Patients and their families see the financial difficulties created by cancer therapy as the biggest problem that they face. Both breast and prostate cancer treatments involve hormonal therapy because the tumors are driven by hormones.
Patients have to think about how much their treatments will cost because they will need to do this kind of therapy for a long time. In India, the pricing of hormonal therapy depends on the medication, time frame, and treatment strategy.
The blog will explain the average pricing of hormonal therapy in India, the factors that influence prices and ways to minimize costs.
What is the Average Cost of Hormonal Therapy in India?
Typically, hormonal therapy will cost around ₹1,000 to ₹50,000 each month. One example of a drug, called tamoxifen, is on the cheaper end and one of the more affordable options at about ₹500 to ₹5,000 a month, and generic versions of the drug exist.
Some more expensive drugs, and some injectable hormonal therapies, can be anywhere between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000. As a result, some patients may end up needing injections to be given to them regularly, which will lead to hormonal therapy potentially being a more expensive monthly cost.
Because hormonal therapy lasts from 5 to 10 years on average, it is easy to see how the expenses from this therapy can add up very quickly. Depending on the plan, from ₹30,000 to over ₹1,00,000 could be spent on a therapy plan in a single year, and this is the case year after year.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Hormonal Therapy
The expense of hormonal treatment varies between different patients because multiple elements determine the treatment costs.
Type of Drug
Different drugs have different pricing. Older medications like tamoxifen are more affordable, while newer drugs such as aromatase inhibitors or injectable therapies may cost more.
Duration of Treatment
Hormonal therapy requires extended periods of treatment, which typically extend for multiple years. The total treatment expenses increase as the treatment period extends.
Type of Cancer
The cost may vary depending on whether the therapy is used for breast cancer, prostate cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers. Each condition may require a different drug or treatment approach.
Dosage and Treatment Plan
Some patients need higher medication doses together with multiple treatment options, which creates increased treatment costs.
Hospital and Location
The costs of treatment for patients depend on three factors, which include their hospital choice, the city they are in, and the presence of specialized oncology services.
Brand vs Generic Medicines
In India, people can access generic hormonal therapy medications which cost much less than brand-name drugs, thereby helping to lower their treatment expenses.
Cost of Common Hormonal Therapy Drugs in India
Hormonal therapy medicines can be expensive or cheap depending on the specific medicine, the dosage, and whether you use the brand name or generic name. Oral therapy medicines are usually cheaper, while injectable therapies are usually more expensive.
Tamoxifen is an example of an oral therapy medicine and is commonly used in breast cancer. This medicine can cost you about ₹500 to ₹5,000 per month. Other medicines like Letrozole and Anastrozole are usually prescribed, and they can cost you about ₹1,000 to ₹4,000 per month.
Injectable therapies are in a different cost category. Goserelin is an injectable therapy medicine and it can cost you about ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per injection.
Hormonal Therapy monthly costs in India - City-Wise Breakdown
Is Hormonal Therapy Covered by Insurance in India?
Having health insurance can make the costs of cancer treatment less stressful. In India, an insurance policy for cancer treatment can include coverage for hormonal therapy.
But coverage differs with each policy. There may be waiting periods, coverage limits or even restrictions on specific drugs. Always double-check policy coverage and restrictions.
Eligible patients may be able to receive support through government programs, like Ayushman Bharat. Cancer treatment coverage can also be a part of some health insurance plans provided by employers.
Patients should be encouraged to discuss insurance with their doctor or the insurance company to know the benefits.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is one of the less expensive cancer treatments because the medications used for this therapy may create stress in some patients. The good news is that there are numerous approaches for managing and controlling therapy costs.
One good option to control costs is to use generic medications to avoid brand-name doctor's prescriptions and not have to sacrifice therapy effectiveness.
There are state hospitals and cancer centers that may have his therapy at a subsidized cost.
Several pharmaceutical companies are providing patient programs that may allow some patients to qualify for free medications.
Certain supportive oncology programs and some NGOs may provide financial assistance to cancer patients.
Experienced oncologists usually help patients to make a treatment plan that is the most cost-saving.
When should you speak to an oncologist?
If you have been given a diagnosis of a cancer, such as breast or prostate cancer which is related to hormones, you need to consult an oncologist. You will need to seek medical counsel as well if you have been diagnosed with cancer and are considering starting a treatment plan that may take a long time and have questions regarding.
Those with financial concerns and who need to find ways to minimize expenses should consult with a specialist as well. Reaching out to a specialist earlier in the process is good because it helps you to determine what would be the best type of treatment for you and it also helps to give you the best outcomes in the end.
Conclusion
Hormonal therapy is one of the most critical parts of cancer treatment, especially for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Though it is usually less costly than other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and targeted therapy, the fact that it can go on for months or even years can make it even more costly in the long run.
In India, the cost of pharmacies varies based on the type of drug, the duration of treatment, and the healthcare system. Due to the availability of generic drugs, insurance, and financial aid, they can bring down the cost of therapy.
For personalized plans on the treatment and guidance on the associated costs, you may contact Dr. Pooja Babbar, the best oncologist in Gurugram, to get advice and assistance at any step of your cancer journey.
