1. Home
2. Blogs

Radiation Therapy Cost: Pre & Post Treatment Breakdown

• 
• 
• 
• 0
• 0

Battling cancer requires immense strength. The patient must endure physical pain and exhibit mental toughness even when it seems the hardest thing to do. But finances also play a crucial role as the treatment for cancer can go on for a long time. For instance, from initial consultations and biopsies before radiation therapy to follow-up appointments and side effect management, many expenses precede and come after the actual treatment. One must be well aware of these expenses to plan his/her finances better. Let’s learn more about the radiation therapy cost, including pre- and post-treatment expenses.

How much does Radiation Therapy cost in India?

The total cost of radiation therapy in India can come to around Rs 23 lakhs. The price varies from place to place, type of radiation therapy, type of cancer, severity of the illness, number of sessions, type of hospital you prefer, etc.

Here’s a look at the cost in different regions in India –

What is the average cost of Radiation Therapy in India?

On average, the radiation therapy cost in India falls between Rs 60,000 and Rs 3,00,000 per session.

Types Of Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells. There are two primary types of radiation therapy –

1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) :

In this procedure, a machine is used to direct high-energy radiation beams at the tumour externally, i.e., from outside of the body. The radiation beams can be X-rays, electrons, or protons. The oncologist has to precisely target the cancer cells to avoid destroying the healthy tissues. This is the most common type of therapy.

There are various types of EBRT, such as 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3D-CRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)/Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS).

2. Internal Radiation Therapy:

Also known as brachytherapy, this procedure involves placing radioactive materials directly inside the body or close to the cancer cells. This type of radiation therapy is mostly given for prostate, uterine, vagina, rectum, head, neck, and skin cancers.

Understanding Pre- and Post-Radiation Treatment Costs

It’s important to understand all the costs involved in radiation therapy, including the pre- and post-treatment costs, to enable you to stay financially prepared. Here are the costs –

• Pre-Radiation Treatment Costs

• Consultation fee:

Depending on the type of hospital and specialists, the consultation fee can vary from Rs 500 to Rs 5000.

• Imaging and lab tests:

Before radiation therapy begins, several tests are conducted, such as blood examination, CT scans, MRI, and PET scans, to check the stage of the tumour and make a treatment plan. These tests can cost you between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000.

• Simulation:

The radiation team maps the area to be treated with the help of advanced imaging. The cost of simulation sessions will be Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000.

• Other expenses:

Other additional costs include biopsies, medications to manage any chronic health conditions, etc.

• Post-Radiation Treatment Costs

• Follow-up visits:

After treatment, follow-up consultations with your oncologist are crucial for monitoring your condition, including physical examinations and assessments. Some patients may require frequent monitoring, which can further increase the cost.

• Follow-up tests:

Routine diagnostic and imaging tests are conducted to know if radiation therapy has been effective.

• Managing side-effects:

Post-radiation therapy, you may experience fatigue, pain, skin irritation, etc., which can impact your health. Hence, your doctor will prescribe medications to manage the side effects. If you require hospitalisation due to complications, the cost will increase significantly.

• Supportive care:

Some patients may need caregivers to help with daily activities, adding to the overall cost.

Conclusion

Managing the expenses of radiation therapy can be challenging if you have not planned your finances well. If you have health insurance, check if it has adequate coverage because cancer treatment costs can run into several lakhs. The other option is buying critical illness insurance for comprehensive financial protection against the exorbitant expenses associated with radiation therapy. However, before purchasing a health plan, make sure you have read all the terms and conditions carefully.

FAQs

1. Are there any side effects of radiation therapy?

Yes, some side effects associated with radiation therapy are pain, skin irritation or redness, and fatigue. However, the side effects can be managed with medications and resolved after the treatment is over.

2. What is the duration of radiation therapy?

The duration depends on factors like type of cancer, stage of cancer, and the treatment plan. It can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the frequency of sessions.

3. What is the average cost of radiation therapy in India?

The average cost of radiation therapy in India can range from Rs 60,000 to Rs 3,00,000 for each session. You should check with the hospital facility directly to get the approximate cost.

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

RELATED ARTICLES

25 Frequently Asked Questions on Cancer Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options and Surgeries

5 Rapidly Growing Cancers in India & What We Can Do To Prevent Their Spread

Myths And Facts About Prostate Cancer

Cancer Insurance or Critical Illness Cover? Here is How to Choose

---

• 
• 
• 
•