Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India

What is the Average Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment in India?

Breast cancer, forming in the cells of the breasts, is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide, though it can affect men as well. Do we know every 14 seconds, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide? 

In India, breast cancer treatment is prevalent due to its advanced care, skilled doctors, and cutting-edge technology, offering hope and healing to many. The treatment involves various methods aimed at removing or controlling cancer cells in the breast, providing patients with a fighting chance against this widespread illness.

Breast cancer surgery cost in India is significantly lower than in Western countries. It ranges from INR 1 lakh to INR 3 lakh for Indian patients, and for international patients, it ranges between USD 3,000 and USD 7,000. This includes the costs of surgery, anaesthesia, operating room, medical supplies, and the necessary hospital stays for the specified duration.

However, the average cost of breast cancer treatment in India can vary based on factors such as the stage and type of cancer, treatment modality, hospital, oncologist, the surgeon’s fee, drugs, equipment, and the duration of treatment required.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. These tumours can be detected as lumps or through imaging tests. 

Common symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
• Pain in the breast or nipple
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), including blood
• Swelling or thickening of part of the breast
• Redness or flaky skin on the breast or nipple

Types of Breast Cancer

There are several types of breast cancer, with the most common being:

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive form of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct.

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common form of breast cancer, where cancer cells spread to the surrounding breast tissue outside the duct.

• Triple-negative Breast Cancer: This is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it more challenging to treat.

• HER2-positive Breast Cancer: This type of breast cancer makes too much of a protein called HER2, which can make the cancer grow faster.

• Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): This is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast and does not spread to nearby tissues.

Types of Breast Cancer Treatment

To treat breast cancer, doctors often perform surgery. The types include:

• Lumpectomy: This surgery involves removing the tumour along with a small margin of surrounding healthy breast tissue. It aims to preserve the breast as much as possible.

• Modified Radical Mastectomy: This procedure involves removing the entire breast that contains the tumour, as well as some of the lymph nodes under the arm. The chest muscles are usually left intact.

• Breast Conservation Surgery/ Oncoplasty: This surgery removes the tumour and a small amount of surrounding tissue, preserving the rest of the breast. Sometimes, cosmetic techniques are used to reshape the breast.

• Mastectomy with reconstruction: This involves removing the entire breast that contains the tumour and reconstructing the breast using implants or tissue from another part of the body.

• Reconstructive Surgery: This is a separate surgery performed after mastectomy to rebuild the shape of the breast. It can be done using implants or tissue from another part of the body.

After surgery, patients might need more treatments, such as:

• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses powerful medications to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It is often given in cycles, with rest periods in between to allow the body to recover.

• Hormone therapy: This treatment is used for hormone-sensitive cancers, like some breast and prostate cancers. It works by blocking hormones or lowering their levels to slow or stop cancer growth.

• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is targeted to the specific area where the cancer is located and is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

• CCRT (Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy): This is a combination treatment where chemotherapy and radiation therapy are given at the same time. It is often used to make radiation therapy more effective at killing cancer cells. 

Factors Affecting Breast Cancer Treatment Cost

Several factors can affect the breast cancer treatment cost in India, including:

Type of Treatment: Different treatments have different costs. For example, different types of surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy each have expenses that affect the overall breast cancer treatment cost in India.

1. Surgery Costs

       2. Chemotherapy Costs: INR 30,000 - 40,000 (USD 600- 700) per cycle.

       3. Targeted Therapy Costs: INR 1,00,000 - 1,50,000 (1800 -2700) per cycle.

       4. Radiation Therapy Costs: INR 2,00,000 - 3,00,000 (USD 4,000 - 6,000)  depending on the number of sessions.

       5. CCRT: INR 2,00,000 to 3,00,000 (USD 2,800 to 4,200) for a complete course. 

Hospital Choice: The cost of treatment for breast cancer in India varies between public and private hospitals, with private facilities typically charging higher fees.

Surgeon's Expertise: Surgeons with more experience and higher reputations may charge more, impacting the average cost of breast cancer treatment in India.

Diagnostic Tests: The number and complexity of diagnostic tests required, such as mammograms, biopsies, and genetic testing, add to the overall breast cancer treatment in India.

Before proceeding with breast cancer treatment in India, the patient should thoroughly discuss all expenses related to the procedure, including the cost of surgery, hospital stay, medications, and follow-up care.

What are the Pre and Post-Treatment Costs for Breast Cancer in India?

In addition to the actual treatment costs, there are several other expenses associated with breast cancer treatment in India. These include:

Pre-Surgical Expenses:

• Consultation: INR 1,000 to INR 1500 (USD 10 to USD 25) per visit.

• Evaluation: The cost of diagnostic tests such as blood tests, mammograms, biopsies, blocks, PET CT and IHC (ER/PR/Her2neu) can range from INR 30,000 to INR 40,000 (USD 700 to USD 800).

Post-Surgical Expenses:

• Medication costs: The cost of medication for breast cancer, including chemotherapy drugs, hormone therapy drugs, and pain relief medications, can vary widely depending on the type and duration of treatment. On average, these costs can range from INR 20,000 to INR 30,000 (USD 600 to USD 2,400) per month.

• Post-surgery follow-up visits and tests: INR 2,000 to INR 10,000 (USD 100 to USD 200) per visit.

• Rehabilitation costs (physiotherapy and counselling): INR 2,000 to INR 3,000 (USD 60 to USD 240) one-time cost.

It is advisable to get a detailed cost estimate from the hospital before proceeding with the surgery to understand the specific expenses involved.

Recovery Tips After Breast Cancer Surgery

Recovery care after breast cancer surgery is essential for a smooth healing process and to reduce the risk of complications. Here are some essential tips to help you recover better and faster:

• Wound Care: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for keeping the surgical site clean and dry. Change dressings as recommended.
• Pain Management: Take pain medications as prescribed and use any recommended techniques for managing discomfort.
• Physical Activity: Gradually resume normal activities as advised by your healthcare provider. Gentle exercises can help improve mobility and reduce stiffness.
• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet to support healing and overall health. Consider consulting with a dietitian for personalised recommendations.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring and to address any concerns.
• Lymphedema Prevention: Follow recommendations to reduce the risk of lymphedema, such as avoiding heavy lifting and protecting the affected arm.
• Medication Management: Following the prescribed medication regimen, including pain relievers, antibiotics, or hormone therapy, is crucial for recovery and managing side effects.
• Breast Care: For those who have had a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, caring for the remaining breast tissue is essential. This may involve regular self-exams and mammograms as recommended by the healthcare provider.

Does Health Insurance Cover Breast Cancer Treatment?

Yes, health insurance often covers breast cancer treatment, but the extent of coverage can vary based on the insurance plan. Make sure that you submit your doctor's prescription, investigation reports, admission form, and health insurance papers to the insurance company. Generally, insurance can help pay for surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and medications. However, the exact coverage, including deductibles, copayments, and limits, depends on the specific insurance policy. It is important to review your insurance plan's details and talk to your provider to understand what is covered and any potential out-of-pocket costs you might incur.