Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in Chennai

What impacts the breast cancer treatment cost in Chennai?

The cost of breast cancer treatment in Chennai can vary from Rs. Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 25,00,000+. However, the overall cost is based on different factors like the stage of cancer, the type of treatment needed, the hospital or clinic selected, and the time duration of treatment.

• Reconstruction surgery (₹1–5 lakhs).
• Genetic testing (BRCA1/2: ₹10,000–30,000).
• Palliative care for metastatic cases (additional ₹50,000–2 lakhs/month)

What is a breast cancer treatment?    

Breast cancer treatment refers to a mixture of approaches, like surgery, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, depending upon the stage and characteristics of the cancer. Breast cancer treatment is personalised and may involve a mixture of these methods.   

What affects the breast cancer treatment cost in Chennai?   

The breast cancer treatment cost in Chennai is influenced by many factors, such as the cancer stage, type of cancer, the specific treatment plan (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.), the patient's overall health, the type of hospital, and the duration of treatment and follow-up care. Also, the location of the treatment facility impacts the breast cancer treatment. Let's have a look at the factors that affect the cost of breast cancer treatment.  

Stage and Type of Cancer  

More advanced stages and aggressive types of cancer need extensive and costly treatment.

• Type of Treatment : Different treatment modalities (such as surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy) have differing costs.
• Type and Location of Hospital : Private hospitals and facilities in urban areas often have higher costs compared to government hospitals or those in rural settings.
• Patient's Health : Pre-existing health conditions, overall health status and age can impact the treatment plan and related costs.
• Treatment Duration and Follow-up : Longer treatment courses, like chemotherapy and radiation, and ongoing follow-up appointments account for the higher overall costs. 
• Diagnostic Tests : The cost of diagnostic tests like mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds, and genetic testing can contribute to the total expenses.
• Medications : The cost of medications, both during treatment and for managing side effects, can be a main factor.  
• Hospital Stay : The type of room selected (private, semi-private, etc.) and the length of hospital stay can affect the cost.
• Health Insurance Coverage : The extent of insurance coverage is an important role in determining out-of-pocket expenses. 
• Surgery : Costs can differ depending upon the type of surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy) and if the lymph node removal is needed. 
• Chemotherapy : The cost of chemotherapy is based on the specific drugs used, the number of cycles, and the time duration of treatment. 
• Radiation Therapy : The type of radiation therapy (brachytherapy, external beam) and the number of sessions affect the cost.    

What are the types of breast cancer treatment? 

There are many types of breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer treatment involves a mixture of therapies tailored to the individual's specific type and stage of cancer. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Let's have a look at the types of breast cancer treatment.    

• Surgery : Surgical procedures target clearing off the cancerous tumour and surrounding tissue. Types include lumpectomy (clearing off the tumour and a few surrounding tissues) and mastectomy (clearing off the entire breast).    
• Chemotherapy : Drugs help kill cancer cells, either before or after surgery, or for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
• Radiation Therapy  : High-energy rays help kill cancer cells, often after surgery to clear off any remaining cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy : This treatment blocks hormones that can trigger breast cancer cell growth, especially for hormone receptor-positive cancers.    
• Targeted Therapy : Drugs that aim at particular molecules or pathways involved in cancer cell development, often used for HER2-positive breast cancer.   
• Immunotherapy : This treatment uses the body's immune system to fight against cancer cells and, in some cases, is used for triple-negative breast cancer.    

Which type of hospitals offer breast cancer treatment?

Breast cancer treatment is provided at many types of hospitals, like specialised cancer centres, multi-speciality hospitals, and general hospitals that have oncology departments. Hospitals that have dedicated oncology units or cancer centres have the most comprehensive resources and expertise for breast cancer treatment.

• Cancer Centres : These facilities help diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer, such as breast cancer. They have a multidisciplinary team of specialists, such as surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, and other healthcare professionals.   
• Multi-Speciality Hospitals : Several large hospitals provide comprehensive cancer care, like breast cancer treatment, as part of their broader range of services. These hospitals may have dedicated oncology departments or cancer centres within the larger facility.
• General Hospitals : Some general hospitals might also provide breast cancer treatment, particularly if they have an oncology department or collaborate with nearby cancer centres.

What does breast cancer treatment depend on?

Main treatments for breast cancer depend on many factors. Here are the factors that determine breast cancer treatment:

• The size and type of breast cancer a person have
• Location of Cancer on the Breast
• How far it has spread to other parts of your body
• Your general health

The main treatment for breast cancer is generally surgery. Other common treatments are chemotherapy, treatment with hormones (hormone therapy), radiotherapy,targeted medicines and immunotherapy. A specialist medical care team looking after you explains the treatments, benefits and side effects might :

• Work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you.
• Talk to you about how treatment might affect you, for instance, if there are any side effects.

You'll have regular check-ups during and post any treatments. You might also have tests and scans.   

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, consult your specialists. You do not have to wait for your next check-up.

Facts about Breast Cancer Treatment

• Breast cancer treatment can be more expensive than other invasive procedures, especially because of the complexity and different treatments involved, like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.
• A team of specialists manages the breast cancer treatment. This team includes breast surgeons, radiologists, oncologists (medical, radiation, and surgical), plastic surgeons, genetic counsellors and other healthcare professionals.   
• Breast cancer treatment can be serious, but the severity differs based upon the stage and individual factors. Early-stage breast cancer is highly treatable, with excellent survival rates, while advanced stages can be challenging to treat, but treatment can enhance quality of life and extend life expectancy.
• Breast cancer is one of the major health concerns in Chennai, with the highest age-standardised rate of breast cancer in India. In Chennai, one in 19 women are estimated to be vulnerable to getting breast cancer in their lifetime. The incidence rate has been increasing steadily, with a notable increase in cases among younger women. 
• Breast cancer treatment is considered worthwhile because of the significant improvements in survival rates and quality of life it provides compared to no treatment.
• The recovery time post breast cancer treatment differs based upon the type of surgery and other treatments obtained. In general, lumpectomy patients might be able to return to normal activities within 1 to 3 weeks, while mastectomy patients may require 3 to 4 weeks for basic recovery and up to 6 to 8 weeks with reconstruction.
• Surgery is a common and primary treatment for breast cancer, but it's usually used in conjunction with other therapies. While surgery targets to clear off the tumour, other treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy help kill cancer cells that might stay or prevent the return of the cancer.   
• Breast cancer risks can come from the disease itself or its treatments. These complications can be classified as those happening post-surgery, during chemotherapy or radiation, and those associated with metastatic spread. The common complications are lymphoedema, fatigue, pain, and nerve damage. Metastatic breast cancer can also result in different complications in the lungs, brain, liver, and bones.
• For several people, the weeks following a breast cancer diagnosis can be stressful. One may see it as difficult to carry out their normal activities, to think clearly, eat or sleep. They might even feel lonely or disconnected.

The right time to begin breast cancer treatment is as soon as possible after diagnosis, but it's not always a matter to rush into the first available appointment. While early treatment is usually better, waiting some weeks to get the correct care plan in place is usually recommended and not harmful.

Also Read:

→ Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in Delhi

→ Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in Hyderabad

→ Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in Mumbai

→ Cancer Treatment Cost in Bangalore

→ Cancer Treatment Cost in Chennai