What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a male reproductive gland that secretes sperm-nourishing seminal fluid. The walnut-sized prostate also serves to eject the seminal fluid into the urethra as an ejaculate. The abnormal and rapid proliferation of cells in the prostate gland causes prostate cancer. It is one of the leading cancers detected in men worldwide.
Early-stage detection and treatment offer high survival rates in patients with prostate cancer. As per the American Cancer Society, 98% of prostate cancer patients in the United States have a 5-year survival rate after diagnosis and treatment. In India, the 5-year survival rate of local and regional prostate cancer is close to 100%. The prostate cancer treatment cost in India starts at INR2,61,175.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms and the Benefits of Early Diagnosis
Early-stage prostate cancer does not typically manifest any noticeable symptoms. Below listed are those you need to watch for.
- The urge to urinate frequently
- Pain during urination
- Difficulty controlling the bladder or bowel movements
- Bleeding or spotting during urination or ejaculation or both
- Pain in lower extremities, including lower back, hip, and thighs
These symptoms can be due to other illnesses such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or inflammation in the pelvic region. You can opt for regular screening using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test based on your doctor’s advice. Depending on your PSA levels, further testing modes such as biopsy, imaging scans, and a rectal exam may be required to confirm a diagnosis. The prostate cancer treatment cost in India depends on how the tumor is diagnosed. If the growth has spread to the bone or lymph nodes around the prostate, the treatment cost will be higher than treatment of a localized prostate tumor.
Common Approaches to Prostate Cancer Treatment
Listed below are some of the common approaches to prostate cancer treatment.
- Active surveillance: Your oncologist may opt to wait for symptoms to develop or recommend regular screening to determine the treatment plan. It is done when the patient does not experience any symptoms as the tumor may be small or slow-growing. In this case, the treatment cost is limited to the screening tests and doctor’s consultation fees.
- Prostatectomy: It is a procedure to remove the prostate gland and the tumor inside it. The cost associated with prostatectomy depends on the extent of the surgery. If the surgeon observes a spread of cancer in surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, radical prostatectomy may be required to remove the affected areas.
- Other therapies: These include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiosurgery, chemotherapy, brachytherapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
The maximum cost of prostate cancer treatment in India could go up to INR4,85,041.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Cost
Following are some of the individual costs that constitute the overall treatment cost.
- Tests fee: Fees for screening tests such as PSA blood test, rectal examination, colonoscopy, CT scan, PET scan, and prostate biopsy. One or more of these tests could be required multiple times during the treatment period.
- Doctor’s consultation and visits: Depending on the treatment plan, several doctors may be involved in your treatment, including a medical oncologist, radiation therapist, and prostate surgeon.
- Surgery costs: Consumables, operation theatre, and personnel.
- Post-surgery recovery costs: These may be incurred to address any complications that may occur.
- Hospital room
- Prescription medication
- Daycare costs for radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
- Follow up sessions
- Transportation and accommodation: Such costs may be incurred if the hospital is far from your residence.
Why is it beneficial to get treatment in India?
The prostate cancer treatment cost in India varies according to treatment location and is generally higher in metros. Prostate cancer treatment’s average cost in India is USD 3500 to USD 6500. In the United States, prostate cancer treatment costs can go up to USD 35,000, in the United Kingdom up to USD 18,500, and in Australia up to USD 19,000. Note that these costs are co-payment average costs for those insured and may vary depending on various factors in the treatment plan. Without insurance, these costs will be even higher, but the cost of treatment in India will still be relatively lesser than the other countries listed here.
Additional benefits
In India, prostate cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are usually available at a single hospital without the need to visit different facilities. Unlike the United States and a few other countries, there is no waiting period before being admitted for treatment. This additional benefit is often not considered when discussing prostate cancer treatment costs in India.
Conclusion
It will be worthwhile to consult with your doctor regarding screening tests if you experience any of the listed symptoms of prostate cancer. Keep in mind that early diagnosis is the key to beating prostate cancer and keeping the treatment cost minimum.
