Ovarian Cancer Treatment Cost: Options & Financial Insights

Understanding Ovarian Cancer:

Ovarian cancer is a very serious and complicated health condition affecting thousands of women every year. It could be very overwhelming to deal with this disease without proper care and medical support.

As per the recent study, approximately 40,000 women in India are diagnosed with ovarian cancer annually. What is more worrisome is that the number is likely to go up to 50,000 in the coming year. The mortality rate is quite high in the case of this particular cancer because this disease is often diagnosed at later stage. Diagnosing it at the first stage is very difficult because symptoms are minor and could be overlooked easily.

Women diagnosed with ovarian cancer may have several questions, process and cost of the treatment being some of the key ones. We have put together this guide to help you understand the basics of this disease and its treatment-cost aspects.

Cost of Ovarian Cancer Treatment in India

The cost of ovarian cancer treatment in India ranges between INR 7,00,000 and INR 30,00,000 ($8,400 – $36,000). Whereas, the domestic patients can get access to the cancer healthcare for ovarian malignancy at INR 5,00,000 – INR 25,00,000 ($6,000 – $30,000). The cost for treatment is subject to several factors, including diagnosis process, stage of the cancer, overall health and age of the patient, type of treatment suggested by the oncologists, and hospital/city of treatment.

Post-treatment care also affects the overall cost borne by the patient. For people from abroad planning to opt for ovarian cancer treatment in India, it is recommended to also take into consideration the cost of accommodation, medical tourism, visa, and more.

For a better understanding of the cost breakdown, we have listed the expenses to be incurred for diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and post-treatment care.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Options in India:

India has emerged as a preferred destination for medical tourism due to its high-quality healthcare services at affordable prices.

The cost of ovarian cancer treatment in India is considerably lower compared to many Western countries.

Mainly two surgical treatments are opted to address ovarian cancer issues in women. The cost estimation is listed below for your reference. 

The international cost varies slightly because there are additional factors involved such as administrative coordination fee, potential extended stay at the hospital and city of treatment.

Chemotherapy Cost for Ovarian Cancer

Here is the breakdown of estimated cost for chemotherapy for the ovarian cancer treatment. Normally, this therapy is provided post-surgery to address the remaining malignancy in the body. The estimated figure is likely to change if the patient requires more than one types of treatments. The cost for international patients is on the higher side due to the key factors such as admin fee and higher drug costs.

Radiation Therapy Cost for Ovarian Cancer

Depending upon the type of radiation therapy and technology used (external beam, internal radiation etc), and the number of sessions required, the cost for international patients may range between INR 1,50,000 to INR 8,00,000 ($1,800 to $9,600). Cost for domestic patients range between INR 1,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 ($1,200 to $6,000).

Immunotherapy Cost for Ovarian Cancer

For international patients, the cost for immunotherapy ranges between INR 2,00,000 and INR 5,00,000 ($2,400 – $6,000). The cost for domestic patients, however, ranges between INR 2,50,000 and INR 7,00,000 ( $3,000 – $8,400).

Targeted Therapy Cost for Ovarian Cancer

The cost of targeted therapy for international patients ranges between INR 3,00,000 to INR 7,00,000 ($3,600 to $8,400) per session. For domestic patients, the cost estimates are: INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 ($2,400 to $6,000) per session.

Medication and Post-treatment Care for Ovarian Cancer

Once the doctors have completed the treatment for ovarian cancer, they would provide you with a proper post-treatment care plan. This includes rehabilitation services, medications, and follow-up checkups. For international patients, the approximate cost for one year of treatment care ranges between INR 1,50,000 to INR 5,00,000 ($1,800 to $6,000). The approximate amount for the same for domestic patients is around INR 70,000 to INR 3,00,000 ($840 to $3,600) per year.

The factors such as international patients’ additional admin requirements, high-tech treatment facilities, and medical travel aspects, the costs are relatively higher as compared to the domestic patients. Even though the cancer treatment cost in India for international patients is relatively very less as compared to the western world.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Ovarian Cancer Treatment in India

• Stage of the ailment: If the cancer is detected at an early stage, the treatment and recovery are both less complex and cost-effective. As the ailment progresses, the treatment cost goes higher.
• Location of hospital: Hospitals in metropolitan areas that offer all facilities under one roof (diagnosis, therapies, surgery, and rehabilitation) are relatively more expensive. The cost of living is also higher in the bigger cities.
• Type of treatment: Different therapies and treatment types have different costs. Sometimes, doctors use a combination of treatment methods to treat a disease. In this case, the cost is compiled accordingly.
• Duration and complexity of treatment: Complex treatments normally take more time, and these are likely to cost more.
• Expertise of doctor: Advanced-stage ovarian cancer needs a complex treatment structure. This is normally done by highly experienced oncologists. This increases the cost of the treatment overall.

Need of ovarian surgery

Ovarian cancer surgery plays a crucial role in the treatment of ovarian cancer. It is often the first line of treatment and aims to remove the cancerous tissue from the ovaries and surrounding areas.

Here are some key reasons why surgery is necessary for ovarian cancer:

• Diagnosis: Surgery is essential for the accurate diagnosis of ovarian cancer. A biopsy is performed during the surgery to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. This helps confirm the presence of cancer, determine its type, grade, and stage, and guide further treatment decisions.
• Tumor Removal: Ovarian cancer surgery involves the removal of cancerous tumors from the ovaries and surrounding tissues. The extent of the surgery depends on the stage and spread of the cancer. In early-stage ovarian cancer, surgery may involve the removal of one ovary (unilateral oophorectomy) or both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy). Additional procedures, such as a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), may be performed if necessary.
• Staging: Surgery is crucial for accurately staging ovarian cancer. Staging helps determine the extent of the cancer’s spread and guides the selection of appropriate treatment options. During surgery, the surgeon assesses the involvement of other organs and tissues, such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, lymph nodes, and nearby structures. Staging enables the healthcare team to plan further treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
• Debulking Surgery: In advanced-stage ovarian cancer, debulking surgery, also known as cytoreductive surgery, is performed to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. The goal is to reduce the tumor burden and improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments, such as chemotherapy. Debulking surgery involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and any visible tumor implants in the abdomen and pelvis. In some cases, parts of other organs, such as the bowel or liver, may also be removed or resected.
• Palliative Surgery: Palliative surgery may be performed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for women with advanced ovarian cancer. This may involve removing tumor masses that are causing pain or discomfort or addressing complications such as bowel obstruction or ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen).

It’s important to note that the need for surgery and the specific procedures involved may vary depending on the individual’s unique circumstances, including the stage of cancer, overall health, and treatment goals.

The decision for surgery is made in consultation with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

They consider various factors to determine the most appropriate surgical approach to optimize the chances of successful treatment outcomes.

How to Access Affordable Ovarian Cancer Treatment in India

There are several factors that affect the overall cost of ovarian cancer treatment in India. Some of these factors include complexity of disease, stages of cancer, location of hospital, speciality of hospital, type of treatment, and expertise of oncologists. However, the high cost could be a challenge for many patients, and to ease the burden, here are a few ways they could opt for:

• Health insurance: A comprehensive health insurance in place, which covers serious ailments and their complete treatment, is a great way to save treatment cost.
• Financial aid: Checking about available financial aid and seeking charitable support options could be a great help. 

• Crowdfunding: There are several reliable crowdfunding platforms that help raise money for serious medical cases. 
• Careful selection of hospitals/locations: Treatment in metropolitans could be more expensive, whereas the cost comes significantly down in smaller cities. Selecting hospitals that offer required care at subsidized prices could be an option. Our cost estimation experts can help you with the same.

Who is at risk for ovarian cancer?

Several factors can contribute to an individual’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. While the exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, the following factors are associated with an increased risk:

• Age: The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases occurring in women over the age of 50. However, ovarian cancer can affect women of any age.
• Family History: A strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer increases the risk. Women who have a first-degree relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) with ovarian cancer have a higher likelihood of developing the disease. Additionally, specific genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
• Inherited Gene Mutations: Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. These mutations can be detected through genetic testing.
• Personal History of Cancer: Women who have had breast, colorectal, or endometrial cancer in the past have a slightly higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• Reproductive History: Factors related to reproductive health and hormonal changes can influence ovarian cancer risk. These include never having been pregnant, having infertility or undergoing fertility treatments, starting menstruation at an early age, and reaching menopause at a later age.
• Hormonal Factors: The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause, particularly for an extended period, may slightly increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Conversely, the use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) has been found to reduce the risk.
• Obesity: Obesity is linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer, particularly in women over the age of 50.
• Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis, a condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it, have a higher risk of developing certain types of ovarian cancer.

It is important to note that having one or more risk factors does not guarantee the development of ovarian cancer, and individuals without any risk factors can still develop the disease.

Regular check-ups, early detection, and appropriate medical care are essential for managing ovarian cancer risk. If you are concerned about your risk, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your specific situation and provide personalized guidance.

Why Choose Cancerrounds?

Cancer Round aims to build a bridge between patients and excellent cancer care providers in India. Our team of experts works closely with top-notch hospitals and oncologists in India. Our platform aims to provide you with consultation, cost estimation, assistance with medical tourism, and more. Our key services include:

• Cancer care consultation
• Help with hospitalization
• Cost estimation assistance
• Medical tourism assistance
• Accommodation and visa assistance
• Translation assistance for non-English speaking patients

Conclusion

The cost of ovarian cancer treatment in India is affected by several factors ranging from diagnosis to treatments and city of treatment to age/stage of the patient. The ailment is complex, but the availability of advanced medical treatments has helped patients to recover and lead a normal life. The cost is also affected by several factors such as city of hospitalization, type of treatment, and the stage of the ailment. The best approach is to stay attentive and informed and seek help whenever such an unfortunate challenge arises.