Getting an estimate of breast cancer treatment costs in India can be difficult as it depends on the severity of the disease and its spread. Being one of the most common cancers women suffer from worldwide, it is a disease that begins in the breast tissue and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated in time. There are different stages of breast cancer, and it is essential to detect it early so that treatment is more effective.
Many breast cancer treatments are available, but they can be very costly. Breast cancer treatment costs in India can range from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on the stage of the disease and the type of treatment required. However, some government-sponsored schemes provide financial assistance for breast cancer patients.
It is important to note that breast cancer can spread to other body parts if not treated properly. The most common areas that breast cancer spreads to are the lungs, liver, bones, and brain. Therefore, it is essential to get regular check-ups and breast screenings done so that the disease can be detected early and treated accordingly.
Common to Severe Symptoms of Breast Cancer
There are many breast cancer symptoms that women should be aware of. Some of the most common symptoms include a lump in the breast, changes in size or shape, discharge from the breast, changes in the nipple, and pain in the breast. If you feel and experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately to make a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Breast cancer is a severe disease and can be life-threatening if not treated on time. However, breast cancer patients can lead healthy lives with early detection and proper treatment. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of breast cancer’s symptoms and get regular check-ups to detect the disease early.
Different Types of Breast Cancer
There are different kinds of breast cancer, and the treatment depends on the type. The most common breast cancer types include ductal, lobular, and inflamed breast cancer.
- Ductal Carcinoma: Ductal Carcinoma is the most common breast cancer, starting in the milk ducts.
- Lobular Carcinoma: This type of breast cancer starts in the milk-producing glands.
- Inflamed Breast Cancer: This is a rare type of breast cancer, and it is manifested by redness and swelling in the breast.
Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Different breast cancer treatment options are available depending on the disease’s stage. Some of the most common treatments will include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
- Surgery: Surgery is usually the first line of treatment for breast cancer. There are different types of breast cancer surgeries, and the type of surgery will depend on the stage of the disease. Some of the most common breast cancer surgeries include lumpectomy, mastectomy, and Sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- Radiation Therapy: It uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It is usually used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: It uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is usually given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy: It is used to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. This type of breast cancer is more likely to respond to hormone therapy.
Breast Cancer Prognosis
The prognosis for breast cancer patients depends on the stage of the disease. The earlier the breast cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. The five-year survival rate of breast cancer patients is 95% if the cancer is detected early. However, the survival rate decreases to 25% if the cancer is detected late. Therefore, getting regular check-ups and breast screenings is essential to see the disease early.
Stages of Breast Cancer
There are different stages of breast cancer, and the stage of the disease will determine the course of treatment. The most common staging system of breast cancer, the TNM system, stands for Tumour, Node, and Metastasis. The tumour stage refers to the size of the tumour. The node stage refers to whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
The stages of breast cancer range from stage 0 to stage IV. Stage 0 is early breast cancer, and is non-invasive. It means that the cancer cells are confined to one area.
Stage I is early breast cancer, and it is invasive. It means that the cancer cells have spread to the surrounding tissue.
Conclusion
The breast cancer treatment cost in India depends on the stage of the disease, the type of treatment, and the location of the hospital. Breast cancer surgery can cost anywhere from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. Chemotherapy can cost anywhere from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 2 lakh. Radiation or tomotherapy can cost anywhere from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh. Hormone therapy can cost between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1 lakh.