Overview of Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India

An Overview of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is caused by uncontrollable cell proliferation in breast tissues, resulting in a mass or lump inside the breast tissue. These masses can be cancerous (malignant, which spreads to other parts of the body) or noncancerous (benign, which does not spread). Breast tumour treatment involves the administration of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medication therapy, and surgical procedures to cure, reduce, control, or treat the symptoms associated with the disease.

A cancer patient receives a combination of the aforementioned therapies, according to the type of cancer and its location. Various breast cancer treatments include:

• Supportive care (monitoring for improvements or changes in the tumour)
• Breast cancer surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapies
• Targeted therapies
• Immunotherapy

Following treatment, the patient might require:

• Oncologist visits
• Mammograms
• Annual pelvic examinations (If the patient receives specific hormone treatments that raise the likelihood of uterine cancer)
• Bone density tests (if the patient is taking other hormone drugs)
• Medicines to lower the likelihood of cancer recurring

Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment in India

Breast cancer can be extremely expensive. Even if the doctor detects cancer early, you may face a lengthy treatment regimen that includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, medicines, doctor appointments, and tests.

In India, the cost of breast cancer treatment can vary from Rs. 85,770 to Rs. 16,46,300, with the average cost being around Rs. 6,98,360. This estimate covers the expenses of consultation, admission, investigations, therapeutic interventions, and follow-up care. The final cost is primarily determined by the stage and type of cancer, in addition to the choices of the physician and the patient’s family.

The following list provides a rough estimate of the cost of various treatment options for breast cancer:

• The cost of chemotherapy for breast cancer in India ranges from INR 1,63,300 to 2,84,000 per cycle.
• The breast cancer surgery cost (a lumpectomy) in India ranges from INR 1,56,300 to 2,13,800.
• The cost of breast cancer surgery cost (a mastectomy) in India ranges from INR 2,13,800 to 3,20,800.
• The cost of radiation therapy in India ranges from INR 1,50,000 to 5,34,500.
• Targeted therapy costs around INR 85,400.
• Immunotherapy costs around INR 1,98,000 per session.

Note: To be safe, budget for a 5%–10% variance in the cost estimate based on your condition.
Factors affecting the cost of breast tumour treatment in India

The following factors are responsible for the variation in the cost of breast cancer treatment in India:

• The admission fees
• Oncologist charges
• The patient’s age
• Breast cancer severity
• The type of surgery to be performed
• The equipment and technology used for surgery
• The patient’s medical condition
• Complications associated with post-procedure
• Hospital type
• The admission room chosen
• Other lab or examination tests, including X-rays and ECGs

Tips for Managing Breast Tumour Treatment Costs in India

Breast cancer treatment in India can be highly expensive for patients and their families. Here are some pointers to help you manage the expense of therapy for breast cancer in India:

Selecting a hospital wisely
Breast cancer treatment costs can greatly differ based on the hospital you select. It is critical to select a hospital that provides high-quality care at an affordable price.

Utilise health insurance
Breast cancer treatment in India can be expensive without health insurance. It is essential that you inquire with your health insurer about breast cancer treatment coverage.

Search for government programs
The Indian government has several programs that provide financial support to cancer patients. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is one such example.

Explore non-profit and charitable organisations (NGOs)
Search for NGOs and charitable trust organisations that provide financial assistance to cancer patients who are unable to afford expensive cancer treatments. These organisations also offer other forms of assistance such as counselling, transportation, and lodging.

Opt for clinical trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test new cancer treatments. Patients who take part in clinical trials may be able to receive advanced medical treatment at a lower or even no cost. Clinical trials also give patients access to the most up-to-date cancer drugs and technologies. Patients can talk about the prospect of participating in a clinical trial with their doctor.

Choose generic medicines
Generic medicines are less expensive than branded medicines, but they are just as efficient at treating breast cancer. Patients can ask their doctors if generic medications can be prescribed instead of branded ones. The expenses for breast cancer treatment can be significantly reduced by switching to generic medications.

A Note From Livlong

The cost of breast cancer treatment varies depending on several factors, including the type of treatment, the cancer’s stage, and the location of treatment. It is critical to seek the advice of a breast cancer specialist and to seek treatment at a reputed and reliable breast cancer hospital. An early diagnosis of breast cancer symptoms including breast pain, cysts in the breast, or tumours can improve treatment outcomes. Furthermore, routine breast care, such as self-examination and mammography, is critical in order to detect any abnormalities in the breast. It is critical to prioritise breast health and to seek medical attention as soon as any concerning symptoms appear.