Colon cancer treatment involves surgery, biological therapy, and resection. Colon cancer treatment cost in India depends on several factors including pre and post-operative cost.
It is treatable and has a survival rate of around 90%. Hence, many people recover successfully even after getting diagnosed with colon cancer.
Continue reading to know about the cost of colon cancer treatments and their depending factors.
What is Colon Cancer?
Due to the unhealthy lifestyle and consumption of a higher amount of fast foods in our diet, the risk of colon cancer is increasing with the day. According to the studies, it is the third most prevalent cancer which is taking up life in the human community. 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.
But on getting it diagnosed on time, it can be adequately cured, and hence saving a life is possible. Dealing with the symptoms, well, there are some of them which can raise the suspicion of colon cancer. The very first thing that we realize is the obstruction as the cancer cells grow inside the colon. It is much more felt if the polyps are at the traverse region or the descending part. It makes you feel pressure inside the colon leading to the obstruction. The patient can also suffer from the pain in abdomen with swelling too. You may also feel nausea and vomiting. As cancer gets worse and steps into the advanced stage, bleeding may occur as the tumor grows.
The fecal movement is obstructed which is hidden by the stool. Many a time it is mistaken and often ignored too. With time, the tumor grows and starts invading the surrounding tissues too. The bleeding can also cause anemia which causes iron deficiency in that person. As the cells start invading it causes pain in the abdomen which increases with time.
Slowly affecting the urinary bladder, the urinary problem is dominantly seen in the patient. Experts consider this stage as the advanced stage of colon cancer. In any case, if the malignant cells spread outside the colon, they start spreading through the blood and affect the lymphatic nodes too.
Colon Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Colon cancer treatment cost in India depends basically on the stage of the disease, the type of hospital, and the suitable treatment. Treatment may vary as per the spreading of the disease and the duration of the colon cancer treatment.
The colon cancer treatment cost in India ranges from Rs.5,00,000 to Rs.25,00,000. There are several different ways to get treatment for colon cancer. Many cancer specialist hospitals provide treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. The doctor will decide which treatment should be opted for according to the severity of cancer and the overall health of the patient. The effectiveness of treatment is increased in the case of combination treatment strategies that enhance survival even in the last stages. The whole procedure is designed to complete the removal of cancer cells, which may spread to other parts of the body.
So, all these therapies are designed in a systematic way like chemotherapy is done before surgery and radiation is done after surgery.
There are several elements in the cancer treatment which define this cost. We’ve broken down these elements for your better understanding.
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.
Colon cancer survival rate
The overall 5-years survival rate of colon cancer is significantly high.
There is a 92 percent chance that a person who got diagnosed with colon cancer at the first stage can survive up to 5 years.
The survival rate depends on many factors such as stage of cancer, treatment applied, or lifestyle.
Preventive Measures for Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is that it is preventable. If you are having any hereditary tendency to get colon cancer, then a few basic steps can help you prevent it.
- Always eat a healthy diet that is colon friendly a high fiber diet is what helps you to clean the colon clean and healthy. It also reduces the risk of developing colon cancer.
- Consuming less or no alcohol can also help you prevent colon cancer too. Avoiding junk foods and unhealthy packed foods can be of great help. It is very important to stay physically active too.
- Practice exercises, yoga, or aerobics which will help you balance the hormone secretion too.
- Those who are less active secrets higher insulin which can affect the colon too. Antioxidants, folic acids, and vitamin B are great for the prevention of colon cancer too. So, get your focus on the supplements too in your diet. They are very much helpful and can present you with a healthy life for a longer period.
- Those who are having a high tendency to get colon cancer should undergo check-ups every 10 years.
- It is also suggested by those who are not having genetic risks. Also taking unnecessary medicines and drugs should be avoided.
- A virtual colonoscopy can also be undergone if you are afraid of the colonoscopy.
So to prevent colon cancer, start a healthy lifestyle today. Follow the regimen and prevent colon cancer to affect your life and slowly taking you to the end of life.
Why Choose Cancerrounds?
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.
