
Discovering you are diagnosed with cancer can break you physically, emotionally, and financially. But you have to hear the stories of cancer survivors and how they chose resilience over helplessness. The fight against cancer is not possible without chemotherapy. However, the cost of the procedure is a significant concern. If you opt to get treatment in a metropolitan city like Delhi, you must be mindful of the expenses. The capital city has no dearth of specialised centres offering a range of treatment options like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and palliative care.
Chemotherapy costs in Delhi can range from a few thousand to a few lakhs per cycle depending on several factors, such as –
These are two significant factors affecting the cost of chemotherapy. Some cancers like leukaemia may require more chemo cycles and more powerful and expensive drugs as compared to breast cancer. Similarly, if the cancer is in an advanced stage, the treatment may be more intense and extended, leading to high costs.
The cost of drugs prescribed can vary depending on the type, dosage, and combination because chemo drugs come in various forms and combinations. While generic medicines are affordable, branded or patented drugs may be costly due to their efficacy.
The type of hospital, i.e., government, private, or specialised cancer hospital, can also affect the cost of chemotherapy. If you choose a private hospital or top-notch cancer hospital, the cost will be more than government-run hospitals because of better infrastructure, amenities, and services.
If the treatment continues for a prolonged period, depending on the type and stage of cancer, it can add to the overall chemotherapy cost in Delhi.
Before undergoing chemotherapy, during, or after chemo cycles, you may have to undergo additional diagnostic tests like blood tests, CT scans, PET scans, MRI, etc., from time to time to check the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
If you consult an experienced and reputed oncologist, the fees will be higher.
The location of the hospital or clinic is also an important factor affecting the cost of chemotherapy. For instance, a hospital in South Delhi will be costlier than in North Delhi.
If chemotherapy is done as a daycare procedure, it will cost less than a prolonged hospital stay. If the condition is complicated and requires constant monitoring and hospitalisation, the overall cost will increase.
Despite the high cost of chemotherapy, it is a significant part of cancer treatment. Here are some of its benefits —
It reduces the size of the tumours and makes it easier to remove them surgically. This is possible because it targets and destroys cancer cells. This is one of the best-known methods to contain the spread of the fatal disease.
Also known as helper therapy, adjuvant therapy targets cancer cells that primary treatment didn't destroy. Chemotherapy serves as adjuvant therapy after surgery or radiation. It is done to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
It is a medical care that relieves pain and stress caused by a critical ailment so the patient’s quality of life can improve. Chemotherapy can provide palliative care for advanced-stage cancers.
Chemotherapy is effective against a wide range of cancer types and can help improve a person’s life expectancy.
Address: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110029
Phone: +91-11-26588500 / 26588700
Address: Metro Station, Dharamshala Marg, Vasundhara Enclave Near Ashok Nagar, Vasundhara Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110096
Phone: 080675 0688
Address: Manipal Hospital, Sector 6 Dwarka, Dwarka, Delhi, 110075
Phone: 011 4967 4967
Address: Sector 51, Gurugram 122001, Haryana, India
Phone: +91-124 – 4511 111
Address: Sir Chotu Ram Marg, Rohini Institutional Area, Sector 5, Rohini, New Delhi, Delhi, 110085
Phone: 011 4702 2222
Address: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Marg, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi – 110060
Phone: +91 11-42254000
Address: Jaypee Hospital Rd, Goberdhanpur, Sector 128, Noida, Shahpur Govardhanpur Bangar, Uttar Pradesh 201304
Phone: 0120 412 2222
Address: Medanta- The Medicity, CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001
Phone: 0124 414 1414
Address: Sector 12 Rd, Sector 18, Sector 18A Dwarka, Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi, 110075
Phone: 011 4855 5555
Address: Sector – 44, Opposite HUDA City Centre, Gurugram, Haryana 122002
Phone: 088600 22554
When it comes to cancer treatment, Delhi's medical infrastructure is one of the best in the country. Many patients come from different parts of the country hoping to defeat cancer. The cost of chemotherapy treatment remains a significant concern for most of them. Having a health insurance policy can help cover the costs, but it may not be adequate. So, it’s advisable to buy critical illness insurance, which will provide a lump sum compensation when diagnosed with a critical illness like cancer. Whether it's the insurance money or your own, do your research well and spend the money judiciously, as cancer can require extended treatment.
No. If you opt for a private or cancer specialty hospital, the cost will be more than government hospitals. This is because of better infrastructure, services, and other amenities.
This depends on several factors like type and stage of cancer, type of hospital, treatment duration, etc. However, the cost usually ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 2,00,000 per cycle.
You can get chemotherapy medicines free of cost or at subsidised rates in government hospitals, depending on the availability.
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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