Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally. The Global Cancer Observatory acknowledges that breast cancer is not just a health issue but also a significant social challenge, impacting numerous families and communities. While advancements in healthcare technology and treatment options have led to a decrease in breast cancer mortality rates, the financial burden of treatment remains a considerable obstacle for many patients and their families.
If you are seeking breast cancer treatment in India, you have found the right resource. This blog will provide comprehensive information regarding treatment costs, factors influencing these costs, ways to save money, and much more.
Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Breast cancer treatment cost in India can range from INR 2,00,000 (USD 2330) to INR 10,00,000 (USD 11,700) , depending on the treatment type and stage of the cancer.
Breakdown of Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Given below is an overview of breast cancer treatment cost in India. Please note that the expenses mentioned may differ based on the specific location or hospital. This information is intended to provide you with an estimate only.
| Treatment | Cost |
| Consultation with the Doctor | $20 to $40 |
| Diagnosis Test
Mammography Ultrasound PET Scan MRI Biopsy |
$12 to $36 $18 to $60 $60 to $300 $200 to $500 $24 to $120 |
| Surgery
Lumpectomy Mastectomy |
$1,900 to $2,600 $2,600 to $3,900 |
| Chemotherapy (per cycle) | $700 to $3,500 |
| Radiation Therapy | $1,800 to $6,300 |
| Hormonal Therapy | $60 to $240 |
| Immunotheraoy | $2,500 to $4,000 |
| Follow-up care | $24 to $60 |
Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India Vs Other Countries
| Countries | Prices |
| India | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| United State | $20,000 to $100,000+ |
| United Kingdom | $15,000 to $60,000 |
| UAE | $18,000 to $70,000 |
| Australia | $17,000 to $60,000 |
These figures indicate that why breast cancer treatment is more affordable in India compared to Western countries, it remains a substantial financial commitment. One can save up to 40% to 60% of the cost compared to their native countries.
Factors that can Affect Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India
The cost of breast cancer treatment in India can vary significantly based on multiple factors. Here are the key elements that influence the overall cost of breast cancer treatment in India:
Stage and Type of Cancer
- Early-stage breast cancer is generally less expensive to treat compared to advanced or metastatic cancer, which requires prolonged therapies and additional interventions.
- The type of breast cancer (e.g., HER2-positive, triple-negative, hormone receptor-positive) determines the treatment approach and cost of breast cancer treatment in India.
Type of Treatment
Breast cancer treatment includes various modalities, and costs differ depending on the treatment required:
- Surgery (Lumpectomy or Mastectomy): Costs vary based on hospital and surgeon expertise.
- Chemotherapy: The type and number of chemo cycles required impact the overall expense.
- Radiation Therapy: Advanced radiation techniques like IMRT or proton therapy cost more.
- Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Expensive drugs like Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), or Dostarlimab can significantly increase costs.
- Hormonal Therapy: For hormone-positive cancers, long-term medications like Tamoxifen or Letrozole add to the total cost of breast cancer treatment in India.
Choice of Hospital & Location
- Top private hospitals in metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai) have higher costs than government hospitals or smaller city healthcare centers.
- Corporate hospitals offer advanced treatment but are more expensive than trust-based or government hospitals.
Oncologist’s Expertise:
Senior oncologists and specialists with international training may charge higher consultation and surgery fees.
Hospital Stay & Infrastructure
- Longer hospital stays, ICU admissions, and high-end facilities increase expenses.
- Multi-specialty hospitals with cutting-edge technology may have higher fees.
Diagnostic Tests & Follow-ups
- Initial tests like biopsy, MRI, CT scan, PET scan, and blood tests add to the cost.
- Continuous follow-ups and monitoring over several years can contribute to the total cost of breast cancer treatment in India.
Additional Expenses:
Post-treatment medications, supportive care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications also add to the total cost of breast cancer treatment in India.
How International Patients Can Save Money on Breast Cancer Treatment in India?
India is a preferred destination for affordable and high-quality breast cancer treatment. However, international patients can take additional steps to further reduce costs. Here’s how:
1) Choose Affordable Hospitals
- Opt for government or trust hospitals like Tata Memorial Hospital (Mumbai), AIIMS (Delhi), and Kidwai Memorial Institute (Bangalore) for cost-effective care.
- Private hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, and Medanta offer advanced treatments at lower costs than in Western countries.
2) Get a Cost Estimate in Advance
- Contact multiple hospitals to get detailed treatment cost estimates before traveling.
- Many hospitals provide customized treatment packages for international patients, covering tests, surgery, and post-care.
3) Use Medical Tourism Services
- Agencies like Medical tourism companies help international patients find the best treatment at affordable rates.
- They assist with hospital selection, visa processing, accommodation, and doctor appointments.
4) Check for Government & NGO Support
- Some Indian NGOs and cancer foundations provide financial help to international patients in need.
- Contact organizations like the Indian Cancer Society and Tata Trusts Cancer Care Program for possible assistance.
5) Opt for Generic Medicines
- India offers high-quality generic alternatives to expensive cancer drugs like Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) at a fraction of the price.
- Ask your doctor about cost-effective medicine options.
6) Stay in Budget-Friendly Accommodations
- Instead of expensive hotels, consider guest houses near hospitals, service apartments, or medical stays.
- Some hospitals provide patient and family accommodations at lower costs.
7) Explore Medical Visa Benefits
- India offers a Medical Visa (M-Visa) for foreign patients seeking treatment.
- Certain countries have special agreements for fast-track medical visas and extended stays for cancer treatment.
8) Plan for Insurance & Financial Aid
- If you have international health insurance, check if it covers treatment in India.
- Some hospitals accept global insurance policies, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
9) Choose a Cost-Effective Treatment City
- Metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have world-class hospitals but can be expensive.
- Cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Pune offer equally good treatment at lower costs.
An Overview of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and division of cells within the mammary glands. Although it predominantly affects women, it can also occur in men.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including obesity, early onset of menstruation, late onset of menopause, having children after the age of 30, smoking, alcohol consumption, and hormone therapy during menopause. Additionally, breastfeeding has been shown to offer protective benefits against breast cancer.
The disease can arise from mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which may result from external oncogenic influences or be inherited. Research indicates that there is a 5 to 10% likelihood of breast cancer being passed down to subsequent generations.
The presence of tumors in or near the breast may manifest through various symptoms. Dr. Saphalta Baghmar recommends that women of all ages conduct a self-examination of their breasts at least once a month, ideally 4 to 5 days after their menstrual period ends. This practice significantly enhances the chances of early detection of any potential tumors.
During a self-examination, a tumor may present as a small lump that either grows or remains constant, an unusual bump or indentation on the breast’s surface, or a change in the shape of the nipple that was not previously observed.
For high-quality and affordable breast cancer treatment in India, consider consulting Dr. Saphalta Baghmar.
How Breast Cancer are Diagnosed?
A breast tumor is frequently identified for the first time during a routine self-examination or a standard physical check-up. If your primary care physician suspects signs of cancer, they will refer you to an oncologist.
Dr. Saphalta Baghmar and her team employ a comprehensive diagnostic approach to assess whether the lump or irregularity in the breast is malignant and to evaluate its severity.
This process may include a combination of the following tests:
– Physical examination
– Mammography or ultrasound
– MRI
– PET scan
– Biopsies
The physical examination, mammography, and ultrasound are designed to identify any abnormal lumps in or around the breasts. MRI and PET scans offer more detailed information regarding the severity of the condition. Should any abnormal growth be found, a tissue sample will be collected for a biopsy, which is a crucial step in confirming a breast cancer diagnosis.
How Breast Cancer is Treated?
The team offers personalized breast cancer treatment options in India for patients. Their approach incorporates a combination of two or more of the following techniques:
Surgery: This may involve partial breast removal, known as breast-conserving surgery, if the tumor is small. For larger tumors, a mastectomy, which entails the complete removal of the breast, is performed.
Hormone Therapy: Since many breast cancer cases are hormone-sensitive, hormone therapy is utilized in these instances. This treatment typically requires a long-term commitment, lasting between 5 to 10 years.
Chemotherapy: This approach employs potent chemical agents to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and eliminate them.
Radiation Therapy: This technique directs high-energy radiation at the tumor to destroy the rapidly dividing cells.
Targeted Therapy: In this method, a sample of the tumor is analyzed for specific markers. If these markers are present, the treatment is tailored to target them.
Immunotherapy: This strategy aims to enhance the immune system’s ability to attack and destroy tumor cells, and it is applicable in certain breast cancer cases.
Things You Need to Understand and Know
A multidisciplinary team evaluates the most effective treatment options based on the severity of the condition.
- Initially, surgery is performed, followed by chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapies, and radiation, depending on the tumor type.
- When cancer has progressed locally, options such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy are available. In certain instances, a mastectomy may still be an option.
- In advanced stages, cancer can spread to the chest cavity and other critical organs. At this point, a cure is not feasible; therefore, the focus shifts to prolonging the patient’s life and enhancing their quality of life.
A Note from Hospitals India
At Hospitals India, we are dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information about medical treatments. The cost of breast cancer treatment in India can vary due to several factors, such as the chosen hospital, the qualifications of the oncologist, and the individual requirements of the patient. We recommend consulting with healthcare professionals to identify the most appropriate treatment plan for your situation.
For individuals looking for personalized guidance, cost evaluations, or assistance in finding top oncologists and hospitals in India, Hospitals India is ready to help. Our team is focused on linking patients with trusted medical experts to guarantee the best possible care.