Top 10 Best Oncologists – Cancer Specialist Doctors In South India

Cancer is among the deadliest noncommunicable diseases. Approximately 30-50% of cancers have been categorised by the World Health Organization as lifestyle diseases. According to several of the world’s best oncologists, we have become much more prone to this deadly disease than before. This is probably due to our changing lifestyles, food habits, polluted environment, and other such reasons. Cancer now accounts for nearly one-sixth of the deaths worldwide, and India is not far behind. The number of cancer patients in India has doubled over the past 26 years. All these are scary stats, right?

It’s natural to despair after seeing such bleak numbers. However, there is a silver lining. Survival rates have improved for many types of cancers. This is due to early detection procedures like cancer screenings and advancements in prevention and treatment. Many cancer specialist doctors in India, especially in South India, offer excellent treatment and care. 

Cancer Specialist Doctors Are Lifesavers

If you are at risk of cancer or are diagnosed with the disease, choosing the best oncologist is a critical and challenging task. It is a lethal disease that can be fatal if not treated effectively and adequately. It would be best to look for a specialist with the expertise to personalize treatment for patients based on specific conditions, work closely with the family, and be current and up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs in care and treatment. 

Here is the list compiled by the Top 10s Only team of the Top 10 Best Oncologists – Cancer Specialist Doctors In South India.

Top 10 Best Oncologists – Cancer Specialist Doctors In South India

1. Dr K. Chitrathara – MBBS, MD, MCh, FAIS, FACS

Kochi, Kerala

Dr K. Chitrathara is among the leading specialists in cancer treatment. She has immense experience in the field of gynecologic oncology. 

Dr K. Chitrathara is the first lady urologist in Kerala. She is credited with starting the 1st Gynaecological Cancer Surgery division at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Dr K. Chitrathara has the distinction of starting a unique Fellowship Program at Lakeshore Hospital, Kerala, recognized by the Association of Gynecological Oncology Society of India. Apart from actively performing surgeries, she is academically inclined, an author and co-author of many books, and interested in all areas of gynaecological cancer and breast cancer. 

Speciality

A pioneer in Genito-urinary surgery and endoscopy, Dr K. Chitrathara’s speciality lies in performing surgical procedures for a total hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, omentectomy, staging surgery, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, lymph node removal, and other such complex surgeries. 

Awards and Recognitions

• Dr Duru Shah Distinguished Community Service Award from the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) – 2014
• Sri Ramakrishna Sevasramam award for community service December – 2015

Hospital

Dr K. Chitrathara is presently the HOD & Senior Consultant, Surgical & Gynec Oncology department at VPS Lakeshore, Kochi, Kerala.

2. Dr Jojo V. Joseph – MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology), Fellowship in Surgical Oncology, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS)

Kottayam and Kochi, Kerala

One of the foremost cancer specialist doctor names in South India is that of Dr Jojo V. Joseph. He is among the senior-most MCh-qualified specialists in Kerala. He has acquired a Fellowship in surgical oncology from GCRI, Ahmedabad. He holds yet another Fellowship in minimal-access surgery. He has experience conducting more than 16,000 major and minor surgeries in India and abroad. 

Speciality

Dr Jojo V Joseph is one of the most experienced cancer specialists in Kerala and has over 20 years of experience in cancer surgeries. He is among the best breast cancer specialists in Kerala. Dr Jojo specialises in colorectal cancer, gynaecological oncology, pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal oncology, oesophageal cancer, and head and neck oncology. 

Awards and Recognitions 

• Golden Aim Award, For Excellence and Leadership in Healthcare (Top 10 most trusted oncology surgeons) – 2021
• Excellence in cancer surgery award from Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan, during the 135th Deepika daily foundation anniversary – 2022.

Hospital

Dr Jojo V Joseph is the Senior Consultant Surgical Oncologist at Caritas Cancer Institute, Kottayam. He is also working as a Senior Consultant Oncology Surgeon at Indira Gandhi Co-Operative Hospital, Kochi.

3. Dr Somashekhar S. P. – MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology), FRCS

Bangalore, Karnataka

Dr Somashekhar S. P. is one of the most well-known super speciality consultants in Robotic surgery, surgical oncology, PIPAC, and HIPEC. He also has many academic achievements, which include a fellowship in Robotic Surgery from Roswell Cancer Centre, USA. His major professional accomplishment is that he helped introduce the SLNB sentinel Node Biopsy in India in 2001. Dr Somashekhar S. P. is also considered to be the best breast cancer doctor in India.

Speciality

Dr Somashekhar S. P., with over 26 years of experience, is one of the most accomplished Surgical speciality consultants in not only South India but also the entire country. He is a cancer specialist in Bangalore, Karnataka, and has the distinction of being the first oncologist to have performed the maximum number of Robotic Complex Onco-surgeries in India. Apart from robotic surgery, Dr Somashekhar S. P. also specializes in surgical oncology, gynaecological oncology, sentinel node, HIPEC, PIPAC, and Radio guided surgery. 

Awards and Recognitions

• Times Health Care Achievers Award (oncology), awarded by TOI – 2019
• Dr D.D. Patel Gold Medal in Oncosurgery
• Gujarat University Gold Medal in MCh, Oncology
• Millennium Gold Medal Award – 2006
• A Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
• Prestigious ASI PK Sinha Oration Award Recipient

Hospital

Dr Somashekhar S. P. was the Chairman of Surgical Oncology, Manipal Health Enterprise Pvt Ltd (MHEPL). At present, he is Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board at Aster CMI Bangalore, Aster Whitefield Bangalore.

4. Dr Sandeep Nayak – MBBS, DNB (General Surgery), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (UK), MNAMS (General Surgery), Fellowship in Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgical Oncology

Bangalore, Karnataka

Dr Sandeep Nayak is one of the most experienced and leading cancer specialist doctors in South India. He is known for his excellent surgical skills as well as his impressive success rate in cancer cures. He has several degrees to his name, acquired during the span of his distinguished career. Dr Sandeep is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, UK, and has a fellowship in Robotic and Laparoscopic Onco-Surgery. He has gained all his work experience by working in leading medical institutions worldwide.

Speciality

Dr Sandeep Nayak is a leading surgical oncologist in South India and is an expert in conventional open as well as advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgery. He is the leader in RABIT, a treatment that is one of the best methods of performing thyroid surgery in the world. The main reason he is on the list of the best cancer doctor in South India is that he prefers to use minimal-access surgery for less pain, quick recovery, and a shorter stay at the hospital.

Awards and Recognitions

• Featured as the ‘Leader in Healthcare’ by Forbes India – 2020

• Vocational Excellence Award – 2019

• Rising Star in Oncology – 2019

• Best Video Award For Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection Video – 2016

Hospital

Dr Sandeep Nayak is currently the Director of Surgical Oncology (Robotic & Laparoscopic Oncology) at Fortis Cancer Institute, Bangalore. He is also the Chief of Surgical Oncology at MACS Clinic, Jayanagar, Bangalore. He is a renowned Professor & HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) in Bangalore.

5. Dr Raja Sundaram – MBBS, MS. (General Surgery), DNB, MCh (Surgical Oncology), FAIS, FAMS

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Prof. Dr Raja Sundaram is a leading Surgical Oncologist in Chennai, India. He has more than 25 years of experience in the field of surgical oncology and has successfully operated on more than 18,000 surgeries. Dr Raja Sundaram is an esteemed member of many health organizations like ISO, ASI, IMA, and more. Dr Raja Sundaram is known for providing immediate care to cancer patients with proper counselling.

Speciality

Dr Raja Sundaram is a popular cancer specialist in Tamil Nadu for complex thyroid surgeries. He is also an expert in breast cancer surgery and Gynecologic oncology surgical procedures. Dr Raja Sundaram is adept at Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for advanced intra-abdominal malignancies. He is a pioneer and TN cancer specialist in performing complex neck and head surgeries with the best success rate in the city of Chennai. 

Awards and Recognitions 

• Awarded Medical Excellence Award at 3rd Annual World Tamil Chamber of Commerce – 2019
• Awarded the Gold medal in Mch (Surgical Oncology) from the Cancer Institute (W.I.A), Chennai
• Gold Medal in MS (General Surgery) Exams from MGR Medical University
• Helped start the MCh surgical Oncology at SVIMS University, Tirupati

Hospital

Dr Raja Sundaram is the Director and Head of the Surgical Oncology Department at Gleneagles Global Institute of Oncology in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He is also the Director of Sundaram Cancer Centre, one of the best cancer specialist hospitals in Chennai.

6. Dr Arvind Krishnamurthy – MBBS, MS (General Surgery) MCh (Surgical Oncology), DNB (Surgical Oncology), FICS, FAIS

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Dr Arvind Krishnamurthy is a leading surgical oncologist in South India who aims to change the cancer prevalence rates in India. He is actively involved in comprehensive cancer care, which starts from prevention to management to rehabilitation and application. He is a super speciality oncologist who completed his training at the Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai.

Speciality

Dr Arvind Krishnamurthy is a professor at the Surgical Oncology at Cancer Institute Adyar. He specializes in surgical oncology and is a proponent of comprehensive cancer care. What differentiates him from the rest is that he is a doctor that works with cancer patients as a human service and has a record of offering non-commercial services to the needy and the poor with no compromise on excellence.

Awards & Recognitions

• Sushruta Award for excellence in Medicine – 2019
• Best Doctors Award from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University – 2012
• Dr KS Sanjivini Award – 2011
• IyanVallur Award – 2010

Hospital

Dr Arvind Krishnamurthy is the Co-founder & Director Of Medical Affairs at Sankalp Beautiful World, Kolathur, Chennai. He is also the Consultant Surgical Oncologist and an Associate Professor at Tamil Nadu’s best cancer hospital, The Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai.

7. Dr Vijay Anand Reddy – MBBS, MD (Radiotherapy) DNB (Radiation Oncology), FUICC (UK), FUICC (Australia), FNDM (USA), Medical Oncology (European Society Of Medical Oncology)

Hyderabad, Telangana

Dr Vijay Anand Reddy is a leading oncologist for cancer treatment in Andhra Pradesh and has been the President of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India. He graduated from the Osmania Medical College in 1982 and has a DNB from the Radiation Oncology National Board of Examinations, Delhi. Among his best work is the CURE foundation for the poor to get the best cancer care in the city. 

Speciality

Dr Vijay Anand Reddy is an acclaimed oncologist in South India and has a specialization in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy. He has excellent and extensive experience that is gained by working across many continents. Dr Vijay Anand Reddy is considered a global master of cancer treatment in many types of cancers, such as Colo-Rectal Cancer, Brain Tumor, Gynaecological Cancers, etc.

Awards & Recognitions

• Excellence Award from Lions Club International – 2019
• Declared “Legend in the Field of Oncology” at the Times Healthcare Achievers Awards function – 2017
• Member of Prestigious Committees like the American Society of Clinical Oncology
• International Fellowships from Meyerstein Institute of Clinical Oncology, London
• Head and Neck Oncology Fellowship at Peter McCallum Cancer Institute

Hospital

Dr Vijay Anand Reddy is the Director & Senior Consultant at the Apollo Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad.

8. Dr Sachin Marda – MBBS, MS(General), DNB(Surgery), MCh (Surgical Oncology), DNB(Surgical Oncology)

Hyderabad, Telangana

With more than 15 years of experience in the field of cancer care, Dr Sachin Marda is a well-known surgical oncologist in South India. He has a DNB in General Surgery from BYL Nair hospital, Mumbai, and an MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK. He is an esteemed member of the Association of Robotic Surgeons of India and various other surgeons’ associations. Dr Sachin Marda has many publications and research under his belt. 

Speciality

Dr Sachin Marda believes in comprehensive, complete, and compassionate care. He specializes in bone and soft tissue cancer, Parotid Surgery, gynaecological cancers, and laparoscopic procedures. He also is hugely experienced in small intestine cancer treatment, breast conservation surgery, and bone marrow cancer.

Awards and Recognitions

• Excellence in Oncology Award from Vijayadevi Foundation – 2021
• The Divya Marathi Excellence in Healthcare Award – 2019

• The Mother Teresa Award from Global Achievers Foundation – 2016

• The Mahesh Ratna Award from Maheshwari Mandal – 2014

Hospital

Dr Sachin Marda is currently the Surgical Oncologist at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad, Telangana.

9. Dr Vangara Siva Nageswara Rao – MBBS, DMRT, MD (Radiation Oncology)

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Dr Vangara Siva Nageswara Rao is a popular Radiation Oncologist who practices in Vijaywada. He has over 30 years of experience in cancer care. Dr Vangara Siva Nageswara Rao is among the pioneers in endobronchial brachytherapy in India.

Speciality

Dr Vangara Siva Nageswara Rao is an expert in doing radiation therapy for the breast, GI tract, brain, bones, lungs, and head and neck. He is well-versed in 3DCRT, IGRT, IMRT, and other major radiotherapy methods. Dr Vangara Siva Nageswara Rao is experienced in intracavitary, intraluminal, and brachytherapy techniques. 

Awards and Recognitions

• He is the president of the AP wing of AROI
• He is a lifetime member of the AROI, Association of Radiation Oncologists of India, and IMA.
• He was the first oncologist to do PDR brachytherapy at Cuttack in 2001.

Hospital

Dr Vangara Siva Nageswara Rao is the Director of Medical Services & Senior Consultant (Radiation Oncology) at HCG Curie City Cancer Centre, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

10. Dr B. Ravi Shankar – MBBS, MD, DNB(RT), MRCP, ECMO (MED. ONCOLOGY), FESTRO (RADIATION ONCOLOGY), PDCT, OCTT

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Dr B. Ravi Shankar is an eminent oncologist with more than 20 years of experience in oncology. His immense knowledge in this domain is due to his vast work experience in many leading cancer hospitals across the world. He is one of the most renowned cancer specialists in Andhra and is a Post Graduate and DNB in Radiation oncology. 

Speciality

Dr B. Ravi Shankar specializes in stereotactic radiosurgery for tumours of the spine, liver, lungs, and GI malignancies. He is also an expert in the field of breast cancer, head and neck cancer, GI cancer, neurological cancer, and genitourinary cancer. 

Awards & Recognitions

• 1st Indian to get the Fellow of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO) – 2013
• European Certified Medical Oncologist (ESMO) – 2010 
• Gold Medal in MBBS

Hospital

Dr B. Ravi Shankar is the current Chief Radiation Oncologist at Omega Hospital in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Being diagnosed with Cancer is no longer a death sentence. Despite being the second largest fatal disease known to man, cancer can be cured, and the above doctors are testimony to this fact. With proper medical treatment, we can get rid of cancer and lead a long and healthy life. But for that, we need to be treated by the best oncology specialists.

For more medical-related posts, please read about the Top 10 Best Cardiologists In South India.