Anal cancer rarely occurs, but it’s a serious one, and it requires immediate medical assistance. India is evolving day by day as one of the best medically facilitated countries in the world. A combination of highly experienced surgeons with the advanced modern hospitals for cancer makes it a top place to choose for a surgery. Indian hospitals attract both international as well as domestic patients. Understanding the anal cancer treatment cost in India is very important, as one can plan their journey financially as well as mentally. This blog will provide you the detailed information about treatment options, cost breakdown, similarities with colon cancer, factors that affect treatment cost, and insurance coverage.
What is Anal Cancer Treatment?
Anal cancer treatment is a multi-model treatment in which a combination of therapies is required in some cases. A combination of chemotherapy along radiation therapy is required most of the time.
- Chemoradiation has shown the highest success rate for this treatment if detected early.
- Depending on the age of the patient, stage of cancer, and properties of the tumour, the treatment is customised as per the patient’s needs.
- Some critically advanced cases may require a surgical intervention named abdominoperineal resection.
- A proper management of medication, aftercare, and follow-up with a doctor is very necessary.
What are the Treatment Options for Anal Cancer?
There are three major treatment options used to treat this cancer as below:
Chemoradiation Therapy
This is a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and a standard treatment for almost all anal related cancer treatments.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs like Mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil are given to kill cancerous cells. It can cost you around 30,500 to 79,600 INR for a single cycle.
- Radiation therapy: A high beam of radiation kills the cancerous cells in this therapy. It could be internal radiation therapy, like brachytherapy or external beam radiation therapy. It can cost you around 2,35,000 to 3,90,000 INR for a complete therapy.
Immunotherapy
The core functionality of immunotherapy is to modify our immune system so that it can detect and attack cancerous cells. In cases where cancerous cells are spreading to other organs, this therapy is widely used.
Surgery
Traditionally, surgery was the only option to treat cancer. But now if the various therapy fails to cure cancer, surgery is the last option. One of the major surgical procedures is an abdominoperineal resection, but required in only a few cases.
Cost Breakdown of Anal Cancer Treatment in India
The cost breakdown of anal cancer is mainly divided into three sub-categories:
Initial Consultation and Diagnosis
- A diagnostic test can cost you around 21,500 to 81,400 INR.
- Certain required evaluations and blood tests can cost an additional 5,300 to 15,200 INR.
- Fees of oncologists near about 1150 to 2950 INR. But it depends on the quality of the hospital and the experience of the doctor.
- Complete cost for diagnostic, including everything, would be around 31,200 to 1,14,500 INR.
Primary Cost of Treatment
- For a complete course, radiation therapy alone can cost you around 1,60,000 to 4,20,000 INR.
- The total cost of chemoradiation therapy costs you around 2,60,000 to 6,30,000 INR.
- In some cases, surgery is required, which can cost you up to 2,10,000 to 5,20,000 INR.
- Depending on the drugs, chemotherapy can cost you around 60,000 to 2,10,000 INR.
- The charge of stay or room charge can vary the hospital quality and can range from 5,500 to 26,500 INR per day.
Overall Treatment Investment
- Tier 2 cities are generally affordable than Tier 1 cities, due to their high cost of living.
- The total approximate cost for anal cancer treatment in India is around 3,20,000 to 10,50,000 INR.
- Accommodation and traveling costs can be additional for the overseas patients.
- Public healthcare is more economical than private facilities. Sometimes around 50% to 60% more budget-friendly than private ones.
Connection Between Colon and Anal Cancer
People often confuse anal cancer and colon cancer. There are multiple similarities between them, but they are completely different.
- The diagnostic approaches for both of them are similar.
- Anal canal, as well as the colon, both require imaging studies and colonoscopy for precise diagnosis results.
- Treatments of colon cancer also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.
- A treatment of colon cancer can cost up to 4,00,000 to 15,50,000 INR, although it depends on the severity of cancer.
- Early detection of colon cancer reduces the expense and provides better results.
Signs of Colon Cancer
The three major 3 early signs of colon cancer are:
- Digestion-related issue: Diarrhea and poor bowel movements for more than two weeks.
- Bleeding from Rectum: Stools that contain blood or dark red stool.
- Discomfort in the Abdomen: Unwanted weight loss, without even changing anything in diet. Abdominal pain and gas.
Factors Affecting Anal Cancer Treatment Cost
Multiple factors affect the cost of anal cancer treatment:
- Stage of Cancer: Cancer at the early stage is less expensive than that at the last or late stage.
- Type of Hospital: Public hospitals are subsidized and generally cheaper than private hospitals.
- Type of treatment: Single therapies cost less than the combination therapy.
- Stay at the hospital: Expense increases if a patient stays in the hospital for a longer duration.
- Location: Tier 1 cities are expensive than Tier 2 cities due to their high living cost.
- Health Insurance: If you have proper health insurance, then it will help you manage the other expenses easily.
Insurance and Financial Assistance
There are several things to consider while seeking medical coverage:
- Government policies in India, like Ayushman Bharat, provide medical coverage up to INR 5Lakh for families who are eligible for certain criteria.
- Most of the premium hospitals offer EMI options and certain plans for the high-budget treatments of cancer.
- NGOs and Charitable organizations offer help to families who are not financially strong.
- Some corporate hospitals also offer patient welfare schemes for those who are really in need.
Conclusion
Anal cancer treatment cost in India ranges from 3,10,000 to 10,15,000 INR. This surgery here in India is the best combination of world-class, renowned, advanced facilities, and experienced surgeons. India always offers more budget-friendly treatment options compared with Western countries. Evaluating the early signs and symptoms can save you time and money, as well early detection also provides better outcomes. Keeping all the considerations and key factors while choosing the right hospital for you is one of the most important things.