Stage 3 Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Posted on: Dec 23, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Stage 3 Cancer Treatment Cost in India

As the stages of cancer get advanced, the path to recovery gets harder. Apart from physical pain, Stage 3 cancer can have a deep psychological impact on the person as well. The next worry is finance. Are the savings and insurance amounts enough to pay for the treatment? Let’s find out more about what Stage 3 cancer is and Stage 3 cancer treatment costs in India.

What is Stage 3 Cancer?

When cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, it is called Stage 3 cancer. Also known as locally advanced cancer, the tumour in Stage 3 cancer has grown larger than in earlier stages. Due to its large size, the cancer starts spreading to surrounding areas but not other organs in distant parts of the body.

Some symptoms of Stage 3 cancer include fatigue, a lump or swelling in the affected area, persistent pain at the site of the tumour, and weight loss.

Stage 3 Cancer Treatment Cost in India

The treatment cost of Stage 3 cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer, type of procedure, duration and frequency of treatment, geographical location, oncologist’s expertise, hospital infrastructure, diagnostic tests, etc. The cost can range between INR 62,000 and INR 6,26,000.

Here’s a breakdown of the costs –

• Surgery:

INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000

• Chemotherapy:

INR 10,000 to INR 2,00,000 per cycle; most cancers require multiple cycles

• Targeted Therapy:

INR 20,000 to INR 2,50,000 per dose

• Radiation Therapy:

INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per session

• Immunotherapy:

INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per dose

Stage 3 Cancer treatment cost in India vs other countries

When you compare with most developed countries, Stage 3 cancer treatment cost is significantly lower in India. Let’s check out the prices in other countries –

Countries	Price range
India	INR 5,00,000 – INR 20,00,000 ($6,000 – $24,000)
US	$50,000 – $200,000 (INR 41,25,000 – INR 1,65,00,000)
UK	£50,000 – £100,000 (INR 50,00,000 – INR 1,00,00,000)
Australia	AUD 50,000 – AUD 150,000 (INR 25,00,000 – INR 75,00,000)
UAE	AED 22,000 to AED 400,000

Factors Affecting Stage 3 Cancer Treatment Cost

The factors affecting the cost of Stage 3 cancer treatment are –

Type of Cancer:

The treatment varies depending on the type of cancer, so the cost will also vary. While breast cancer often requires surgery along with other therapies, an individual diagnosed with colon cancer may or may not need chemotherapy or radiation.

Stage of Cancer:

The cost depends heavily on the stage in which cancer is detected. Stage 3 cancer is an advanced stage, and hence, an individual will require intense treatments, increasing the overall cost. There is also the risk of complications, which can further increase the cost.

Treatment procedures:

The procedures include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy. The cost depends on the procedures prescribed.

Hospital:

Treatment at a hospital with better infrastructure, experienced surgeons, and advanced technologies will be more expensive than a healthcare establishment with bare minimum facilities.

Location:

Getting treated in metropolitan and Tier 1 cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore will cost more than tier 2 or tier cities.

Duration of Treatment:

Stage 3 cancer treatment can require months of treatment.

Miscellaneous Expenses:

Apart from treatment procedures, there are other expenses like periodic diagnostic tests, medications, regular follow-ups, and travel and accommodation of the patient’s family if the treatment is done in a different city.

How can you save on costs during cancer treatment in India

Although cancer treatments are expensive in India, there are ways to help reduce the cost with the following measures –

1. Explore various cancer hospitals and compare them based on the cost, infrastructure, team of doctors, and facilities. This will help you choose the one that falls within your budget.

2. Treatment packages or deals offered by hospitals are cost-effective.

3. Look for a hospital closer to your home. This will reduce travel expenses.

4. Last, but not the least, opting for critical illness insurance will help save on huge expenses. Upon diagnosis of cancer, the insurer will provide a lump sum compensation, irrespective of the cost incurred. You don’t have to submit any bills to claim compensation; only proof of the diagnosis is enough.

Conclusion

While we can lead a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and working out regularly, some ailments disrupt our lives without any trigger. Cancer is one of them. To combat Stage 3 cancer treatment costs, it is vital to have critical illness insurance, which can minimise your out-of-pocket expenses. You can purchase it as a standalone plan or add it to your individual health insurance policy or family health insurance by paying an additional premium and staying protected.

FAQs

1. Are there any side effects of Stage 3 cancer treatment?

Some common side effects of cancer treatment include vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, hair loss, pain, and infection. These side effects are normal, but it’s better to consult your oncologist if they persist.

2. Can Stage 3 cancer relapse after treatment?

While the risk is low, relapse is still possible. So, you have to go for regular follow-ups to monitor any symptoms of relapse.

3. What are the factors affecting the cost of cancer treatment?

The cost of treating cancer depends on several factors like type and stage of cancer, treatment procedures, hospital, geographical location, duration of treatment, doctor’s expertise, and the patient’s overall health condition.

4. I have a health insurance policy. Do I also need critical illness insurance?

If you or your family has been diagnosed with cancer or are at risk, you must buy critical illness insurance as it is designed to cover critical or life-threatening illnesses. You will be paid a lump sum compensation when diagnosed with any critical illness like cancer.

5. Can I lead a normal life after being diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer?

Yes, you can lead a normal life. The treatment can go on for a prolonged period, but it will help improve your overall health.

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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