Cancer Center, the specialized oncology unit of STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad, India, has launched a Free Second Opinion Clinic & Guidance Center for cancer patients in Bangladesh, aiming to help patients make informed treatment decisions and access advanced cancer care.

The initiative will provide Bangladeshi patients with expert medical opinions, treatment-plan reviews and guidance from senior oncology specialists before they travel to India for treatment.

Cancer remains a major health concern in Bangladesh, with an estimated 167,000–187,000 new cases reported annually. Breast, lung, cervical, esophageal and gastrointestinal cancers are among the commonly diagnosed forms, increasing the demand for early diagnosis, specialized treatment and advanced oncology services.

According to STAR Cancer Center, modern cancer treatment increasingly depends on organ-specific expertise and collaboration among surgical, medical and radiation oncologists. Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may involve surgery, targeted radiation, systemic therapies, immunotherapy and other advanced interventions.

Free Second Opinion for Bangladeshi Patients

Through the newly launched clinic, Bangladeshi citizens will be able to receive free second opinions based on their medical records, diagnostic reports and existing treatment plans.

The service will also facilitate Multidisciplinary Tumor Board evaluations, allowing complex cases to be reviewed collectively by specialists in surgical, medical and radiation oncology.

In addition, the Center will provide support for patients planning treatment in India, including medical travel planning, estimated treatment costs, duration-of-stay guidance and visa assistance.

Dr. Vipin Goel Highlights Importance of Early Guidance

Dr. Vipin Goel, Senior Consultant and Head of Surgical Oncology, Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery at STAR Hospitals, said patients and families often face significant uncertainty following a cancer diagnosis.

“A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families, often leading to crucial decisions being made under immense pressure,” he said.

He urged Bangladeshi patients to make use of the free second-opinion service before beginning treatment, saying the initiative aims to provide patients with expert insights and greater clarity about their treatment options.

Dr. Goel has more than 14 years of experience in surgical oncology, robotic surgery and complex procedures, including HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy).

Advanced Cancer Care

India has emerged as a major regional destination for complex medical treatment, with Bangladeshi patients frequently seeking specialized care at leading Indian hospitals.

STAR Cancer Center offers organ-specific oncology services covering breast and gynecologic cancers; lung, head and neck cancers; gastrointestinal and liver cancers; brain, spine and urologic cancers; and bone, soft tissue and blood cancers.

The Center's advanced technologies and treatment options include TrueBeam Linear Accelerator, Digital PET-CT, 128-slice CT, 3 Tesla MRI, robotic cancer surgery, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, CAR T-cell therapy and genetic cancer services.

STAR Hospitals operates facilities in Banjara Hills and Nanakramguda in Hyderabad and provides healthcare services to international patients from more than 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, SAARC nations and Central Asia.

The Free Second Opinion & Guidance Clinic is positioned as an initiative to help Bangladeshi cancer patients obtain specialist medical advice and a clearer treatment roadmap before making decisions about treatment at home or abroad.