Chemotherapy Cost In India

Chemotherapy expenses in India are a major concern for many who are diagnosed with cancer. There has been a consistent uprise in cancer cases across the globe and it is 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 3,000 to 50,000 per cycle as per your requirements and severity of cancer. Before we further discuss chemotherapy expenses in India let us understand what is chemotherapy and why is it a life-saving treatment for most cancer patients.

What Is Chemotherapy?

A common cancer treatment across the globe, chemotherapy is known to use drugs that destroy cancer cells, preventing the further growth of tumours. Paired with radiation therapy and surgery, chemotherapy is usually given intravenously. Chemotherapy drug cost in India is expensive but in many cases, it is a lifesaver. However, there are certain side effects attached to chemotherapy that cause newer problems for the patients.

Chemotherapy Treatment Cost In India

When you are diagnosed with any form of cancer depending on the severity and affected area, the cost of chemotherapy is determined. However, chemotherapy cost in India starts at an average of INR 3,000 and goes up to INR 50,000 or more. A lot of factors affect the pricing 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

Function Of Chemotherapy?

When you are diagnosed with cancer, cancer cells showcase their aggressive nature and may multiply within your body. Chemotherapy drugs function in a way wherein they destroy the cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying. Thus, prohibiting them from spreading to your other vital organs. There are various ways in which chemotherapy is used such as,

1. Palliative therapy

   Palliative chemotherapy is used to shrink tumours 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 the future years.

3. Neoadjuvant Therapy

   This kind of chemotherapy will shrink the cancer-causing tumour 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 the patients via the topical and oral route along with the intravenous route.

Preparation Before Chemotherapy

Before going in for chemotherapy you must keep certain things in mind as it can be an intimidating experience for a lot of people. 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 the same the doctors will undergo multiple tests to determine if your body will respond well to the treatment. To be prepared for the same you must consider the following factors:

1. Prepare Financially

   As we have established the fact 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 cancer diagnosis.

2. Understand Chemotherapy

   Talk to your oncologist and understand the course of your treatment properly. When you are prepared mentally 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 the 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 skin care products that will help your skin heal and make you feel good.

4. Arrange Work Schedule

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

5. Consult A Dentist

   When you are undergoing chemotherapy your taste buds may change. You might dislike the taste of a lot of things you previously liked. You may also have mouth sores which will prevent you from enjoying many food items. It is best to talk to your doctor and ask them what possible food items can be consumed and are safe during chemotherapy.

Is Chemotherapy Limited Only To Cancer?

A lot of 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
• Radiation Therapy

Wrapping It Up

Chemotherapy cost in India is on the steeper end and can cause serious damage to your finances in case you do not have a health insurance plan. With an average of INR 15k to 20k per chemotherapy cycle, it is almost impossible to spend so much money on every sitting without having a health care plan. Cancer treatments are available at both government and private hospitals in India and one can opt for whichever hospital suits them best and whichever falls under their insurer panels for additional advantages. 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 & their benefits, call our expert advisors at PolicyX today!

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