Cancer treatment can be overwhelming—both physically and economically. Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for cancer, which uses drugs to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. If you or your loved one is planning to undergo chemotherapy in India, it is important to know the costs involved.
In this article, we will dissect the cost of chemotherapy in India, cost factors to know, and how to manage costs effectively.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is the use of powerful medications that invade and kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used alone or with any other treatment, e.g., surgery or radiation, to cure any form of cancer. The type of treatment occurs in cycles and takes months or over a year depending on the size and stage of the cancer.
Factors that Affect Chemotherapy Costs in India
Let us discuss the different factors that affect chemotherapy costs.
1. Type of Cancer and Treatment Plan
The price is determined by the type of cancer and the chemotherapy treatment plan prescribed by oncologists. Certain cancers need more intensive treatment, which is more expensive.
2. Hospital and Location
The hospital and city choice is important. Metropolitan cities are more costly to treat than small towns. For instance, the chemotherapy cost in Delhi might be different from other cities because of increased medical costs in the capital.
3. Type of Chemotherapy Drugs
Some chemotherapy drugs are generic and cheap, and others are branded and costly. The price of targeted therapy and immunotherapy medicines is typically greater than conventional chemotherapy.
4. Mode of Administration
- Chemotherapy may be administered in various manners, such as:
- Oral Tablets – A few chemotherapy medications are available as pills, which can be ingested at home.
- Intravenous (IV) Infusion – The most frequent method, where medicines are given via a vein.
- Injection – A chemotherapy injection directly into the bloodstream.
- Topical Application – Sometimes chemotherapy drugs may be applied through a cream or gel.
5. Treatment Frequency and Duration
Certain cancer patients require treatment weekly, while others may require it every few months. The number of treatment cycles directly affects the overall cost.
6. Other Expenses
Besides the chemotherapy drugs themselves, there are other expenses such as:
- Hospitalisation and consultation fees
- Lab tests and imaging scans
- Medications for managing side effects
- Follow-up and care after treatment
Estimated Cost of Chemotherapy in India
The chemotherapy cost in India varies widely. Here’s an estimate:
- Government Hospitals – ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per session
- Private Hospitals – ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 per session
- High-end Cancer Hospitals – ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per session
For a complete cycle of chemotherapy, the overall cost can be anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹20,00,000, depending on the above-mentioned factors.
Comparison of Chemotherapy Costs Across Major Indian Cities
| City | Average Cost Per Session (₹) |
| Delhi | 30,000 – 1,50,000 |
| Mumbai | 40,000 – 2,00,000 |
| Bangalore | 35,000 – 1,80,000 |
| Chennai | 25,000 – 1,50,000 |
| Kolkata | 20,000 – 1,00,000 |
Ways to Reduce Chemotherapy Expenses
While chemotherapy can be expensive, there are ways to manage costs:
1. Government Schemes and Insurance
- Several government schemes help cancer patients get free or subsidized treatment.
- Health insurance policies cover chemotherapy costs, so check your policy details.
2. Opt for Generic Drugs
Generic chemotherapy drugs are much cheaper than branded versions but equally effective.
3. Seek Treatment at Government or Charitable Hospitals
Institutions like AIIMS, Tata Memorial Hospital, and other government hospitals offer high-quality treatment at lower costs.
4. Consider Clinical Trials
Some cancer patients may qualify for clinical trials, where experimental drugs are provided at little or no cost.
Cost of Chemotherapy for Specific Cancers
The cost varies based on the type of cancer. Here are some examples:
- Breast Cancer – ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000
- Lung Cancer – ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 (chemotherapy for lung cancer)
- Colon Cancer – ₹1,50,000 to ₹7,00,000
- Leukaemia (Blood Cancer) – ₹3,00,000 to ₹15,00,000
Note: All the costs given are a general price range. These can differ depending upon the severity of the disease, advanced treatments needed, hospital facilities or the location.
Finding the Best Chemotherapy Hospitals in India
If you are looking for quality treatment, some of the best chemotherapy hospitals in Delhi and other major cities include:
Top Hospitals for Chemotherapy in India
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
- AIIMS, Delhi
- Apollo Hospitals, Multiple Locations
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi
Final Thoughts
Chemotherapy is an effective but expensive cancer therapy. The cost of chemotherapy in India varies depending on hospital selection, drug type, and treatment length.
To control costs, look into government hospitals, insurance, and financial aid programs. Always seek advice from your oncologist to select the optimal treatment regimen depending on your financial and medical condition.
