stage 2 cancer treatment in india

Posted on: Jan 2, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

stage 2 cancer treatment in india

Being diagnosed with cancer can be devastating for a person and his/her loved ones. But one must stay resilient to beat the fatal disease and take inspiration from millions across the globe who have done it. While cancer treatment is available, the journey may not be easy. The success rate also depends highly on the stage of cancer, among other factors. Today, let’s focus on Stage 2 cancer. While a patient will need physical and mental toughness to overcome the adversity, he/she will also need financial planning to keep going. So, let’s look at Stage 2 cancer treatment costs in India.

What is Stage 2 cancer?

In medical terms, the estimation of how the cancer cells will grow in your body is called prognosis. Stage 2 cancer means that the cancer has grown larger and is now spreading to the lymph nodes. However, it has not yet started reaching the body parts far from the cancerous cells. If you are wondering how the stage is decided, well, it depends on factors such as the type of cancer and its nature to proliferate, the location of the cancer, and its present size. Determining the stage of the cancer is a crucial part of the diagnosis. On this basis, the doctors will suggest the best mode of treatment available. It is also important to remember that not everyone’s prognosis would be the same, even if they suffer from the same type of cancer. Our bodies fight ailments as per their immune strength.

Stage 2 Cancer Treatment Cost In India

The good news is that medical science has unlocked many achievements. Today, there are cancer treatments available across the country. But here’s the tricky part — cancer treatment isn’t cheap. Stage 2 cancer treatment cost depends on the following factors —

• To begin with, the choice of hospital can affect the cost massively. A high-end hospital with quality patient care services will charge more.

• The stage of cancer also determines the cost.

• The type of cancer, whether it is breast cancer, lung cancer, blood cancer, or prostate cancer, is also a significant factor.

• The duration of the treatment can add to the cost.

• The higher the frequency of the treatment procedures needed, the more the expenses.

Now, looking at the treatment options apart from room rent and medicines, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy can be quite expensive. Here are a few estimates —

• Chemotherapy can cost INR 60,000 per session.

• Radiation therapy can cost INR 65,000 per session.

• Immunotherapy can be INR 75,000 per session.

• Targeted therapy can be INR 75,000 per session.

• Surgery to remove cancer cells can cost INR 2,50,000.

Along with these, you can add the price of consumables (like bandages, gloves, syringes, needles, tubing, etc.) and medicines to the total expenses. Taking all this into consideration, one must stay prepared to spend anything between INR 12 lakhs and INR 15 lakhs on Stage 2 cancer treatment. While government-run hospitals are cheaper, they are overwhelmed with the number of cases they deal with. It means you may not get the quality of service or the individual attention you may need.

Stage 2 cancer treatment cost in India vs other countries

While there is no doubt that developed countries (like the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia) can provide better healthcare services, the cost of treatment there can be exorbitantly higher. The subsidies on healthcare services are reserved for their own citizens. Now imagine, if you go to one such developed country, you would also be paying for the travel and accommodation along with the treatment. You could easily end up paying three to four times the cost as you would do in India.

How can you save on costs during cancer treatment in India?

During the course of your cancer treatment, you may not be able to continue working. This is a double blow because, on one side, you are paying medical bills that keep rising, and on the flip side, you have lost your ability to earn a steady income. In such a scenario, your savings will keep depleting, and you may also need a loan to pay off the mounting medical bills. That’s why financial planning is vital. During such medical emergencies, you would want to focus primarily on speedy recovery. Here are a few ways you can easily manage the cost of Stage 2 cancer treatment —

• Research:

Comparing the price quotes by different healthcare institutions is essential to figure out the expenses. You can also find out if you are eligible for any government-backed scheme and facilities.

• Health insurance:

While your employer may have provided you with a group health insurance policy, its coverage may not be enough. Now that you know the estimated cost of cancer treatment, you can calculate the sum insured you will need. You can purchase a critical illness cover as an add-on policy or a standalone plan. It will provide you with a lump sum amount when you are diagnosed with cancer. You can use that money for your treatment and other non-medical expenses.

Conclusion

Cancer is a complicated disease that can turn your life upside down. Do you know that it is possible for you to have cancer for years without even knowing it? Well, that’s why early detection and preventive measures are vital in staying cancer-free. Also, it is equally critical to understand the treatment expenses and stay financially prepared for any such life-threatening disease with a comprehensive individual healthcare policy or a family health insurance plan.

FAQs

1. Which city is best for Stage 2 cancer treatment in India?

There are multiple healthcare centres in India offering cancer treatment, but the hospitals in Tier 1 cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai have proven track records of treating thousands of cancer patients. If your budget allows it, you should seek treatment in a hospital that specialises in cancer treatment in one of the Tier 1 city hospitals, as they have the latest infrastructure and facilities for diagnosing and treating Stage 2 cancer.

2. Is chemotherapy necessary?

Chemotherapy is highly recommended because it uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cancer cells in your body. To prevent the cancerous cells from spreading, it is important to kill them.

3. What are the symptoms of stage 2 cancer?

The symptoms of Stage 2 cancer can vary from one person to another. However, some common symptoms could include unexplained weight loss, pain, loss of appetite, and visible changes in skin or bowel movements. The most alarming symptom is coughing up blood. But before coming to any conclusion, consult a doctor.

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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