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Breast Cancer Cost, Stages and Treatment in India

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Breast cancer is a serious illness that happens when cells in the breast change and start growing uncontrollably, forming lumps or tumours. While it mostly affects women over the age of 50, it can also affect younger women and even men.

Doctors usually treat breast cancer by removing the tumour through surgery or using other treatments to destroy the cancer cells. The earlier breast cancer is found, the easier it is to treat. However, like many serious diseases, it can affect both your health and your finances. While better awareness, technology and treatments have improved survival rates, the cost of treatment can still be high and may vary by hospital and city. In this blog, we will explore the costs of different types of breast cancer treatments across various cities in India.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast start to grow abnormally, forming a lump or tumour. These tumours can be either cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Although breast cancer can affect both men and women, it is more prevalent in women and is actually the most common cancer among women around the world.

Here are some key points about breast cancer:

• Types of breast cancer:

There are different types of breast cancer, including:

◦ Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

◦ Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)

◦ Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)

◦ Inflammatory breast cancer

• Risk factors:

Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These include age, family history of the disease, specific genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, hormone levels, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.

• Timely diagnosis:

Early detection plays a major role in effective treatment and recovery. That’s why regular breast self-checks, doctor visits and mammograms are important to catch the disease at an early stage.

• Treatment:

If diagnosed, proper treatment can help remove the cancer, reduce the risk of it returning and support a longer, healthier life.

Breast Cancer Stages and Treatment

The following are different stages of breast cancer and their treatment options:

Stage 1 Breast Cancer and Treatment

In Stage 1 breast cancer, cancer cells have started to grow into nearby breast tissue. It has two subtypes:

• Stage 1A:

A small tumour (up to 2 cm) is found in the breast but hasn’t spread outside it.

• Stage 1B:

Small clusters of cancer cells (0.2 to 2 mm) are found in the lymph nodes. There might also be a tumour in the breast that is 2 cm or smaller, along with these small cancer cell groups in the lymph nodes.

Treatment options:

• Surgery:

A lumpectomy (removing the tumour) or mastectomy (removing the whole breast) may be done. Lymph nodes may also be checked or removed.

• Chemotherapy:

This treatment may be used based on tumour size, risk of spread and hormone receptor status.

• Radiation therapy:

This is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. It depends on age, tumour size and if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

• Hormone therapy:

If the cancer is hormone-sensitive (ER+ or PR+), hormone therapy blocks estrogen to slow or stop cancer growth and reduce the chance of it returning.

• Targeted therapy:

For HER2-positive cancers, targeted therapy uses specific drugs to attack cancer cells. This treatment usually causes fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

Stage 2 Breast Cancer and Treatment

In Stage 2, the cancer has grown and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. It is divided into:

• Stage 2A:

◦ Tumour is smaller than 2 cm but has spread to lymph nodes, or

◦ The tumour is 2 to 5 cm with no lymph node involvement.

• Stage 2B:

◦ The tumour is 2 to 5 cm and has spread to the lymph nodes, or

◦ The tumour is larger than 5 cm with no spread to lymph nodes.

Treatment options

Stage 2 breast cancer is usually treated with a mix of surgery and additional therapies.

• Surgery:

Treatment may involve a lumpectomy or a mastectomy, depending on the tumour’s size, location and the patient's preferences. In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed.

• Combination therapy:

After surgery, radiation is often used to destroy any remaining cancer cells. It may be combined with chemotherapy and hormone therapy for a more complete treatment.

• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is sometimes given before surgery to shrink the tumour. This can make it easier to remove and may reduce the need for more extensive surgery.

Stage 3 Breast Cancer and Treatment

Stage 3 is an advanced form of breast cancer that has spread more deeply into nearby tissues or lymph nodes. It is divided into:

• Stage 3A:

◦ Cancer found in 4 to 9 lymph nodes, or

◦ The tumour is over 5 cm and cancer has spread to 1 to 3 lymph nodes.

• Stage 3B:

◦ Tumour has grown into the chest wall or skin (may cause swelling or ulcers).

◦ It may involve up to 9 lymph nodes.

• Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare but aggressive type that affects the skin of the breast.

◦ The breast may look red, feel warm and become swollen. These changes happen because cancer cells have spread to the skin and nearby lymph nodes.

◦ Inflammatory breast cancer is generally diagnosed at stage 3B or higher.

• Stage 3C:

◦ Cancer has spread to 10+ lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the collarbone or breastbone.

◦ It may also affect the skin or chest wall.

Treatment options:

• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy:

Given before surgery to shrink tumours and make them easier to remove.

• Surgery:

Involves removing the tumour through a lumpectomy or mastectomy, often along with nearby lymph nodes.

• Radiation therapy:

Used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast or surrounding area.

• Chemotherapy:

Destroys cancer cells throughout the body and helps prevent the cancer from spreading or returning.

• Hormone therapy:

Slows the growth of hormone receptor-positive cancers by blocking or lowering hormone levels.

• Targeted therapy:

Specifically used for HER2-positive cancers to block the growth of cancer cells.

Stage 4 Breast Cancer and Treatment

Stage 4 breast cancer is treated with a mix of therapies like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. These aim to slow the cancer’s growth and relieve symptoms.

Surgery is less common but may be used to ease pain or fix problems like broken bones or spinal cord pressure caused by the cancer spreading. Medications are also used to manage symptoms like pain.

How Much Does It Cost for Breast Cancer Treatment in India?

The cost of breast cancer treatment in India differs with stage, treatment modality, and hospital or clinic. On average, breast cancer treatment costs can range from INR 1,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 or more.

Here’s a breakdown of the various components involved in breast cancer treatment:

1. Consultation fees:

Initial consultations with oncologists cost from INR 500 to INR 2000, depending on the rank of the doctor and the hospital.

2. Diagnostic tests:

However, during the course of the disease, several diagnostic tests should be performed to diagnose the disease and determine its stage. Common tests include:

• Mammography:

Range between INR 1000 up to cost of INR 3000.

• Ultrasound:

It is worth between INR 1,500 and INR 5,000.

• Biopsy:

This costs between INR 2,000 and INR 10,000, depending on the method chosen by the patient.

3. Surgery:

Surgical options are dependent on the nature of the surgical procedure that needs to be performed:

• Lumpectomy:

The treatment may take anywhere from INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000.

• Mastectomy:

The charges could vary from 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs, depending on bilateral or unilateral surgery.

4. Chemotherapy:

The price of chemotherapy differs depending on the type of drug given and on the number of rounds administered. The total cost varies from INR 50,000 to INR 3,00,000.

5. Radiation Therapy:

Normally, the cost of radiation therapy ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000, depending on the number of sessions required.

6. Hormonal therapy:

If hormonal therapy is necessary, that may cost anything between INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000 per annum, depending on the hormones that are required for treatment.

7. Follow-up care:

General follow-up consultations, including blood tests and other examinations, can cost between INR 5,000 and INR 15,000 per session.

Considering these costs, it’s essential for patients to explore options for financial support through health insurance or critical illness insurance, which can significantly ease the financial burden associated with breast cancer treatment.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Tests and Their Cost in India

In breast cancer, diagnosis also plays an important role because, without diagnosis, appropriate action cannot be taken. The following tests are commonly conducted, along with their average costs:

1. Mammography:

• It is important in classifying diseases of breast tissues within this examination, known as X-ray.

• Cost: INR 1,000 to INR 3,000.

2. Breast ultrasound:

• This test is commonly used along with mammography to determine if a mass is a solid tumour or simply a cyst filled with fluid.

• Cost: INR 1,500 to INR 5,000.

3. Biopsy:

• The first and most important test that’s needed is a biopsy that will show the presence of cancerous cells. Depending on the nature of the growth, the biopsy method may be either a needle biopsy or an excisional biopsy.

• Cost: INR 2,000 to INR 10,000.

4. MRI of the breast:

• The health care provider may order another imaging of the breast tissue, such as an MRI, especially if the breast density is high.

• Cost: INR 5,000 to INR 15,000.

5. Genetic testing:

• In women who have breast cancer or who have close relatives with the disease, doctors may recommend a test to check for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.

• Cost: INR 15,000 to INR 40,000.

These diagnostic tests are very important in helping prepare the right course of action.

India's Major Cities' Breast Cancer Treatment Costs

The cost of breast cancer treatment largely depends on the city in which one is located. Here’s a comparative overview of the average costs in some of India’s major cities:

Mumbai:

• Consultation fees: INR 1,000 to INR 3,000.

• Surgery costs: INR 2,00,000 to INR 6,00,000.

• Chemotherapy: INR 1,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.

• Radiation: INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000.

Delhi:

• Consultation fees: INR 800 to INR 2,500.

• Surgery costs: INR 1,50,000 to INR 5,00,000.

• Chemotherapy: INR 80,000 to INR 3,00,000.

• Radiation: INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000.

Bangalore:

• Consultation Fees: INR 600 to INR 2,000.

• Surgery costs: INR 1,80,000 to INR 5,00,000.

• Chemotherapy: INR 70,000 to INR 2,50,000.

• Radiation: INR 25,000 to INR 80,000.

Chennai:

• Consultation Fees: INR 500 to INR 1,500.

• Surgery costs: INR 1,50,000 to INR 4,50,000.

• Chemotherapy: INR 60,000 to INR 2,00,000.

• Radiation: INR 20,000 to INR 70,000.

Hyderabad:

• Consultation fees: INR 700 to INR 2,000.

• Surgery costs: INR 1,50,000 to INR 4,00,000.

• Chemotherapy: INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000.

• Radiation: INR 20,000 to INR 75,000.

However, it is necessary to note that these figures only provide an indication of average costs, and there may be significant differences in some cases. Patients must seek opinions from several doctors in order to get personalised costs for treatment plans.

Conclusion

Breast cancer treatment in India can be costly, but the right health insurance can ease the financial burden. While individual and family health coverage plans may cover some treatment costs, having a critical illness policy offers stronger financial support.

When choosing a health plan, always check the policy’s inclusions, exclusions and premium details. You can use an online tool for calculating health insurance premiums to find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Having the right insurance can help you get the care you need without worrying too much about the cost.

FAQs

1. What are the average costs of breast cancer treatment in India?

The cost of breast cancer treatment in India can range from INR 1,00,000 to INR 10,00,000, depending on factors like cancer stage and treatment type. Key expenses include consultations, diagnostic tests, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

2. How can health insurance help with breast cancer treatment costs?

Health and critical illness insurance can significantly alleviate the financial burden of breast cancer treatment by covering various expenses, including diagnostics, surgeries, and therapies. Patients are encouraged to explore their insurance options to ensure comprehensive financial support during treatment.

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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