Cost of Radiotherapy for Cancer in India
Radiotherapy is a commonly used treatment for cancer that uses high-energy radiation to target cancer cells. It is often recommended alongside other therapies, such as surgery or chemotherapy, to improve the overall effectiveness of cancer care.
In India, radiotherapy is accessible in most cancer care facilities, but its cost can vary depending on several factors.
If you want to know about radiotherapy, its cost in India, and alternative treatments, keep reading further!
What Is Radiotherapy Used For?
Radiotherapy is used to treat a variety of cancers by focusing radiation on specific parts of the body. It plays a significant role in cancer treatment and can be used in different ways based on the patient’s condition and stage of cancer.
Here are the primary uses of radiotherapy:
- Before Surgery: Radiotherapy is often given before surgery to make the tumour smaller, which can help in easier removal during the operation.
- After Surgery: It is commonly used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells that may not have been removed.
- To Reduce Symptoms: In cases where cancer has spread or is at an advanced stage, radiotherapy is used to manage symptoms such as pain or difficulty in breathing.
- As the Primary Treatment: Radiotherapy is the main treatment method for some cancers, especially when surgery is not an option.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Radiotherapy in India?
The cost of radiotherapy in India depends on multiple factors. Understanding these factors can help patients and their families plan for treatment more effectively.
Type of Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy techniques vary in complexity and cost:
- External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT): This is the most commonly used method. It uses a machine which delivers radiation outside the body. Techniques such as IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy) and 3D-CRT (Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy) are included in this category and are widely used.
- Stereotactic Radiotherapy: This method is more precise and is used for treating small tumours. It involves fewer sessions but can be more expensive due to the advanced technology involved.
- Brachytherapy: This technique involves placing a radiation source inside the body near the tumour. It is often used for cancers like cervical or prostate cancer and may have a different cost structure.
Type and Stage of Cancer
The type and stage of cancer play a significant role in the overall cost of radiotherapy. Usually, advanced-stage cancers require more rounds of radiotherapy to reduce the cancer size, which elevates the overall cost.
Some patients may need multiple rounds of radiotherapy despite having early-stage cancer. Each cancer is different, and thus, the number of rounds of radiotherapy also differs.
Number of Sessions
Radiotherapy is usually given in multiple sessions spread over several weeks. The total number of sessions required depends on the type of cancer and its progression. More sessions mean higher costs.
Hospital or Cancer Center
Hospital locality can play a significant role in the overall cost of radiotherapy. Hospitals in metro cities may charge higher due to high operational costs.
The hospital’s medical staff’s expertise also affects the cost. If the medical staff is highly experienced, then the price may increase.
One can find affordable options in smaller cities or towns, but these hospitals may lack the latest equipment. Government hospitals and cancer centres run by trusts provide radiotherapy treatment at a subsidised cost, but they have a huge crowd and sometimes quality issues.
Equipment and Technology
Modern radiotherapy equipment, such as linear accelerators or proton therapy machines, provides more accurate treatments but comes at a higher cost.
However, the quality of the treatment cannot be compromised, and you shouldn’t choose a hospital or treatment option based only on lower costs. Often, the latest machines deliver the results in fewer rounds of therapy.
Pre-Treatment Tests
Before starting radiotherapy, several diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans are needed to plan the treatment. These tests add to the overall cost.
Management of Side Effects
After radiotherapy, patients report side effects like fatigue, skin irritation, or nausea. There is nothing to worry about if these side effects are manageable with regular medications.
If you have a particular medical condition that may increase the complexity of these side effects, you may need extra care to manage them. This can often come at a higher cost.
What Are Some Alternatives to Radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is a highly effective traditional treatment option for treating cancers. Still, it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some alternative therapies that might be considered:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells. It is often given along with radiotherapy to improve results. Chemotherapy is less costly compared to radiotherapy but can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and hair loss. Despite these side effects, it remains one of the most widely used cancer treatments in India.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a treatment that focuses on specific proteins or genes in cancer cells. It is mainly used for particular types of cancer. Although effective, targeted therapy can be more expensive than radiotherapy because of the advanced drugs used. It is generally prescribed after detailed tests to confirm its suitability for the patient.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system fight cancer more effectively. It is available for some cancers and is usually recommended for advanced cases. Immunotherapy may not always be used instead of radiotherapy but can be combined with other treatments. It is an option that requires careful evaluation by a specialist.
Surgery
Surgery is often used to remove tumours in cancers that are localised. It is usually followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are treated. Surgery can be a one-time procedure, but its success depends on the stage and type of cancer.
Conclusion
Radiotherapy is an essential treatment option for many cancer patients. While the cost of radiotherapy in India can vary depending on factors like the type of radiotherapy, number of sessions, and hospital location, it remains a critical part of cancer care. Patients can make informed decisions about their treatment by understanding these costs and exploring alternatives. For more information, consult an oncologist to determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, many health insurance policies in India cover radiotherapy. However, only your insurance provider can tell you in detail if your policy covers the entire or partial cost of radiotherapy. You can also discuss all the other treatment options covered under your policy.
your policy.
Radiotherapy can be harsh on certain patients. Patients usually report feeling fatigue, skin irritation and nausea after the treatment. Medications can manage these symptoms efficiently, and you shouldn’t worry too much. If you have a medical condition that may worsen its side effects, you may talk to your doctor in advance.
Radiotherapy is administered through a specialised machines machine, which is used for external and internal radiotherapy. Only your doctor can decide which method is best for your case. Usually, radiotherapy is a painless procedure, and administration isn’t a huge problem. Certain medical conditions like bone disorders or pregnancy may affect how you receive radiotherapy.
References
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy/side-effects
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/radiation/basics.html
