Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer changes everything in an instant. The uncertainty, fear and unanswered questions can feel overwhelming, and that is completely normal. If you or someone close to you is going through this, we want you to know that you are not alone on this journey.
This guide was created with a single aim: to provide clear and honest information so that you can evaluate all your treatment options, including those available outside the United States or your own country. We do not intend to replace your oncologist or make decisions for you. Your trusted medical team should always be your first source of guidance.
What we do know is that the financial reality of cancer treatment in the United States can be devastating. A mastectomy can cost over $45,000, and a full course of chemotherapy can run into six figures, even with health insurance. Added to this are waiting lists, which at some cancer centres can delay the start of treatment by weeks or months. For many patients, time and money are factors that cannot be ignored.
In countries such as Colombia, medical centres with international accreditation and oncologists trained at the world’s leading institutions offer the same treatment protocols at a fraction of the cost. It is not a question of choosing between quality and price, but of being aware of alternatives that perhaps no one has mentioned to you.
In the following sections, you will find detailed information on the types of breast cancer treated in Latin America, the available treatment options, a real-world cost comparison, and the complete process for assessing whether this alternative is suitable for your case.
This guide is for information purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your oncologist before making any decisions about your treatment.
What types of breast cancer are treated in Latin America?
Leading cancer centres in Colombia are equipped to diagnose and treat the main types of breast cancer. Below, we explain each one in simple terms so that you can understand your situation.
Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type and accounts for approximately 70–80% of diagnoses. It originates in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding breast tissue. Invasive lobular carcinoma is the second most common; it begins in the milk-producing glands and can be more difficult to detect in conventional imaging studies.
HER2-positive breast cancer is characterised by an overproduction of the HER2 protein, which causes the cancer cells to grow faster. The good news is that there are highly effective targeted therapies for this subtype. Triple-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormones or the HER2 protein, which limits treatment options to surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, specialist centres in Latin America follow up-to-date protocols for this subtype. Finally, DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is a non-invasive, early-stage form of the disease, where the abnormal cells remain within the duct and have not spread. It is highly treatable.
Am I a candidate to travel?
When is it NOT advisable to travel?
It is essential to be honest: not all patients are candidates to receive cancer treatment abroad. Your safety is always the priority. We recommend that you do NOT consider traveling if you are in any of these situations:
Advanced metastatic cancer (stage IV with active metastases). When the cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or bones, treatment requires continuous monitoring and permanent proximity to your oncology team. Traveling may interrupt critical protocols.
In the middle of an active chemotherapy cycle. If you have already started chemotherapy, interrupting or modifying the session schedule may compromise the effectiveness of the treatment. Coordination between countries is possible, but it must be evaluated case by case with both oncologists.
Oncological emergencies. Situations such as spinal cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome, or tumor-related bleeding require immediate care in your country of residence.
Severe uncontrolled comorbidities. If you have conditions such as heart failure, decompensated diabetes, advanced lung disease, or other conditions that are not stabilized, travel and surgery represent additional risks that must first be controlled.
At KURBUO, if during the teleconsultation the specialist determines that your case is not suitable for treatment abroad, you will be informed with total transparency. We prefer to lose a consultation than to put your health at risk.
Treatment options available in Latin America
Reference oncology centers in Colombia offer the full spectrum of treatments for breast cancer, following the same international protocols used in the United States and Europe. Below, we explain each modality so that you understand the available alternatives.
Surgery
Surgery remains the fundamental pillar of treatment in most cases. Options include:
Partial mastectomy (also called lumpectomy or breast-conserving surgery) removes only the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it, preserving most of the breast. It is the preferred option when the tumor size and location allow it.
Total mastectomy involves the complete removal of the breast. It is recommended when the tumor is large relative to the breast size, when there are multiple tumor foci, or when the patient prefers it to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure that identifies and removes the first lymph node to which the cancer may have spread. It makes it possible to determine whether there is spread without the need to remove all the axillary lymph nodes.
Axillary dissection consists of the removal of multiple lymph nodes from the armpit. It is performed when the sentinel lymph node biopsy confirms the presence of cancer cells or when there is clinical evidence of lymph node involvement.
Verified oncology surgeons at KURBUO perform these procedures with minimally invasive techniques when the case allows it, which can mean a faster recovery.
Chemotherapy
Oncology centers in Latin America manage standard international protocols, including regimens such as AC-T (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide followed by taxanes) and TC (docetaxel with cyclophosphamide), among others. The medications used are the same active ingredients approved by the FDA and the EMA [VERIFY WITH REVIEWING PHYSICIAN].
An important aspect is coordination between medical teams. If you need to start chemotherapy in Latin America and complete the remaining cycles in your country of residence, KURBUO facilitates communication between your oncologist abroad and your medical team at home, including the sending of detailed protocols, history of administered doses, and treatment response.
Radiotherapy
Colombia and Mexico have centers that have 3D conformal radiotherapy and IMRT (intensity-modulated radiotherapy) technology, which make it possible to direct radiation with high precision to the tumor area, minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy tissue, including the heart and lungs.
Radiotherapy generally requires daily sessions over several weeks, which must be considered when planning the length of your stay. Your KURBUO specialist will give you a realistic schedule during the teleconsultation.
Hormone therapy
For breast cancers with hormone receptor positivity (approximately 70% of cases), hormone therapy is an essential component of treatment. Medications such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane) are widely available in Latin America at significantly lower costs than in the United States.
Since hormone therapy often extends for 5 to 10 years, most of the follow-up will be carried out with your oncologist at home. KURBUO coordinates the complete transfer of your treatment plan to ensure continuity without interruptions.
Targeted therapies
For patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, trastuzumab (commercially known as Herceptin) is the standard treatment. In Latin America, in addition to the original drug, there are approved biosimilars that offer the same efficacy at a considerably lower cost — confirm specific biosimilars available in partner centers].
Other targeted therapies such as pertuzumab and T-DM1 are also available in reference oncology centers in Colombia and Mexico.
Through KURBUO, you can consult directly with the oncologist about the availability of the specific medication your case requires.
Breast reconstruction
One of the most significant advantages of receiving treatment in Latin America is the possibility of combining mastectomy with breast reconstruction at a cost that in the United States would be prohibitive for many patients.
Immediate reconstruction is performed in the same mastectomy surgery, which reduces the total number of procedures and the emotional impact. Delayed reconstruction is scheduled for a later date, which may be necessary if post-mastectomy radiotherapy is required.
Techniques include implant reconstruction (silicone or saline) and autologous flap reconstruction, such as DIEP (which uses tissue from the abdomen without sacrificing muscle) or TRAM (which does include a portion of muscle). The DIEP technique is preferred by many surgeons for its more natural results and lower morbidity in the donor area.
In Latin America, a breast reconstruction that in the United States can exceed $30,000 dollars can be performed for a fraction of that cost, without sacrificing quality or safety. The specialists at KURBUO will guide you on the option most suitable for your anatomy and your complete oncology plan.
Cost comparison: United States vs. Colombia vs. Mexico
The cost of cancer treatment is a reality that no patient can ignore. In the United States, even with health insurance, copays, deductibles, and out-of-network expenses can represent a devastating financial burden. According to recent data, the average out-of-pocket cost for a breast cancer patient in the USA can exceed $10,000 dollars annually in expenses not covered by insurance [VERIFY WITH REVIEWING PHYSICIAN — update with most recent data].
For patients without insurance or with limited coverage, the total figures are even more impactful. Below, we present a direct comparison of the price ranges by procedure.
Cost comparison table by procedure
Procedure
United States (USD)
Colombia (USD)
Mexico (USD)
Estimated savings
What do these prices include?
The ranges for Colombia and Mexico generally include: surgeon and surgical team fees, operating room use and hospitalization, anesthesia, basic pre-operative studies (blood tests, imaging, cardiopulmonary evaluation), and the first post-operative checkups during your stay in the country.
The prices do not include: international flights, accommodation outside the hospitalization period, post-treatment medications for home use, and long-term oncology follow-up with your medical team in the United States.
Additional travel expenses: the full bill
So that you can make a realistic calculation, these are the additional expenses you should consider:
The round-trip flight from major cities in the United States to Bogotá, Medellín, or the Dominican Republic ranges from $300 to $600 dollars depending on the season and how far in advance you purchase. Accommodation during your recovery varies between $50 and $150 dollars per night, depending on the hotel level and the city, for a stay of 7 to 21 nights depending on the procedure. KURBUO offers assistance with travel logistics, local transportation, and accommodation coordination near the medical centers.
The net savings remain significant
Let us take a concrete example. A patient in the United States who needs a total mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction could face combined costs of $30,000 to $75,000 dollars. The same treatment in Colombia, including flights, a hotel for two weeks, and travel assistance, could total between $10,000 and $23,000 dollars. That represents net savings of between $20,000 and $52,000 dollars, even after covering all travel expenses.
It is not about looking for the cheapest option, but about accessing the same quality of care without the cost destroying your financial stability at an already difficult time.
The prices shown are estimated ranges and may vary depending on the case, the stage of cancer, and the medical center. Schedule your free teleconsultation with KURBUO to get a personalized estimate based on your specific case.
Is it safe to receive cancer treatment in Latin America?
This is probably the most important question you are asking yourself, and it deserves an honest answer. We are not going to tell you that everything is perfect or that there are no risks. What we can do is give you the information you need to evaluate it clearly.
Accreditations and hospital standards
The Joint Commission International (JCI) is the most recognized hospital accreditation body worldwide. It is the same standard that certifies the leading hospitals in the United States. In Latin America, multiple medical centers have obtained this accreditation, which means they comply with the same patient safety, infection control, medication management, and care quality protocols required in the USA.
Colombia currently has more than 10 hospitals accredited by JCI, more than any other country in Latin America. Mexico has a similar number. These are not small hospitals or improvised clinics: they are institutions with oncology units, intensive care, pathology laboratories, and complete multidisciplinary teams. In addition to JCI, there are rigorous national accreditations such as those of the Ministry of Health of Colombia and the General Health Council of Mexico, which periodically audit the facilities and clinical processes.
Training and credentials of oncologists
A fact that surprises many patients: numerous oncologists practicing in Colombia and Mexico completed their specialized training or fellowship in institutions in the United States and Europe, including centers such as MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Johns Hopkins, and university hospitals in Spain, France, and Germany [VERIFY WITH REVIEWING PHYSICIAN — confirm training centers of partner oncologists].
These specialists are certified by the national oncology boards of their respective countries and many maintain active memberships in international societies such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).
At KURBUO, each oncologist goes through a verification process that includes: confirmation of medical degree and specialty, validation of current certification before the national board, verification of years of experience and procedure volume, and review of professional history. Only specialists who pass this process appear on the platform.
What happens if there are complications?
Let us be direct: complications can occur in any surgery, in any hospital in the world, including the most prestigious ones in the United States. The difference is not whether they can occur, but how they are handled when they happen.
KURBUO partner oncology centers have intensive care units, blood banks, surgical teams available 24 hours a day, and established protocols for managing post-operative complications. During your stay, you remain under direct medical supervision, with immediate access to the team that performed your procedure.
We strongly recommend that every traveling patient purchase travel medical insurance with coverage for surgical complications. KURBUO can guide you on the available options that specifically cover oncological procedures abroad.
If at any point during the evaluation the oncologist determines that your case presents high risks that make treatment outside your country inadvisable, you will be informed. Safety is never negotiable.
Coordination with your oncologist at home
Your oncologist in the United States is and will continue to be a key part of your treatment. KURBUO’s goal is not to replace your local medical team, but to complement it.
At the end of your treatment in Latin America, you will receive a complete medical record that includes: detailed surgical report, histopathology results, administered chemotherapy or radiotherapy protocol (if applicable), diagnostic images, and follow-up recommendations from the treating specialist.
KURBUO facilitates sending this documentation directly to your oncologist in the USA to ensure continuity of care. Many of our specialists are also available to communicate directly with your doctor at home if it is necessary to coordinate the next phases of treatment.
We recommend informing your oncologist in the USA before traveling. A medical team working together — regardless of borders — is always the best guarantee for your well-being.
Step-by-step process with KURBUO
We know that taking the first step can be overwhelming. That is why we designed a clear process, without pressure and with support at every stage. You are in control at all times.
Step 1 — Schedule your teleconsultation
Everything begins with a video call with a verified oncologist, free of charge and with no commitment. You can do it from the comfort of your home, at the time that works best for you. The consultation is available in Spanish and English, and its only goal is for you to ask questions and receive initial professional guidance about your case.
Step 2 — Evaluation of your case
During the teleconsultation, the oncologist reviews your medical history, imaging studies, biopsy results, and any pathology report you can share. With this information, the specialist determines whether you are a candidate to receive treatment in Latin America. It is important that you know something: if your case is not suitable for treatment abroad, we will tell you with complete honesty. We prefer to be transparent from the start rather than commit to a trip that does not benefit you.
Step 3 — Personalized treatment plan
If the specialist confirms that you are a candidate, you will receive a complete plan that includes: detailed estimate with no hidden costs, recommended treatment timeline with estimated dates, destination options according to your procedure (Colombia, Mexico, or another available country), and logistical guidance on flights, accommodation near the medical center, and local transportation. You review everything calmly, consult with your family and your oncologist at home, and decide without any pressure.
Step 4 — Your treatment
From the moment you land, KURBUO takes care of making sure you do not have to worry about anything other than your health. You are received at the airport, you have bilingual support throughout your stay, and your treatment is carried out in an accredited medical center with the team you already met during your teleconsultation. Throughout the process, the KURBUO team maintains constant communication with you and with your family at home.
Step 5 — Post-treatment follow-up
Your care does not end when you leave the hospital. When you return home, you receive a complete medical report ready to hand over to your oncologist in the United States. Your specialist in Latin America remains available for virtual follow-up consultations, and the KURBUO team accompanies you during your recovery to coordinate any complementary treatment you may need in your country, whether chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy.
The teleconsultation is an evaluation step. It does not obligate you to travel or commit to any treatment. It is simply the opportunity to speak with a specialist, resolve your doubts, and know exactly what your options are.
Schedule your free teleconsultation with an oncologist →https://kurbuo.com/es/patient/info
Here you can learn in detail how a teleconsultation works
Frequently asked questions
Can I start chemotherapy in Latin America and continue it in my country?
Yes, it is possible in many cases. The chemotherapy protocols used in Colombia are the same international standards applied in the United States. Your oncologist in Latin America will document the exact regimen administered, the doses, the dates, and your response to treatment. KURBUO facilitates sending this information to your oncologist in the USA so that the remaining cycles can continue without interruption. However, this coordination must be planned before starting treatment, and it is evaluated case by case during your teleconsultation.
What happens if I need more treatment than initially estimated?
Cancer is unpredictable, and treatment plans may be adjusted according to surgical findings or pathology results. If during your treatment it is determined that you need additional procedures, your medical team will present the options, additional costs, and the time involved. You will always have the final decision. That is why KURBUO’s initial estimate includes possible scenarios, and your specialist will explain during the teleconsultation which variables could modify the plan.
Does the oncologist speak English?
Most of the verified oncologists at KURBUO are bilingual or have an advanced level of English. In each specialist’s profile on the platform you can see the languages they speak. Additionally, if at any time you need communication support, KURBUO provides bilingual accompaniment during your stay to ensure that you understand every detail of your treatment without language barriers. The KURBUO platform has real-time translation in more than 45 languages.
How long do I need to stay in the country for treatment?
It depends on the procedure. For surgery such as mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, the typical stay is 10 to 21 days, including hospitalization and initial post-operative checkups. If your plan includes chemotherapy or radiotherapy, the stay may extend to several weeks. Your specialist will provide a detailed schedule during the free teleconsultation so that you can plan in advance.
Can I bring a companion?
Absolutely, and in fact we recommend it. Having a family member or trusted person during the process is important both for your emotional well-being and for practical matters during recovery. KURBUO can guide you on accommodation options that fit both patient and companion near the medical center.
What medical documents do I need to bring?
We recommend gathering: biopsy report with complete histopathology result, recent imaging studies (mammography, ultrasound, MRI, PET-CT if applicable), recent blood tests (complete blood count, blood chemistry, tumor markers), report from your current oncologist with diagnosis and clinical stage, and a list of medications you currently take. During the teleconsultation, your specialist will tell you exactly which additional documents you need according to your case.
Take the first step — no commitment
We know that making a decision about your cancer treatment is one of the hardest things you will face. No one should feel pressured to act before they are ready, and no one should make this decision without having all the available information.
The teleconsultation with a verified KURBUO oncologist is free, confidential, and does not commit you to anything. Its only purpose is for you to speak directly with a specialist, ask all the questions you need, and clearly understand what your options are — both in the United States and in Latin America. With that information in your hands, the decision will always be yours.
It does not matter whether you decide to move forward today or in three months. We are here when you are ready.
Schedule your free teleconsultation with an oncologist →https://kurbuo.com/es/patient/info
[Talk to us on WhatsApp → +1 (689) 222-7585
📞 +1 (689) 222-7585 ✉️ support@kurbuo.com
