Kathmandu
Cancer Center
Kathmandu
Cancer Center
If you feel fine right now, this page is for you. Cancer screening is not for people who are unwell — it is specifically for people who have no symptoms. That is the point. By the time cancer causes symptoms, it is significantly harder to treat. Finding it early, when you feel healthy, changes everything.
Screenings available at KCC
Breast — Mammography & MRI
From age 40 · Women with family history earlier
Cervical — Pap Smear & HPV Test
From age 25–30 · Every 3–5 years
Prostate — PSA Blood Test
Men from age 45 · Annual
Colorectal — Colonoscopy & FOBT
From age 45 · Everyone
Lung — Low-Dose CT
Heavy smokers aged 50–80
Screening recommendations depend on your age and gender. Select your profile below to see exactly which tests are recommended for you — and how often.
Pap smear + HPV co-test. Cervical cancer is the leading cancer killer of Nepali women — almost all cases are preventable.
Every 3–5 yearsClinical breast exam from age 35. If you have a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer — start mammogram from age 30.
Annual clinical exam · Mammogram from 40CA-125 (ovarian), CEA (colorectal), and other blood markers as part of the Women's Health Package.
Annually if risk factorsLow-dose CT for women with a history of heavy smoking aged 50–80 who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
Annual · If you smokeDigital mammography is the most important test for women in this age group. Breast cancer risk peaks between 50 and 65.
Every yearContinue Pap smear + HPV testing until age 65. If three consecutive normal results, your doctor may advise less frequent testing.
Every 5 yearsColonoscopy baseline, or annual FOBT stool test. Colorectal cancer is preventable — polyps removed before they become cancer.
Colonoscopy every 10 yearsComprehensive blood markers, pelvic ultrasound, chest X-ray, and full metabolic panel. The complete Women's Health Package.
AnnualAnnual mammography should continue as long as you are in good health. The decision to stop is made with your doctor based on overall health, not age alone.
Discuss timing with doctorColonoscopy or FOBT — colorectal cancer risk rises with age. Discuss frequency with your oncologist based on your previous results.
Every 5–10 yearsAt 65+, screening decisions are increasingly personalised. A KCC consultation can map out exactly what is recommended for your health history and risk profile.
Book consultationPSA blood test plus Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). Prostate cancer is slow-growing when found early — but aggressive when found late.
Annual from age 45Baseline colonoscopy from age 45. If clear, repeat every 10 years. Annual FOBT stool test as alternative or supplement.
Colonoscopy every 10 yearsLow-dose CT scan for men aged 50–80 who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. Lung cancer found at Stage I is 80%+ survivable.
Annual · Smokers onlyComprehensive blood work, AFP (liver), PSA, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, complete metabolic panel. Annual health benchmark.
AnnualProstate cancer risk accelerates after 60. Annual PSA is essential. Discuss with your doctor whether biopsy guidance has changed since your last test.
AnnualContinued colonoscopy schedule, plus upper GI endoscopy for men with reflux, Barrett's esophagus risk, or family history of stomach cancer.
Every 5 yearsAnnual low-dose CT lung screening if you are 50–80, currently smoke, or quit within the last 15 years. This test takes 10 minutes and has no recovery time.
Annual · SmokersComprehensive assessment including liver function, kidney function, blood markers, and imaging appropriate to your health history. Book a consultation to discuss.
AnnualMost people avoid screening because they don't know what to expect. Here is exactly what happens — step by step — for each test available at KCC.
Women from age 40 · High-risk women from age 30
Digital mammography takes an X-ray image of breast tissue that can detect tumours too small to feel — often 2–3 years before a lump would be noticed. At KCC, breast MRI is also available for high-risk patients.
Women aged 25–65 · Every 3–5 years
Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. A Pap smear takes 3 minutes and can find abnormal cells before they become cancer. HPV testing identifies the virus that causes 99% of cervical cancers.
Do not schedule a Pap smear during your period. Avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal medicine 48 hours before.
Learn about cervical cancer at KCC →Men from age 45 · Annual
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men over 50 in Nepal. When found early, it is highly treatable. Most men who die from prostate cancer were never screened. The PSA blood test is simple, fast, and specific.
Avoid ejaculation, bicycle riding, or prostate massage 48 hours before a PSA test — these can temporarily elevate PSA.
Everyone from age 45 · Every 10 years (colonoscopy)
Colorectal cancer is unique: it is not just detectable early — it is preventable. Polyps (abnormal growths) are found and removed before they become cancer. This is the only cancer where screening literally prevents the disease.
Smokers aged 50–80 · Annual low-dose CT
Lung cancer has the highest cancer mortality in Nepal. Found at Stage I, it is 75–80% survivable. Found at Stage IV (when most patients currently present), survival is under 10%. Low-dose CT is for high-risk individuals only.
You qualify if you are aged 50–80 and currently smoke, or quit within the past 15 years, and have a 20 pack-year history (1 pack/day × 20 years, or equivalent).
High-risk individuals · Reflux, family history, stomach symptoms
Upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy) examines the oesophagus and stomach for Barrett's esophagus, early stomach cancer, and other pre-cancerous conditions. Particularly important for individuals with chronic reflux or family history of stomach cancer.
Not sure which tests apply to you? Take the 2-minute screening quiz → or WhatsApp us to ask.
तपाईंलाई राम्रो लाग्दैछ भने यो पृष्ठ तपाईंकै लागि हो। क्यान्सर परीक्षण बिरामी मानिसहरूको लागि होइन — यो ती मानिसहरूको लागि हो जसलाई कुनै लक्षण छैन। यही नै परीक्षणको उद्देश्य हो। लक्षण देखिनुभन्दा पहिले क्यान्सर भेटियो भने उपचार सरल हुन्छ, सफल हुन्छ।
नेपालमा ७ प्रतिशत मात्र महिलाले स्तन क्यान्सर परीक्षण गरेका छन् र ३ प्रतिशत भन्दा कमले पाठेघरको क्यान्सर परीक्षण गरेका छन् — यो जानकारीको अभावका कारण हो, डरका कारण होइन। काठमाडौं क्यान्सर सेन्टर (KCC) मा कुनै पनि रेफरल बिना परीक्षण गर्न सकिन्छ।
Each package is designed around age- and gender-appropriate screening. Individual tests are also available without a package — ask at registration.
Core screening for any adult with no specific risk factors. Annual health baseline.
Complete cancer and general health screening for women. Includes gynaecological and breast tests.
Prostate, bowel, lung, and metabolic cancer screening for men. Most men in Nepal have never had a PSA test.
Individual tests (Pap smear only, mammogram only, PSA only) are also available without a full package. NHIF card holders: bring your card to registration to confirm coverage. Not sure what you need? Take the 2-minute quiz →
The fear of a positive result is the most common reason people avoid screening. Here is exactly what happens at KCC — so there are no surprises.
Abnormal results are communicated by phone within 24 hours of receiving the laboratory report. Your doctor — not a receptionist — explains what was found and what it means in Nepali.
Most abnormal Pap smears, elevated PSAs, and unusual mammogram findings do not indicate cancer. They indicate cells that need monitoring or a follow-up test. Your doctor explains the specific finding and the probability at this stage.
A follow-up biopsy, scan, or specialist consultation is arranged by KCC — typically within 5 working days of the abnormal screening result. You do not need to arrange this yourself.
Your case is placed on KCC's multidisciplinary tumour board within 3 days. Three or more specialists review your case together and prepare a written treatment plan. Treatment can begin at KCC — no referral to another hospital required.
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy are all available at KCC. A cancer found during KCC screening does not require you to travel to India for treatment.
Of the patients who come to KCC with advanced cancer, the majority say the same thing: "I wish I had come earlier." Finding an abnormality during screening is not a catastrophe — it is the system working as it should. Finding cancer at Stage I gives you surgical options, shorter treatment, and significantly better survival than finding it at Stage III. The result you are afraid of receiving during screening is almost always better than the result you receive when symptoms finally appear.
Your employees are your organisation's greatest asset. Annual cancer screening at KCC takes less than half a day — and has found early-stage cancers in multiple corporate health camps.
KCC partners with banks, NGOs, INGOs, government offices, hospitals, and universities to run annual employee health screening programmes at the KCC campus or as on-site health camps.
day — full screening
programme per employee
reports in Nepali
for all participants
billing available
for empanelled employers
group sizes — from
5 to 500 employees
No. Comprehensive cancer screening — mammography, Pap smear, HPV testing, PSA blood test, colonoscopy, and low-dose CT lung screening — is available at Kathmandu Cancer Center in Nepal. No travel to India is required for any standard screening test. KCC's screening equipment is current-generation, the same as used at major Indian oncology centres.
Patients who travel to India for cancer screening pay significantly more (flights, accommodation, time away from family) for tests that are available at equivalent quality in Kathmandu. See the Nepal vs India comparison →
The Nepal government and KCC recommend beginning cervical cancer screening (Pap smear or HPV test) from age 25–30. The government's national programme targets women aged 30–60. KCC recommends starting at 25 because cervical abnormalities can develop in women in their late 20s, particularly those with HPV exposure.
Frequency: Every 3 years if Pap smear only. Every 5 years if Pap smear + HPV co-test (both normal). Women with abnormal results or risk factors may need annual screening.
Stop at: Age 65, provided three or more consecutive normal results in the prior 10 years. Discuss with your doctor before stopping.
No. A Pap smear causes mild discomfort or pressure for approximately 30 seconds during cell collection. Most women describe it as less uncomfortable than they expected. It is not painful — the sensation is similar to a routine gynaecological examination.
At KCC: all cervical screenings are conducted by female clinical staff in a private room. You will be given a full explanation before the procedure begins, and you can ask to stop at any time.
For average-risk women: Annual mammogram from age 40–45. Continue annually through your 50s and 60s as long as you are in good health.
For high-risk women (mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer): Start mammogram 10 years before the age at which your relative was diagnosed — or at age 30, whichever is earlier. Breast MRI may also be recommended alongside mammogram for high-risk individuals.
A mammogram at KCC takes approximately 20 minutes. Full mammography guide at KCC →
No referral is required. You can self-refer for any cancer screening at KCC. Call 01-5091629, WhatsApp 9818-226237, or walk in during OPD hours (Sunday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
Bring your NHIF card if you have one — the KCC administrative team will check coverage at registration. If you are coming from outside Kathmandu valley, WhatsApp ahead to confirm appointment availability.
KCC offers three screening packages (Basic, Women's Health, Gentleman's) at different price points. Individual tests (Pap smear only, mammogram only, PSA only) are available without a full package. WhatsApp 9818-226237 for current package pricing before your visit.
Compared to having the same screening done in India, KCC costs are significantly lower when you factor in no flights, no accommodation, no time away from work, and no language barrier. Individual blood tests (CBC, tumour markers) are also available at KCC's laboratory at standard rates.
NHIF covers specific screening tests within the national programme's defined package — bring your NHIF card to registration for confirmation.
Pap smear: Examines cervical cells directly under a microscope to look for abnormal changes. It can detect existing abnormalities but does not predict future risk.
HPV test: Tests for the presence of high-risk HPV strains (types 16 and 18 are responsible for most cervical cancers). A negative HPV test means very low cervical cancer risk for the next 5 years, even if cells look slightly abnormal.
Co-testing (both together): Provides the most comprehensive cervical cancer risk picture. Both tests are done from the same cell sample — one appointment, one procedure.
KCC offers both. The Women's Health Package includes Pap smear and HPV test on request.
If you have symptoms — a lump, unexplained bleeding, significant pain, or an unexplained change in your body — do not book a screening appointment. Book a direct oncology consultation.
Screening is for people with no symptoms. If you have a symptom, you need a clinical assessment, not a screening test. WhatsApp your concern to 9818-226237 and the team will route you to the correct appointment type.
Yes. All KCC doctors, nurses, and clinical staff conduct consultations and explain results in Nepali. Patient information materials, screening result letters, and consent forms are available in Nepali. There is no language barrier for Nepali patients at KCC.
Family members are often the most important influence on whether a woman gets screened. Here is what research and our clinical team suggest:
Book your screening today. No referral needed. No waiting list. Come as you are — we will do the rest. Results explained in Nepali.
KCC Tathali Campus · Nala Road, Bhaktapur · Sunday–Friday 9am–5pm
No referral needed · NHIF accepted · Female staff for all gynaecological tests