Chemotherapy Cost In India

Chemotherapy expenses in India are a major concern for many diagnosed with cancer. There has been a consistent rise in cancer cases across the globe, making it a major health hazard. An aggressive and sometimes lethal disease, cancer has claimed many lives and continues to do so.

Major health organizations, medical researchers, biologists, and other healthcare professionals have been working hard to find an effective cure for cancer. Chemotherapy, being a major part of cancer treatment, can cost anywhere between INR 3,000 to INR 50,000 per cycle, depending on your requirements and the severity of cancer. Before we further discuss chemotherapy expenses in India, let us understand what chemotherapy is and why it is a life-saving treatment for most cancer patients.

What Is Chemotherapy?

A common cancer treatment across the globe, chemotherapy uses drugs that destroy cancer cells, preventing the further growth of tumors. Paired with radiation therapy and surgery, chemotherapy is usually given intravenously. Chemotherapy drug costs in India can be expensive, but in many cases, it is a life-saver. However, there are certain side effects attached to chemotherapy that can cause newer problems for patients.

Chemotherapy Treatment Cost In India

When you are diagnosed with any form of cancer, the cost of chemotherapy is determined by its severity and the affected area. However, chemotherapy cost in India starts at an average of INR 3,000 and can go up to INR 50,000 or more. Many factors influence the cost of chemotherapy in India, such as:

• Oncologist consultation fee
• Age of patient
• Diagnostics and Tests
• Affected organ/s
• The medical condition of the patient
• Types of chemotherapy planned
• Post-procedure complications
• Hospital expenses
• Room rent

How Does Chemotherapy Work?

When you are diagnosed with cancer, cancer cells may multiply aggressively within your body. Chemotherapy drugs destroy these cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying, thus prohibiting their spread to other vital organs. There are various ways in which chemotherapy is used, such as:

1. Palliative Therapy

   Palliative chemotherapy is used to shrink tumors in your body and helps reduce cancer symptoms but does not cure cancer completely.

2. Curative Therapy

   This type of chemotherapy may include radiation as well as surgery to eliminate cancer from your body permanently, preventing relapse in future years.

3. Neoadjuvant Therapy

   This kind of chemotherapy will shrink the cancer-causing tumor in your body, which is helpful if you are supposed to undergo surgery or radiation therapy.

4. Adjuvant Therapy

   This kind of chemotherapy is responsible for destroying cancer cells after surgery or radiation therapy.

   Depending on the type of cancer, the dose and form of chemotherapy may vary. Chemotherapy can also be provided to patients via topical and oral routes, along with the intravenous route.

Preparation Before Chemotherapy

Before undergoing chemotherapy, you must keep certain things in mind, as it can be an intimidating experience for many. However, proper physical and mental preparation will help you overcome the fear of chemotherapy. Your oncologists, family members, and hospital staff will guide you regarding the same. You have to be healthy and strong enough to undergo chemotherapy and achieve its full potential, as it is a high-intensity treatment. To determine this, doctors will conduct multiple tests to determine your body's response to the treatment. To be prepared for the same, you must consider the following factors:

1. Prepare Financially

   As we have established that chemotherapy treatment costs in India are expensive, it is essential to estimate the approximate cost of your chemotherapy. To ease the financial burden, it is best to invest in a critical illness health insurance plan. You can also invest in a critical illness rider when purchasing a regular health insurance plan to protect your hard-earned savings in difficult scenarios such as a cancer diagnosis.

2. Understand Chemotherapy

   Talk to your oncologist and understand the course of your treatment properly. When you are mentally prepared for what is coming, it gets easier to undergo chemotherapy without feeling anxious or scared. The possible side effects and advantages must be discussed candidly with your doctor.

3. Plan For Any Possible Side Effects

   If you are about to undergo chemotherapy, it is best to stay prepared for all possible side effects. One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. Plan how to tackle hair loss in advance and make yourself comfortable with either a wig or by purchasing headscarves and head wraps as per your liking and style. Purchase skincare products that will help your skin heal and make you feel good.

4. Arrange Work Schedule

   If you have a full-time job and will be undergoing chemotherapy, it is best to speak to your employer about your treatment routine. This makes it easier for them to accommodate and support you through your treatment and recovery journey. Opting for remote working or complete rest during your chemotherapy is advisable.

5. Consult A Dentist

   When you are undergoing chemotherapy, your taste buds may change, and you might dislike foods you previously enjoyed. Mouth sores may also prevent you from enjoying many food items. It is best to talk to your doctor and ask them about safe food items to consume during chemotherapy.

Is Chemotherapy Only For Cancer?

Many individuals may be under the impression that chemotherapy is only reserved for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. However, that is not always the case. Many other medical conditions require you to undergo chemotherapy, like:

• Immunity-Related Disorders
• Bone Marrow Diseases

Wrapping It Up

Chemotherapy costs in India are on the higher side and can cause significant financial strain if you do not have a health insurance plan. With an average of INR 15,000 to INR 20,000 per chemotherapy cycle, it is challenging to manage such expenses without a health insurance plan. Cancer treatments are available at both government and private hospitals in India, and one can opt for whichever hospital suits them best and falls under their insurer's network for additional benefits. Typically, patients require 2 to 4 chemotherapy sessions based on their cancer diagnosis and type of cancer. Hence, it is essential to consider chemotherapy expenses in India and be fully prepared for the same.

For any additional information about critical illness health insurance policies and their benefits, call our expert advisors at PolicyX today!