A cancer diagnosis is life-changing, not just emotionally but also financially. From early tests to treatments and rehabilitation, the costs can be overwhelming. Let’s explore and deconstruct the cost of cancer care in India, covering supportive therapy, insurance, diagnosis, and treatment.
Initial Diagnosis and Biopsy
The first step is usually a biopsy (a small tissue sample test) or imaging scans (like MRI, CT, or PET scans) to confirm cancer. These tests can cost anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 or more, depending on the type of cancer, the site and type of biopsy, and the centre you choose for the procedure.
- Biopsy Cost: ₹5,000–₹25,000 (depending on type and hospital)
- Imaging Tests: ₹3,000–₹20,000 per scan
Government hospitals offer subsidized rates, but waiting times can be long. Private labs like thyrocareor and Dr. Lal PathLabs lalpathlabs provide affordable packages.
Treatment Costs
Treatment costs vary based on cancer type and stage. Common treatments include:
- Surgery: ₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000
- Chemotherapy (per cycle): ₹10,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Radiation Therapy: ₹50,000 – ₹3,00,000
- Immunotherapy/Targeted Therapy: ₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 per cycle
Some NGOs (like indiancancersociety ) provide financial aid.
Health Insurance and Government Schemes
Health insurance is very important, but many policies have limits.
Private Insurance: Covers partial costs (check for sub-limits). but patients still have to face:
- Deductibles (1,000–1,000–5,000)
- Copays (20–20–50 per doctor visit)to face:
- Coinsurance (20–30% of treatment costs)
Some patients turn to crowdfunding, for example, ketto, milaap and gofundme or nonprofit grants.cancercare
Government Schemes:
- Ayushman Bharat abdm.gov.in – Covers up to ₹5 lakh for BPL families.
- State Health Schemes – E.g., Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in some states.
Additional Costs
Beyond treatment, patients often need:
- Medications for side effects (100–100–1,000/month)
- Physiotherapy (50–50–150 per session)
- Counseling/Mental health support (75–75–200 per session)
- Transportation & lodging (if treatment is far from home)
Alternative & Supportive Therapies
Many patients use complementary therapies to manage side effects:
- Acupuncture (60–60–120 per session) helps with pain and nausea
- Massage therapy (50–50–100) – reduces stress and improves circulation
- Yoga/Meditation—lowers anxiety (free apps or 15–15–20/class)
Cancer treatment is expensive, but financial help is available. Always check with your insurance, hospital financial counsellors, and nonprofits for support. Planning ahead can ease the burden.