During cancer treatment, Chemotherapy plays an important role. This treatment uses strong medications to treat cancer cells and prevent them from spreading all over the body.
If you have been advised chemotherapy, one question must have come to your mind: “What will be the treatment cost of chemotherapy?” The treatment costs in India range between 3k to 50k per session. The total price depends on the type of cancer, the hospital, and sessions.
In this blog, we’ll break down the average chemotherapy cost in India, what influences the overall expense, the role of cancer stages in determining treatment, and the additional bills beyond hospital charges that patients should be aware of.
What is chemotherapy?
It is one of the most common treatments used for cancer and is also known as “chemo”. Medicines that are used in chemotherapy pass through the bloodstream and help them to reach cancer cells in every part of the body. It uses strong medicines that destroy cancer cells and prevent them from spreading all over the body.
Physicians also employ chemotherapy to reduce tumors before surgery, and eliminate any lingering cancer cells afterward, or for cancer that has spread to the rest of the body. It kills cancer, but also poses side effects that lead to nausea, hair loss, a compromised immune system, and fatigue, because it also damages some healthy cells.
Chemotherapy Cost in India (City-Wise Breakdown)
In comparison to many Western countries, chemotherapy costs in India are much lower, which makes India a better choice for treating cancer.
The cost of chemotherapy starts from ₹ 3k to ₹50k per session, and on average, around ₹18k, depending on the type of cancer, hospital facilities, city, sessions, drug used, and overall health.
Chemotherapy Cost in India (City-Wise Breakdown)
Chemotherapy is among the most popular and efficient treatment options for a variety of cancer. Chemotherapy costs in India vary depending on the location, type of cancer and the infrastructure of hospitals as well as the expertise of oncologists, and the kind of chemotherapy drug employed. Below is a city-wise comparison of the estimate cost for chemotherapy treatment per session in India.
Chemotherapy Sessions and Cancer Stages
It is usually given in sessions, also called cycles, to provide rest to the body in between to allow for recovery. The number of sessions is based on cancer type and stage:
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Minimum sessions: It can start from 4 sessions for early-stage cancer.
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Maximum sessions: Higher level cancer may require up to 12–16 cycles, or more in complex cases.
Cancer Stages Affect Chemotherapy Cost
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Early-stage cancer: It may require only 4-6 sessions for early-stage cancer, which makes the total chemotherapy cost lower, around ₹80k to ₹2 lakh for full treatment.
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Locally advanced cancer: In this stage, it requires 6–10 cycles, as per session treatment cost gets around ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
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Advanced cancer: It may require more sessions, combination therapies with expensive drugs, the sessions can vary from 10–16, raising the overall chemotherapy cost to ₹5 lakh or more in some cases
Factors That Affect Chemotherapy Cost
Several factors that affect the chemotherapy cost in India:
1. Stage and Type of Cancer
Different cancers need specific drug combinations. Advanced cancers usually require more expensive drugs, increasing the cost per session.
2. Choice of Chemotherapy Drugs
Generic drugs are cheaper, while imported or targeted medicines cost more. Some advanced immunotherapy drugs can increase the total chemotherapy cost.
3. Duration and Treatment Plan
The number of sessions and the length of treatment directly affect the total chemotherapy cost. Aggressive and longer treatments are more expensive.
4. Hospital
Hospitals' infrastructure can charge higher per-session chemotherapy costs due to advanced infrastructure and supportive care.
5. Location
Different cities or states can make a big difference in terms of better facilities and experienced doctors.
Other Expenses Beyond Chemotherapy
The total cost of cancer treatment is not only about chemotherapy but also includes additional expenses can include as:
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Diagnostic tests – MRI, CT scans, PET scans, blood tests, biopsies
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Doctor consultation fees – Regular visits to the oncologist
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Hospital room charges – If admission is required during chemotherapy
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Supportive medicines – Painkillers, antibiotics, anti-nausea drugs, supplements
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Emergency care – Additional charges if complications occur
Conclusion
This therapy is an important and effective treatment for cancer. The chemotherapy cost in India depends on the type of cancer stages, which may start from 4 cycles and last through 16 or more cycles. Other than this, the medicines used, the hospital facilities also add to on cost.
If you are looking for safe and cost-effective treatment, Dr. Pooja Babbar, a best medical oncologist in Gurgaon with more than 15 years of experience, provides personalized chemotherapy plans that are safe, effective, and help manage the cost of treatment. Her guidance ensures you get high-quality care tailored to your needs.
