Cost of cancer treatment in India
Cancer is arguably one of the biggest health issues worldwide effecting thousands every year. The patient and the family need to fret the treatment cost, which is mainly the biggest concern for them both. Even though India is making a name for itself as one of the sought-after medical tourism places because of basic but phenomenal quality of healthcare infrastructure, the basic doubt that arises is: is cancer treatment expensive in India?
Here in this article, we will understand the India cancer treatment cost in USD, when compared to the global prices, factors that makes the treatment expensive and few practical tips to control them.
Cancer Treatment in India
World-class quality cancer care a fraction of the price charged in Western countries, USA or United Kingdo but India offers it. Cancer treatment in India also averages from about $2,500 to $20,000 or more depending on the type, stage and severity of cancer and treatment used.
Does Cancer Treatment is costly in India?
Being one of critical health condition in the world, Cancer re 2. Surgery.
Surgery: The most likely treatment at this stage will be surgery for localized cancers.
also read: low cost cancer treatment
Now let us focus in depth about the Facts of many treatment options:
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy serves as one of the key treatment of cancers in frequently the advanced stage.
Generic Chemotherapy: $130 to $400 every cycle
Targeted Therapy: $1,300 — $3,200 per cycle
Immunotherapy: $2,000–$4,000 per session
Chemotherapy is priced between $500 to$25,000 depending on the number of cycles (4–8) required for the total treatment
Breast cancer (surgery) $300–$500 Breast cancer surgery: $400 – $650 –Neurosurgery for Brain Tumor: $650 — $1000
Average cost of cancer treatment in India: $250-$1000 depending on the hospital and city
2. Radiation Therapy
Directly to the cancer cells in high-energy beam radiation.
- Conventional Radiation Therapy: $2,000 – $3,200 Advanced Techniques (e.g., IMRT or IGRT): $4,000 – $8,000
Proton therapy, a novel and presently highly successful radiation modality, is only available in a small number of centers (up to $13000 and $20000).
3. BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT, BMT
Such a sophisticated operation is usually performed only to treat blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.
- Autologous BMT: $13,000
- Allogeneic BMT: $20,000
India has some of the most low cost cancer treatments, both legally as well as illegally mopped up through intensive care and technology.
Can only expect Non-Fungible Token prices in India to skyrocket again with Cancer therapy still so expensive
Cancer treatment might be cheaper than in the West, but for most Indian households it still remains a heavy burden. A few of them are: _drugs and machinery over the top import price
- Extraordinary hospitalization plus ICU charges
- Over diagnostic tests (MRI/CT); repeated biopsies
- Medicines for supportive care, and further treatment
Comparing Costs: India vs. Western Countries
| Treatment | India (USD) | USA (USD) | UK (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemotherapy (per cycle) | $130 – $4,000 | $1,000 – $12,000 | $1,000 – $13,000 |
| Radiation Therapy | $2,000 – $8,000 | $10,000 – $50,000 | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Bone Marrow Transplant | $13,000 – $20,000 | $150,000 – $300,000 | $150,000 – $250,000 |
Even after including travel and accommodation, patients from abroad can save up to 80% by opting for treatment in India.
Government & NGO Support to Cancer Patients
Indian government and some NGOs also give financial aid to make cancer affordable for common man:
– Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY): Offers intensity cover up to UIN $6,500 for Below Poverty Line families.
State Health Schemes: Most majority states have cancer treatment free of cost or sub sided.
– Can kids and Can Support: Funds, medications, vitamins and minerals, counseling
Save on cancer treatment costs in India with these Tips
- Before you think of seeking treatment at some private OCM goers like AIIMS or Tata Memorial Hospital where the treatment is almost free.
- Obtain the patient assistance medications from pharmaceutical company’s patient assistance programs
- Insure yourself against pre-existing diseases and also FOR CANCER care with a health insurance
- Use Generic Drugs as applicable
Final Thoughts
Thus, one may say that, in India the treatment of cancer is that dear?
Which is much lower compared to US and UK/Others Western Countries. Still, a huge burden for most Indian families living without insurance or savings.
Fortunately, with the right resources, help, and access to governmental or NGO aid, cancer treatment can become more affordable and manageable.
If you or your family member requires cancer treatment in India, spare time to study all the financial avenues and talk to top oncologists to design a cost-effective and medically suitable plan of treatment.
FAQ: Cost of Cancer Treatment in India
How much does cancer treatment cost in India?
Cancer treatment in India ranges from $2,500 to $20,000, depending on type, stage, and treatment, significantly lower than Western countries.
Is cancer treatment expensive in India?
Compared to the U.S. and UK, India offers affordable cancer care, with costs up to 80% lower, including travel expenses.
What is the cost of chemotherapy in India?
Chemotherapy costs $130-$4,000 per cycle, with total treatment ranging from $500-$25,000 based on cycles needed.
How much is radiation therapy in India?
Radiation therapy costs $2,000-$8,000, with advanced techniques like IMRT or IGRT, and proton therapy up to $20,000.
What is the cost of a bone marrow transplant in India?
Autologous BMT costs $13,000, and allogeneic BMT costs $20,000, far lower than $150,000-$300,000 in Western countries.
How much does breast cancer surgery cost in India?
Breast cancer surgery ranges from $300-$650, making it a cost-effective option compared to Western prices.
What is the cost of brain tumor surgery in India?
Neurosurgery for brain tumors costs $650-$1,000, depending on the hospital and city in India.
Why is cancer treatment cheaper in India?
Lower operational costs, generic drugs, and government subsidies make cancer treatment in India more affordable than in the West.
What government schemes support cancer treatment in India?
Ayushman Bharat Yojana offers up to $6,500 for low-income families, and state schemes provide free or subsidized care.
How do NGOs help with cancer treatment costs in India?
NGOs like CanKids and CanSupport provide funds, medications, counseling, and support to reduce cancer treatment costs.
How can I save on cancer treatment costs in India?
Choose public hospitals like AIIMS, use generic drugs, access patient assistance programs, and secure health insurance.
Which hospitals offer low-cost cancer treatment in India?
AIIMS (Delhi) and Tata Memorial (Mumbai) provide nearly free cancer treatment with high-quality care.
What factors increase cancer treatment costs in India?
Imported drugs, ICU stays, diagnostic tests (MRI/CT), and supportive care medications contribute to higher treatment costs.
Is proton therapy available in India, and how much does it cost?
Proton therapy, available at select centers like Apollo, costs $13,000-$20,000, offering advanced radiation treatment.
How does India compare to the U.S. for cancer treatment costs?
India’s cancer treatment costs 70-80% less than the U.S., with comparable quality and advanced technology.
