Table of Content
Introduction
Chemotherapy in India is generally more affordable than in many developed countries. The cost depends on factors like the type and stage of cancer, the dosage, and how the treatment is given. On average, a single chemotherapy cycle in India can cost anywhere from 20,000 INR (around 240 USD) to 2,50,000 INR (around 3,000 USD). It’s important to consider both pre-treatment and post-treatment costs when planning for chemotherapy, as these can affect the overall treatment expenses. Read on to learn more about the costs of chemotherapy in India.
Treatment Cost
- Chemotherapy (Oral)
₹66,400 – ₹83,000 - Chemotherapy (IV)
₹83,000 – ₹124,500 - Chemotherapy (Through Port)
₹249,000 – ₹332,000
Cost in Top Cities
| Cities | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹3,320 | ₹20,335 | ₹56,583 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹2,822 | ₹17,015 | ₹47,297 |
| Bengaluru | ₹3,320 | ₹20,033 | ₹55,547 |
| Mumbai | ₹3,486 | ₹21,112 | ₹58,634 |
| Pune | ₹3,154 | ₹19,296 | ₹53,492 |
| Chennai | ₹2,988 | ₹18,373 | ₹50,892 |
| Hyderabad | ₹2,905 | ₹17,782 | ₹49,282 |
| Kolkata | ₹2,656 | ₹16,248 | ₹45,172 |
More Information
Chemotherapy Cost in India
Chemotherapy in India is much cheaper than in many developed countries. The cost depends on how the chemotherapy is given, the type and stage of cancer, and how much medicine is needed.
| Type of Chemotherapy | Cost in INR | Cost in USD |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemotherapy | ₹4,000 – ₹65,000 | $48 – $780 |
| Intravenous (IV) Chemotherapy | ₹75,000 – ₹1,20,000 | $900 – $1,440 |
| Oral Chemotherapy | Starts from ₹62,000 | Starts from $745 |
| Chemotherapy Port (minor surgery required) | Starts from ₹2,50,000 | Starts from $3,000 |
| Palliative Chemotherapy (per day) | ₹45,000 – ₹55,000 | $540 – $660 |
The cost also includes expenses before and after the treatment, which are often part of a complete treatment package. Knowing these costs helps with budgeting and ensures that treatment starts on time. Keep reading the blog to learn more about chemotherapy costs in India.
The costs can seem a bit high, so we’ve provided a full overview of chemotherapy prices in India.
The lower cost of chemotherapy in India is one of the main reasons why many people choose to get treated there.
Estimated Chemotherapy Cost in India Based on the Method:
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Oral | ₹60,000 – ₹75,000 ($720 – $900) |
| Through IV | ₹75,000 – ₹1,10,000 ($900 – $1,325) |
| Through Port | ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,10,000 ($3,000 – $3,740) |
Your doctor will determine the best method based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
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What Are the Additional Costs of Chemotherapy in India?
Chemotherapy costs in India usually include the treatment itself, as well as tests recommended by your doctor. However, there are also additional costs for things like the chemotherapy drugs and other related expenses.
These additional costs can be split into two main categories: costs before chemotherapy (pre-treatment) and costs after chemotherapy (post-treatment).
1. Pre-Chemotherapy Costs in India
Before starting chemotherapy, several tests are needed to check how well your liver, kidneys, and heart are working. This helps doctors decide if your body is ready for the treatment.
You may also need to treat or control any infections to reduce the risk of complications during chemotherapy. Some types of chemotherapy can weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections.
Pre-chemotherapy costs include:
- Consultation fees with your doctor
- Lab tests and diagnostic tests to ensure your body is fit for chemotherapy
- The cost of treating any infections if necessary
The exact costs can vary based on the type of cancer you have, as different cancers require different tests.
These tests are important to check your body’s ability to handle chemotherapy, identify possible complications, and find ways to address them.
Estimated Costs for Chemotherapy-Related Tests in India:
| Tests | Approximate Costs |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | ₹200 – ₹3,000 ($2.40 – $36.00) |
| X-rays | ₹300 – ₹8,000 ($3.60 – $96.40) |
| Scans (CT scan or PET CT scan) | ₹2,000 – ₹25,000 ($24.05 – $300.00) |
| Physical Examinations | ₹500 – ₹2,500 ($6.00 – $30.00) |
PET scans are costly, but they are the most accurate way to diagnose cancer. However, in India, the cost of a PET scan is much lower than in many other countries with advanced medical systems.
Additional Treatments (If Needed):
Chemotherapy can be used alone or along with other treatments like surgery, radiation, or a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). The cost of surgery and radiation depends on the type of cancer, the area of the body affected, and how advanced the cancer is.
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Surgery | The cost of surgery in India depends on the type of surgery needed, ranging from ₹3,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 ($3,600 to $14,400). |
| Radiation | The cost of radiation therapy can vary widely depending on the type and number of sessions required, ranging from ₹40,000 to ₹22,00,000 ($480 to $26,500). |
| Bone marrow transplant (if required) | A bone marrow transplant, typically used for blood cancers and blood disorders, usually costs between ₹18,00,000 and ₹45,00,000 ($21,600 to $54,000). |
2. Post-Chemotherapy Costs in India
After chemotherapy, you may experience some side effects, and you will need medicines to manage them. For example, if your white blood cell count becomes too low, you will be given medicine to increase it. The cost of these medicines can vary based on the type of side effects you have.
You will also need several tests to check how your body is reacting to the chemotherapy. These tests are listed below:
| Test | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lung function test | Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 4,500 (18.67 USD to 59.25 USD) |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | Rs. 300 to Rs. 700 (3.95 USD to 9.18 USD) |
| Echocardiogram (ECHO) | Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 6,000 (46.25 USD to 79.50 USD) |
| Urine Collection | Rs. 150 to Rs. 350 (1.98 USD to 4.60 USD) |
| Blood test | Rs. 250 to Rs. 2,500 (3.30 USD to 32.90 USD) |
| Other tests (Audiogram, Blood sugar, Infertility checks, etc.) | Rs. 400 to Rs. 2,000 (5.30 USD to 26.50 USD) |
The cost of post-chemotherapy in India includes expenses like your hospital stay and any additional services you may need.
Here is a breakdown of the costs you might face after chemotherapy:
| Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| Extra medications | This covers the cost of medicines you may need after chemotherapy to manage side effects. |
| Hospital stay | The cost of staying in the hospital while receiving chemotherapy, which can last from a few hours to several days. |
| Additional services | This includes any extra services or extended hospital stays you might require. |
| Hotel charges | If you need to stay in a hotel, the cost depends on the type of hotel you choose. |
| Transportation charges | If the hospital is far from your accommodation, you will need to pay for travel expenses. |
| Homecare services | This is optional, but some patients may need help from a nurse or extra medical equipment at home. |
Hotel and accommodation costs in India vary depending on the type of place you choose and your personal needs.
The hotel stay cost in India is listed below for your reference:
| Hotel Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Normal hotels | ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 ($30 to $50) |
| 3-star hotels | ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 ($72 to $144) |
| 5-star hotels | ₹12,000 to ₹30,000 ($144 to $360) |
Why Do Many People Choose Chemotherapy in India?
One main reason why many people from other countries come to India for chemotherapy is the difference in costs. Chemotherapy in India is much more affordable compared to other developed countries.
Here are some reasons why chemotherapy costs in India are lower:
- Currency Exchange: The Indian rupee is weaker compared to currencies like the US dollar or the British pound. This makes treatment, hospital stays, consultations, and other services much cheaper for people from other countries.
- Lower Cost of Living: The cost of living in India is about 65% lower than in many developed countries. Because of this, services like healthcare are also more affordable.
- Competition Between Hospitals: India has many hospitals offering chemotherapy. To attract more patients, hospitals often lower their prices. This helps keep chemotherapy costs lower than in other countries.
- Doctor Fees: Oncologists in India are highly skilled, but they charge less for their services compared to doctors in developed countries.
Other Details
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Most side effects of chemotherapy happen within 5 to 10 days after treatment starts. Many side effects may go away quickly, but some can last for 6 to 12 months, and in some cases, they may stay for a lifetime. These long-term side effects can damage organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys, and even affect fertility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy can cause several side effects, which usually start within 5 to 10 days of treatment. Some common side effects include:
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
- Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
- Hair loss
- Mouth sores
- Weak immune system (making you more likely to get infections)
Most of these side effects go away after treatment, but some may last for a few months. In some cases, there can be long-term effects on organs like the heart, lungs, or kidneys, and it can even affect fertility.
How does a medical oncologist determine chemotherapy doses?
A medical oncologist decides the right chemotherapy dose based on several factors, including:
- Type of cancer: Different cancers need different treatment approaches.
- Stage of cancer: The size and spread of the cancer help determine how much chemotherapy is needed.
- Patient’s health: The doctor will consider the patient’s overall health, age, and any other medical conditions.
- Body size: Chemotherapy doses are often calculated based on a person’s weight or body surface area.
- Response to previous treatment: If the patient has had chemotherapy before, the oncologist may adjust the dose based on how well the patient responded.
The goal is to give the right amount of chemotherapy to treat the cancer while minimizing side effects.
How many days after chemo do you feel better?
The time it takes to feel better after chemotherapy can vary from person to person. Most people start to feel better within 1 to 3 weeks after treatment, as the side effects begin to fade. However, some side effects, like fatigue or weakness, may last for several weeks or even months. It depends on factors like:
- The type of chemotherapy you had
- Your overall health
- How your body responds to the treatment
It’s important to rest, stay hydrated, and follow your doctor’s advice to help your recovery. If side effects last too long or become worse, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor.
How long is chemo treatment for lung cancer?
The length of chemotherapy for lung cancer can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as how well the patient is responding to treatment. Typically, chemotherapy for lung cancer lasts for about 3 to 6 months. It is usually given in cycles, with each cycle lasting 2 to 3 weeks.
For example, a common schedule may involve receiving chemotherapy for one week, followed by a rest period of two to three weeks to allow the body to recover.
Your oncologist will decide the best treatment plan based on your individual case, and they may adjust the schedule if necessary.