What is the Cost of Colon Cancer Treatment in India?

Colon Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Colorectal cancer is considered to be the third most common form of cancer worldwide. It accounts for approximately 10% of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Understanding the treatment costs involved is crucial, as it allows patients and families to prepare financially and make informed decisions.

What is the Cost of Colon Cancer Treatment?

Various factors like the geographic location of the facility, severity of the condition and many more influence the final costs of colon cancer treatment. However, here is a general overview of the estimated costs of colon cancer treatment across some cities in India:

What are the Treatment Options for Colon Cancer?

The treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage of disease, overall health and preferences of the patient. Here are a few main types of treatment for colon cancer:

● Surgery

Surgery to remove the cancerous section of the colon (colectomy) and nearby lymph nodes is the primary curative treatment for localized colon cancer (Stages I, II, and III). Its role and timing may differ for advanced stages. The cost of colon cancer surgery in India ranges from Rs. 3 lakh - Rs. 8+ lakhs.

● Chemotherapy

It uses drugs to kill any cancerous cells, thereby stopping their growth. It is very commonly used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy treatment of colon cancer can cost between the range of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh per cycle.

● Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is used much more frequently for rectal cancer. In colon cancer, it is not standard but may be used in specific palliative situations to relieve symptoms from advanced tumours or to treat isolated metastatic sites. This therapy costs between Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 5+ lakhs. The total cost depends on the specific drug, dosage, and number of cycles, which can extend over many months.

● Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to recognise and attack cancerous cells. This therapy is generally used in the advanced stages or for metastatic cases with genetic markers. The cost of immunotherapy for colon cancer costs between Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 4 lakhs per cycle.

● Targeted Therapy

It involves the usage of drugs that attack specific cancer cell mechanisms. The costs of targeted therapy range between Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 3 lakhs, per treatment cycle.

Factors That Influence Colon Cancer Treatment Costs

Here is an overview of some factors that influence the costs of colon cancer:

● Stage of Cancer

Early-stage colon cancer is generally less expensive to treat than late-stage cancer. Colon cancer which is at stage I or II may require only surgery. However, stages III and IV require surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, which significantly increases the costs.

● Type of Treatment

The type of treatment also plays a major role in determining the costs. For instance, the cost of surgery is different from that of getting radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

● Duration of Treatment

The treatment of colon cancer can last from several months to over a year, especially if the cancer has a recurrence or progresses. An extended treatment can result in high cumulative costs.

● Hospital Fees

Hospital-related fees including outpatient visits, stays, and emergency care are also a major factor that contributes to the overall cost of colon cancer. Hospitals located in urban regions generally have higher treatment prices than facilities in rural areas.

While the expenses vary by location and treatment type, early detection and informed choices can help to manage both financial and health outcomes, ultimately improving survival rates.