HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) is a non-invasive procedure used as an alternative to surgery or radiation in patients with prostate cancer.  Using a highly focused ultrasound beam, physicians are able to target the cancerous cells with extreme precision, minimizing the damage to surrounding cells and reducing the chance of negative side-effects.  The recovery time for a patient undergoing HIFU treatment is minimal, requiring no post-treatment hospital time and usually only a few days before patients can return to their regular routines.  The procedure itself takes only 2-2 ½ hours to complete.

HIFU Treatment and Medical Tourism

There are several reason to consider traveling for HIFU, including:

HIFU is Not Yet Available in the US

Despite having an incredible success rate (86% of patients receiving this treatment had no cancer in their biopsies 9 years later) HIFU is not yet available in the US.  Although it has been approved in Canada, throughout Europe, and Asia, HIFU is still in trials in the United States, and Americans must therefore seek this treatment elsewhere.

Significantly Lower Cost for HIFU Treatment

Although very effective, HIFU can also be very expensive.  In Canada, the average cost of this procedure is around $25,000.  High-quality partner facilities in Taiwan, England, and Cancun offer the same treatment, and savings can be 50% or more.  Taking this route means that patients already dealing with the emotional stress of prostate cancer are not forced to deal with undue financial stress as well.

Fully Certified and High Quality Physicians

Many people associate reduction in cost with a reduction in quality, but this is not the case when traveling abroad for HIFU treatment.  All our hospitals are highly accredited by bodies like the Joint Commission International (JCI); oncologists are board-certified and often trained in the US, Canada, or Europe.

Personalized Healthcare

Personalized care has largely devolved in the US and Canada, but it is still very much alive in many countries around the world where the  patient-doctor relationship can be dramatically different.  It is not unusually for a patient to have a doctor’s personal cell phone number.   Having a doctor a mere phone call away is a convenience rarely experienced in North America.

Amenities Provide Relaxing Environment

Hospital recovery time is not required for HIFU, but patients may want to spend some time relaxing before returning home.  Recovery centers in hospitals provide a tranquil environment for patients, some even containing their own movie theaters, art galleries, and restaurants.  Facilities’ beautiful grounds and amenities can transform a hospital stay from stressful to serene.

HIFU Treatment Available In:

• Taiwan
• England
• Cancun