As the stages of cancer get advanced, the path to recovery gets harder. Apart from physical pain, Stage 3 cancer can have a deep psychological impact on the person as well. The next worry is finance. Are the savings and insurance amounts enough to pay for the treatment? Let’s find out more about what Stage 3 cancer is and Stage 3 cancer treatment costs in India.
When cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes, it is called Stage 3 cancer. Also known as locally advanced cancer, the tumour in Stage 3 cancer has grown larger than in earlier stages. Due to its large size, the cancer starts spreading to surrounding areas but not other organs in distant parts of the body.
Some symptoms of Stage 3 cancer include fatigue, a lump or swelling in the affected area, persistent pain at the site of the tumour, and weight loss.
The treatment cost of Stage 3 cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer, type of procedure, duration and frequency of treatment, geographical location, oncologist’s expertise, hospital infrastructure, diagnostic tests, etc. The cost can range between INR 62,000 and INR 6,26,000.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs –
INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000
INR 10,000 to INR 2,00,000 per cycle; most cancers require multiple cycles
INR 20,000 to INR 2,50,000 per dose
INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 per session
INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per dose
When you compare with most developed countries, Stage 3 cancer treatment cost is significantly lower in India. Let’s check out the prices in other countries –
| Countries | Price range |
| India | INR 5,00,000 – INR 20,00,000 ($6,000 – $24,000) |
| US | $50,000 – $200,000 (INR 41,25,000 – INR 1,65,00,000) |
| UK | £50,000 – £100,000 (INR 50,00,000 – INR 1,00,00,000) |
| Australia | AUD 50,000 – AUD 150,000 (INR 25,00,000 – INR 75,00,000) |
| UAE | AED 22,000 to AED 400,000 |
The factors affecting the cost of Stage 3 cancer treatment are –
The treatment varies depending on the type of cancer, so the cost will also vary. While breast cancer often requires surgery along with other therapies, an individual diagnosed with colon cancer may or may not need chemotherapy or radiation.
The cost depends heavily on the stage in which cancer is detected. Stage 3 cancer is an advanced stage, and hence, an individual will require intense treatments, increasing the overall cost. There is also the risk of complications, which can further increase the cost.
The procedures include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy. The cost depends on the procedures prescribed.
Treatment at a hospital with better infrastructure, experienced surgeons, and advanced technologies will be more expensive than a healthcare establishment with bare minimum facilities.
Getting treated in metropolitan and Tier 1 cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore will cost more than tier 2 or tier cities.
Stage 3 cancer treatment can require months of treatment.
Apart from treatment procedures, there are other expenses like periodic diagnostic tests, medications, regular follow-ups, and travel and accommodation of the patient’s family if the treatment is done in a different city.
Although cancer treatments are expensive in India, there are ways to help reduce the cost with the following measures –
1. Explore various cancer hospitals and compare them based on the cost, infrastructure, team of doctors, and facilities. This will help you choose the one that falls within your budget.
2. Treatment packages or deals offered by hospitals are cost-effective.
3. Look for a hospital closer to your home. This will reduce travel expenses.
4. Last, but not the least, opting for critical illness insurance will help save on huge expenses. Upon diagnosis of cancer, the insurer will provide a lump sum compensation, irrespective of the cost incurred. You don’t have to submit any bills to claim compensation; only proof of the diagnosis is enough.
While we can lead a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and working out regularly, some ailments disrupt our lives without any trigger. Cancer is one of them. To combat Stage 3 cancer treatment costs, it is vital to have critical illness insurance, which can minimise your out-of-pocket expenses. You can purchase it as a standalone plan or add it to your individual health insurance policy or family health insurance by paying an additional premium and staying protected.
Some common side effects of cancer treatment include vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, hair loss, pain, and infection. These side effects are normal, but it’s better to consult your oncologist if they persist.
While the risk is low, relapse is still possible. So, you have to go for regular follow-ups to monitor any symptoms of relapse.
The cost of treating cancer depends on several factors like type and stage of cancer, treatment procedures, hospital, geographical location, duration of treatment, doctor’s expertise, and the patient’s overall health condition.
If you or your family has been diagnosed with cancer or are at risk, you must buy critical illness insurance as it is designed to cover critical or life-threatening illnesses. You will be paid a lump sum compensation when diagnosed with any critical illness like cancer.
Yes, you can lead a normal life. The treatment can go on for a prolonged period, but it will help improve your overall health.
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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