Overview
Colon cancer or colorectal cancer, is the third most commonly found cancer in the world and one of the major concerns in India.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) in its latest Cancer Statistics 2024 report estimated 152,810 new cases of colorectal cancer. Whereas, as per the data provided by the World Cancer Research Fund in the year 2022, India had reported 70,038 cases.
A report by Indian Express in March 2024 also indicated the rise of colon cancer amongst young people (aged below 40). This is alarming as the danger of this life-threatening disease looms over people of different age groups.
It is important for those dealing with this ailment to understand the cost structure for the diagnosis and treatment. This guide aims to look into the cost of colon cancer in India, considering all the potential factors that may affect it.
What is colon cancer?
Before getting into the complexities of cost, it is suggested to understand the basic details about the ailment. Globocan 2020 defines colon cancer as the type of infection that initiates in the large intestine. The disease begins as small non-cancerous clumps of cells. These cells are called polyps and if these are not detected at the early stage, they’re converted into cancer over time. Early detection is the best possible way to treat this malignancy and save lives.
Cost of colon cancer treatment in India
Let’s understand the dynamics of colon cancer treatment costs in India. Depending upon several factors such as the age of the patient, stage of the tumour and type of treatment prescribed, the cost of colon cancer treatment in India may range between ₹5,00,000 and ₹25,00,000, depending on the treatment plan and stage of the disease. There are several elements in the cancer treatment which define this cost. We’ve broken down these elements for your better understanding.
🔔Did You Know?The treatment cost in India is considerably high but it is considered very less as compared to many other countries in the world. Many patients prefer to get treated in India because as per them the cost is relatively low for the quality and efficient treatment the country offers. |
Diagnosis Cost for Colon Cancer
The first step is to diagnose the ailment. Based on the symptoms and condition of the patient, oncologists may recommend mix of or all of the following diagnostic tests:
| Diagnostic Test | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Blood Tests & Tumor Markers | INR 2,000 – INR10,000 | $ 25 – $ 115 |
| CT Scan/MRI | INR 5,000 – INR20,000 per scan | $ 60 – $ 235 per scan |
| PET Scan | INR15,000 – INR 35,000 | $ 175 – $ 410 |
| Colonoscopy & Biopsy | INR 10,000 – INR 25,000 | $ 115 – $ 290 |
Once the ailment is diagnosed, based on its condition and stage, the oncologists will recommend the next steps of treatment. The types of treatments available for dealing with colon cancer include chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, immunotherapy and supportive medications. Depending upon the case, the oncologist may suggest any single treatment such as surgery supported by medication, or a combination of treatments such as surgery followed by radiation. Therefore, it is to be noted that cost for each cost may vary. However, the broad range remains between INR 5 Lakh to INR 25 Lakh. Let’s take a look at the treatment-wise broken down cost below:
Chemotherapy Cost for Colon Cancer
One cycle of chemotherapy for colon cancer costs between INR 30,000 to INR 1,00,000. On average, there are 6-12 cycles the patients have to through. This varies based on the condition and stage of the patient’s ailment. Therefore, the approx total cost for the chemotherapy treatment would come somewhere between INR 2,00,000 to INR 12,00,000.
Radiation Therapy Cost for Colon Cancer
Radiation therapy is relatively more expensive. However, it is used in specific cases (either before the surgery or post-surgical operation). The treatment is used to help reduce the size of the tumor and its one session’s cost is between INR 10,000 – INR 25,000. Normally the patients require between 20-30 sessions on average. In this case, the cost comes down to INR 2,00,000 – INR 6,00,000.
Immunotherapy Cost for Colon Cancer
This is the advanced level of therapy and can increase the chances of survival rate. However, this is relatively costly, and the price ranges between INR 2,00,000 – INR 5,00,000 for each dosage.
Targeted Therapy Cost for Colon Cancer
Similar to immunotherapy, this advanced treatment focuses on the targeted areas of the ailment and treats it. This is also considered to be an effective treatment and improves the survival rates of the patient. Its cost ranges between INR 1,00,000 – INR 3,00,000 for each cycle of treatment.
Medication and Post-treatment Care for Colon Cancer
Once the treatment cycle is completed successfully, the next most crucial step is post-treatment care. Proper follow-up medical care and rehabilitation ensure speedy recovery of the patient. We’ve broken down the cost for your reference:
| Post-treatment care areas | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| Medications | INR 5,000 – INR 20,000 monthly | $ 60 – $ 235 monthly |
| Support Components such as supplements, nutrition, etc. (might be required to be continued for one year or more than that) | INR 10,000 – INR 50,000 annually | $ 115 – $ 580 annually |
| Follow-up checkups | INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 per visit | $ 12 – $ 60 per visit |
Factors Affecting Cost of Colon Cancer Treatment in India?
- Age of the patient: Older patients may experience more complexities in getting their bodies ready for the treatment, which adds to the overall cost.
- Place of treatment: Generally the cost is higher in big cities because the hospitals there have advanced infrastructure, high-tech laboratories, and internationally accredited treatment facilities.
- Complications involved: If a patient is experiencing any additional complications along with the cancer ailment, it increases the overall treatment time and procedure. This results into increased cost.
- Type of treatment required: For highly complex cases, the oncologists may recommend a combination of several treatments such as surgery followed by radiation, which affects the cost.
How to Access Affordable Colon Cancer Treatment in India?
The cost bracket mentioned above could be highly overwhelming for people. To ensure the financial crunch does not hinder the treatment, try following options can be helpful:
- Insurance policies: If you have an insurance policy in place or government aid via a policy, it could be a great help in saving costs.
- Select Charitable Trusts: Medical charitable trusts also offer treatments at subsidized rates or free of cost.
- Crowdfunding: With the help of crowdfunding and social media platforms, money could be raised for the treatment.
Why Choose Cancer Rounds?
Cancer Round is a trusted platform that serves as a bridge between cancer patients worldwide and the best oncologists in India. The platform also aims to help patients from across the world get advanced treatment at affordable prices. The platform has proven infrastructure for providing excellent virtual consultation to patients from esteemed oncologists, appointments at cancer hospitals, and, visa assistance, etc. You can rely on us for:
- End-to-end consultation for cancer care.
- Connecting patients with reliable hospitals and oncologists.
- Providing cost estimation for the treatment.
- Providing financial planning assistance.
- Assistance with travel and arrangement of accommodation.
- Translation and consultation services for the patients from outside India.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a life-altering disease and it has the potential to put the patient and their families under tremendous financial and psychological pressure. The treatment is expensive and time-consuming. However, the early detection of the disease can help in reducing the cost and increasing the survival chances for the patient. The availability of financial support options is a relief to some extent. However, experts recommend that prevention is a better option than cure and encourage people to opt for a healthier lifestyle.
