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Breast Cancer: Financial Ruin Amidst Treatment
25 Oct
Summary
- Financial distress causes women to delay or miss cancer treatment.
- Many households face catastrophic health expenditure from cancer care.
- Modern cancer therapies can cost between Rs 30-40 lakh, straining budgets.
Financial burdens significantly impact women undergoing breast cancer treatment, often forcing them to delay or abandon care. Oncologists highlight that a substantial majority of households face catastrophic health expenditures, compelling many to seek distress financing, including loans. The average out-of-pocket expenses can exceed Rs 1.8 lakh, with patients making numerous hospital visits over extended periods.
The financial strain is compounded by the high cost of advanced treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy, which can range from Rs 30-40 lakh. Beyond direct medical costs, expenses related to travel, accommodation, childcare, and lost income for caregivers further burden families. This multifaceted financial pressure can critically affect a patient's ability to adhere to prescribed treatment plans.
Experts advocate for comprehensive changes in healthcare delivery, insurance coverage, and workplace policies. They emphasize the need for financial counseling at diagnosis, more extensive insurance coverage for treatment and follow-up, and support for travel and caregiving expenses. Flexible work arrangements and social protection for informal workers are also crucial to prevent treatment denial due to financial constraints.
