Breast cancer accounts for 31% of all cancers diagnosed in Indian women, making it the leading type of cancer. This serious disease must be treated at an early stage for the best outcomes. Our blog breaks down the breast cancer treatment costs in India, giving you important insights to understand the expenses better.
Breast cancer casts a long shadow over India, as it is the most common cancer in women. Every year, over 1 lakh women receive a tragic diagnosis, with one new case reported every four minutes.
Worryingly, the prevalence appears to be increasing, particularly among young women in their 30s and 40s. Unfortunately, over half of diagnoses are made in advanced stages due to a lack of awareness, resulting in a high death rate.
Despite these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope with reputed organizations providing advanced immunotherapy cancer treatment in India. The cost of car t cell therapy in India is much lower than in other developed countries.
Increased awareness of breast cancer treatment cost in India offers a path toward a brighter future for Indian women fighting this severe disease.
Well-known cancer hospitals like TATA Memorial Cancer Hospital In Mumbai provide world-class treatment for various cancers including breast cancer and multiple myeloma treatment in India.
If you want to gain insight into this fatal disease, its causes, treatment options, and cost, then continue reading this blog. It will help you understand what to expect financially as you work towards healing.
Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Treatment Cost In India
Understanding what influences the cost of breast cancer treatment is crucial for an effective treatment. Here are simple explanations of the key factors:
The Stage Of Cancer:
Early diagnosis makes treatment easier and less expensive. Late-stage cancers often need more effective treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, making them costly.
Type Of Treatment Required:
Certain treatments cost more than others. For example, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are basically more expensive than surgery for providing the best results in battling cancer.
Location Of Hospital Or Clinic:
Choosing a private hospital or clinic usually means higher costs compared to government hospitals.
Type of Insurance Coverage:
Insurance plans differ. Some cover breast cancer treatment expenses, while others do not. If your plan does not cover it, you will be responsible for paying deductibles and copays yourself.
Number Of treatments:
The number of cycles or doses of treatment you receive will affect the overall cost.
Medications:
The type and cost of medications used will vary depending on your individual needs.
Hospitalization:
The length of your hospital stay and the type of room you have will affect the cost.
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Learn About The Breast Cancer Treatment Cost In India
When it comes to breast cancer treatment cost in India, understanding the costs is vital. Let’s take a closer look at the approximate expenses for different aspects of the treatment:
Diagnostic Tests:
Initial tests such as mammography, ultrasound, blood testing, and breast biopsy test cost in India between ₹1500 and ₹25,000 (INR), or approximately $70 to $280 (USD).
Surgery:
Breast tumor surgery cost vary depending on the type.
Lumpectomy costs between ₹1,50,000 and ₹2,50,000 (INR), or around $2,100 to $3,500 (USD).
Mastectomy costs between ₹2,50,000 and ₹4,00,000 (INR), or around $3,500 to $5,600 (USD).
Breast Reconstruction: Additional charges may apply.
Radiation Therapy:
Cost of breast radiation treatment ranges from ₹1,50,000 to ₹4,00,000 (INR), about $2,100 to $5,600 (USD), depending on the number of sessions.
Chemotherapy:
Each cycle of breast chemotherapy cost between ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 (INR), or about $140 to $1,400 (USD). Multiple cycles are frequently required.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy:
Targeted therapy for breast cancer cost ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 (INR) per cycle, approximately $700 to $7,000 (USD).
Hormonal Therapy:
Hormone therapy for breast cancer cost between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000 (INR), or $140 to $700 (USD), per month, depending on prescribed medications.
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Some Additional Expenses Related To Cancer Treatment In India
Breast cancer treatment does not end with the initial course of treatment. Here are a few frequently ignored expenses to consider:
Post-Treatment Care And Follow-Ups:
Regular doctor appointments and monitoring might cost from ₹500 to ₹2,000 per visit, depending on the expertise and tests required. The frequency varies depending on your unique conditions.
Imaging tests, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, may be required regularly and might cost between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000.
Blood tests for hormone levels or tumor indicators can cost between ₹500 and ₹2,000 each.
Supportive Therapy And Medications
Physical therapy can cost between ₹500 and ₹1,000 per session to help patients regain strength and mobility following surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Lymphedema management can range in cost from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000+, depending on the specific demands.
Nutritional counseling is essential for maintaining a balanced diet and might cost between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 per session.
Therapy, counseling, or support groups can help manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges, ranging from free group sessions to individual consultations costing ₹1,000 – ₹3,000+ per session.
Pain management, anti-nausea medication, or other symptom-relieving drugs can add to monthly expenses.
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How Does Breast Cancer Occur?
Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breast undergo abnormal changes and start to grow uncontrollably. The human breast is made up of glandular tissues (lobules), ducts that carry milk, and supportive tissues. the most common form begins in the cells lining the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or in the lobules (lobular carcinoma). Genetic mutations, hormonal influences, and environmental factors can contribute to triggering these abnormal changes.
These mutated cells can form a mass or lump, known as a tumor, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can infect surrounding tissues and spread throughout the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system if left untreated.
What Are The Type Of Breast Cancer?
There are several types of breast cancer, each with its unique characteristics. The main types include:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS):
Non-invasive cancer occurs when abnormal cells are identified in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):
The most prevalent type of breast cancer occurs when cancer cells infect nearby tissues in the breast.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):
Cancer develops in the lobules and spreads to neighboring tissues of the breast.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer:
A rare and aggressive form in which the breast is red and swollen. It often progresses quickly.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:
Tumors that lack estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. They don’t respond to common hormonal therapies.
HER2 Positive Breast Cancer:
Tumors with high amounts of HER2 protein typically develop faster and more aggressively.
Metastatic Breast Cancer:
Cancer that has spread from the breast to other organs, such as the bones, lungs, or liver.
Signs and Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer symptoms can vary, so it’s important to be aware of any changes in your breast health. Common signs include:
A new or unusual lump, often painless, felt in the breast or underarm.
Unexplained changes in the size and shape of breast
Discharge, other than breast milk, from the nipple, which may be bloody.
Skin changes such as redness, dimpling, or puckering, are similar to the texture of an orange peel.
Persistent pain or tenderness in the breast, not related to the menstrual cycle.
Changes in the location or inversion of the nipple.
Swelling, warmth, or thickening of part of the breast.
Weight loss that is not due to diet or exercise.
What Are The Causes Of Breast Cancer?
A variety of factors can influence the development of breast cancer, increasing the risk. Some major causes include:
Gender:
Women have a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer compared to men.
Age:
The risk of breast cancer rises with age, especially after 50.
Family History:
A family history of breast cancer, particularly if a first-degree relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) had the disease, raises the risk.
Genetic Mutations:
Certain inherited mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the chance of developing breast cancer.
Personal History:
Women with a history of breast cancer or specific noncancerous breast diseases are at a higher risk.
Hormonal Factors:
Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (beyond age 55), and never being pregnant can all raise the risk.
Lifestyle Factors:
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as obesity, inactivity, and excessive alcohol usage, may increase the risk.
Radiation Exposure:
Previous radiation therapy to the chest area can be a contributing factor.
What Are The Stage Of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is categorized into stages based on the tumor’s size and its spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The staging system may vary, but it commonly ranges from stage 0 to 4, with further subdivisions:
Stage 0 (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ or DCIS):
It is limited to the duct and has not spread to the surrounding tissues.
Stage One:
The tumor is up to 2 centimeters across and has not spread to any lymph nodes.
Stage Two:
The tumor is 2 cm across, starting to spread to nearby nodes.
Stage Three:
The tumor can grow to be up to 5 cm in diameter and has the potential to spread to lymph nodes.
Stage 4:
Cancer has spread to different organs, including the bones, liver, brain, and lungs.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis In India
Mammogram:
An X-ray of the breast helps detect lumps or abnormalities indicative of breast cancer.
Breast Ultrasound:
Sound waves are used to create pictures, which help evaluate whether a lump is a solid or fluid-filled cyst.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
Creates detailed images by using radio waves and a strong magnet. Typically used to evaluate the degree of cancer in the breast and its surrounding tissue.
Biopsy:
A small sample of breast tissue is removed and tested in a laboratory to determine whether it is cancerous.
Physical Examination:
Physical exams are performed by healthcare experts to look for lumps, changes in size or shape, and other abnormalities in the breast tissue.
Genetic Testing:
Identifies mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Best Treatment For Breast Cancer In India
Here is a list of major breast cancer treatment in India that help cancer patients combat this deadly disease.
Breast Cancer Surgery:
Lumpectomy involves the removal of a tumor together with a limited margin of surrounding breast tissue.
Mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast; it can be single or double, depending on the extent of the cancer.
Radiation Therapy:
High-energy rays are used to target and destroy breast cancer cells or to reduce tumors. This is often used after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
Chemotherapy:
Using medications to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered before or after surgery, and in certain cases, as the primary treatment for advanced stages.
Hormone Therapy:
Targets hormone receptor-positive cancers by blocking or suppressing hormones that fuel the growth of certain tumors.
Targeted Therapy:
Focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth, often used alongside chemotherapy. Examples include drugs like Herceptin for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Immunotherapy:
It makes the immune system more capable of identifying and combating cancer cells. CAR T cell therapy is an advanced form of immunotherapy to treat complex cancer cases in India.
Best Cancer Hospitals For Affordable Breast Cancer Treatment Cost In India
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre In Delhi
This cancer institute offers cutting-edge radiation therapy, surgical techniques, and targeted therapies. It has a dedicated team that provides holistic care focusing on your physical and emotional well-being.
Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
It is a leading cancer research institute offering access to innovative treatment trials.
The hospital has a team of experienced specialists who work together to create personalized treatment plans to treat breast cancer.
BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
This is a renowned cancer hospital that helps minimize risk and recovery time with techniques like robotic surgery. Their specialists have vast experience in treating various cancer types.
Apollo Cancer Institute In Chennai
Apollo Cancer Institute uses genomic profiling to tailor cancer treatment based on individual characteristics. They provide access to advanced treatment protocols from global partners.
National Cancer Institute (AIIMS) In Delhi
AIIMS offers affordable care through government healthcare schemes. This national institute has a highly qualified faculty: renowned doctors and researchers to provide cancer care.
FAQs Related To Breast Cancer Treatment Cost In India
Is breast cancer curable in India?
While “curable” varies on individual conditions, early identification and advanced treatment options have a good success rate for breast cancer in India, with increasing survival rates.
What is the average cost of hormone therapy for breast cancer in India?
The hormone therapy cost for breast cancer can range from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per month, depending on drug, dosage, and provider.
Which hospital is best for breast cancer treatment in India?
Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital is considered one of the best places for cancer treatment in India.
Can 1st stage cancer be treated?
Yes, early detection and treatment significantly increase the chances of successful treatment for breast cancer.
What is the survival rate of breast cancer in India?
The 5-year survival rate for breast cancer in India is estimated to be around 66.4%.
Can you live 20 years after breast cancer?
Many women with breast cancer, particularly those identified in the early stages, live for 20 years or longer after diagnosis.
