Affordable Cancer Care in India: Reducing Costs Without Compromising Quality
Updated: Oct 2
Cancer treatment can place a significant financial burden on patients and families in India. Affordable cancer treatment in India does not necessarily mean compromising on the quality of care. A value-based approach to oncology focuses on choosing evidence-based treatments appropriately while considering effectiveness, quality of life, and the financial impact of treatment.
The Economics of Cancer in India
Cancer care can create a significant financial burden for patients and families in India. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates, India recorded more than 14 lakh new cancer cases in 2022. The overall cost of cancer care can include not only medicines and hospital treatment, but also diagnostic tests, travel, accommodation, loss of income, and long-term follow-up.
Treatment costs can vary considerably depending on the type and stage of cancer, the medicines required, duration of treatment, hospital setting, and whether surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or other treatments are needed. Discussing both the clinical benefits and financial implications of available treatment options can therefore be an important part of cancer treatment planning.
Ways to Make Cancer Treatment More Affordable in India
For some cancer treatments, approved generic medicines or biosimilars may offer lower-cost alternatives. Whether they are appropriate depends on the specific medicine, diagnosis, and treatment plan, and should be discussed with the treating oncologist.
For selected cancers and treatment situations, evidence may support shorter treatment durations or less intensive approaches, which can sometimes reduce treatment costs. These approaches should only be considered when supported by clinical evidence and recommended by the treating oncologist.
For some patients, oral cancer medicines may reduce the need for frequent hospital visits and associated travel costs when they are medically appropriate for the specific cancer and treatment plan.
Multidisciplinary care can help coordinate treatment decisions and may reduce unnecessary duplication of tests or treatments.
Government health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, along with eligible state-level health schemes, may help reduce treatment expenses for qualifying patients. Coverage and eligibility can vary, so patients should check the applicable scheme and hospital before planning treatment.
Technology may also help reduce some indirect costs of cancer care. When clinically appropriate, teleconsultations and digital follow-ups can reduce the need for certain hospital visits, potentially saving patients travel time and related expenses.
Balancing Innovation and Access
New cancer treatments, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, have expanded treatment options for many patients. However, some of these treatments can be expensive, and their benefits vary depending on the type of cancer, biomarkers, stage of disease, and individual clinical circumstances.
When considering newer treatments, patients should discuss with their oncologist the expected clinical benefit, possible side effects, treatment duration, available alternatives, and overall cost. The most appropriate treatment is not necessarily the newest or most expensive option; treatment decisions should be based on established evidence and the individual patient's diagnosis and clinical needs.
How Can Patients Reduce Cancer Treatment Costs?
Cancer treatment costs may sometimes be reduced through careful treatment planning. Depending on the diagnosis and clinical situation, patients can consider:
• Asking about appropriate generic or biosimilar medicines
• Checking eligibility for government health schemes or insurance coverage
• Discussing medically appropriate treatment alternatives
• Asking whether some investigations or follow-up care can be coordinated closer to home
• Getting a second opinion before making major treatment decisions.
Cost should not be the only factor when choosing cancer treatment. Any change in medicines, treatment duration, tests, or treatment schedule should be discussed with the treating oncologist to ensure that it remains medically appropriate.
The Way Forward
Affordable cancer care is about balancing clinical effectiveness, safety, accessibility, and cost. Treatment decisions should be individualized according to the type and stage of cancer, available evidence, and the patient’s overall clinical condition.
Patients concerned about treatment costs should discuss these concerns openly with their oncologist so that medically appropriate options, available financial support, and practical alternatives can be considered as part of treatment planning.
Need Guidance About Cancer Treatment Costs?
Cancer treatment decisions can involve both medical and financial considerations.
Consult Dr. Amol Akhade to discuss your diagnosis, available treatment options, and whether appropriate alternatives may help make your treatment plan more manageable.
— Dr. Amol Akhade | Fortis Cancer Institute Mumbai @SuyogCancer
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