Cost of Breat Cancer Treatment in India 

Breast cancer, forming in the cells of the breasts, is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide, though it can affect men as well. Do we know every 14 seconds, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide? 

In India, breast cancer treatment is prevalent due to its advanced care, skilled doctors, and cutting-edge technology, offering hope and healing to many. The treatment involves various methods aimed at removing or controlling cancer cells in the breast, providing patients with a fighting chance against this widespread illness.

Breast cancer surgery cost in India is significantly lower than in Western countries. It ranges from INR 1 lakh to INR 3 lakh for Indian patients, and for international patients, it ranges between USD 3,000 and USD 7,000. This includes the costs of surgery, anaesthesia, operating room, medical supplies, and the necessary hospital stays for the specified duration.

However, the average cost of breast cancer treatment in India can vary based on factors such as the stage and type of cancer, treatment modality, hospital, oncologist, the surgeon’s fee, drugs, equipment, and the duration of treatment required.

What is Breast Cancer 

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. These tumours can be detected as lumps or through imaging tests. 

Common symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A new lump in the breast or underarm
• Change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
• Pain in the breast or nipple
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), including blood
• Swelling or thickening of part of the breast
• Redness or flaky skin on the breast or nipple

Types of Breast Cancer

There are several types of breast cancer, with the most common being:

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive form of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct.
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common form of breast cancer, where cancer cells spread to the surrounding breast tissue outside the duct.
• Triple-negative Breast Cancer: This is a subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it more challenging to treat.
• HER2-positive Breast Cancer: This type of breast cancer makes too much of a protein called HER2, which can make the cancer grow faster.
• Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): This is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast and does not spread to nearby tissues.