Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Posted on: Nov 8, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Imagine you have been coughing lately and having ginger-tulsi chai on a rainy day to soothe your throat. But things don’t get better even after the monsoon gets over. You consult a doctor and get the biggest shock of your life. Well, getting diagnosed with lung cancer is a massive blow to a person. However, many have recovered from it and are living a normal life. While you need the physical endurance and mental toughness to beat the fatal disease, you also need to manage your finances as the expenses for lung cancer treatment can pile on. Let’s learn more about it.

Lung Cancer Treatment Cost in India

India is a preferred destination for lung cancer treatment because of its affordability compared to Western countries. The cost can range from Rs 30,000 to Rs 30,00,000, depending on the severity of the illness, type of hospital (government, private, or cancer hospital), specialists, type of treatment (whether you need surgery or a combination of therapies), number of chemotherapy and radiation cycles, etc.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs –

• Chemotherapy – Rs 13,000 to Rs 20,000 per cycle

• Diagnostic tests – Rs 34,000 to Rs. 80,000

• Radiation therapy – Rs 67,000 to Rs 3,50,000

• Lung Tumour Resection – Rs 3,50,000 to Rs. 6,67,000

What is lung cancer surgery?

Lung cancer surgery is a procedure in which the surgeon removes the cancerous cells from the lungs and surrounding areas. Surgery is usually recommended when cancer is detected in the early stages, and the tumour is localised, i.e., it has not spread to other parts of the body. There are two ways to remove the tumour surgically —

1. Thoracotomy:

Also called open surgery, the surgeon makes a large incision in the chest and spreads the ribs apart to access the lungs.

2. Minimally invasive surgery:

In this procedure, small incisions are made to access the inside of the chest. The surgeon uses a camera and special instruments to remove the tumour. The person has few complications and recovers faster.

After surgery, the patient may have some side effects like pain, excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, etc.

Conclusion

Now that you know how much lung cancer treatment in India costs, it is crucial to have a financial backup so that you don’t deplete your savings. Investing in a critical illness insurance policy will ensure you have the best care and treatment without worrying about the exorbitant costs associated with a critical illness like cancer. While standard health insurance plans cover only the actual expenses incurred, critical illness insurance will provide a lump sum compensation up to the sum insured, irrespective of the medical expenses. You can use this amount for medical and non-medical expenses, such as paying off debts, compensating for loss of income, children’s education, etc.

FAQs

1. When is lung cancer surgery recommended?

Lung cancer surgery is recommended when the tumour is localised, i.e., it has not spread beyond the lungs. The surgeon removes the tumour or cancerous cells from the lung and adjoining areas.

2. How can I prevent lung cancer?

Some of the ways to reduce the risk of lung cancer are by quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to passive or second-hand smoke and toxic substances, and consuming a healthy diet. You must also get screened for lung cancer if you are at high risk due to family history or other factors.

3. Are there any side effects of lung cancer surgery?

Some possible side effects of lung cancer surgery include pain/discomfort, excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, etc. Your healthcare provider will prescribe medications to manage the side effects and improve the quality of life.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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