BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Decoding Breast Cancer:
Breaking Down Treatment Options and Financial Considerations
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Decoding Breast Cancer:
Written by:
Utkarsh Bagri
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Breast cancer is a widespread global challenge for millions of women, and men alike. In a country where healthcare resources vary widely, understanding the nuances of breast cancer is vital for empowering individuals with knowledge and facilitating timely intervention and support.
This article provides an overview of the various treatment options available to individuals facing this diagnosis and the average costs associated. From surgery to cutting-edge therapies, we’ll delve into the diverse array of approaches that play a vital role in the fight against breast cancer.
Surgery
This pivotal treatment modality plays a central role in the management of breast cancer, encompassing a range of procedures that aim to remove cancerous tissue.
Average cost in India
-
Mastectomy ₹75,000 - ₹2L
-
Lumptectomy ₹1L to ₹2.5L
- Costs depends on the severity and complexity of the individual case.
- More complex cases often incur higher expenses.
- Lumpectomy costs inclusive of breast reconstruction costs.
- Masectomy
A mastectomy involves the complete removal of one or both breasts.
Unilateral mastectomy
Removes one breast, usually for localized cancer or when the patient desires breast preservation on the other side.
Bilateral mastectomy
Removes both breasts, often for a higher cancer risk or due to a family history of breast cancer.
- Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, is often a less invasive option for early-stage breast cancer. During a lumpectomy, the surgeon removes only the tumor and a small area of surrounding healthy tissue, leaving most of the breast intact.
Radiation therapy
Average cost in India
-
Internal radiation ₹60,000 - ₹5.2L
-
External radiation ₹40,000 - ₹20L
- Depends on the need to the patient and the extent of therapy needed
Radiation therapy employs high-energy X-rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy is typically administered over several weeks and is precisely planned to minimise damage to healthy tissue, helping to improve the chances of a successful, cancer-free outcome.
- It can also be used to shrink tumours before surgery.
- After surgical procedures, radiation may be recommended to eradicate any remaining cancer cells in the breast or surrounding areas.
Chemotherapy
Average cost in India
-
Chemotherapy ₹1L - ₹4L
- Contingent on the specific drugs and treatment regimen prescribed
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that circulate throughout the body to destroy cancer cells or prevent their growth.
- Chemotherapy is often combined with other therapies, like surgery and radiation, to maximize the chances of a successful outcome
- It used in breast cancer treatment, typically after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
- It can also be used before surgery to shrink tumors.
- In chemotherapy, drugs can be injected intravenously or taken orally.
- Treatment regimens vary, and they are tailored to each patient’s specific cancer type and stage.
- While effective, chemotherapy can have side effects, including hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.
Hormone therapy
Average cost in India
-
Hormone therapy ₹20,000 - ₹50,000
This treatment is usually used for cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, meaning they respond to hormones.
- It works by blocking or lowering the hormones in your body, like estrogen, that can make some breast cancers grow and is often taken as pills or injections.
- Hormone therapy is often used after surgery to help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back and is usually taken for at least 5 years.
- Treatment longer than 5 years might be offered to women whose cancers have a higher chance of coming back.
Medication
Medications are crucial in halting the growth of cancer cells, shrinking tumors, and preventing the disease from spreading.
Average cost in India
-
Tamoxifen (1 strip, 20MG) ₹21- ₹30
-
Toremifene (30 tablets) ₹86,426
Amazon Pharmacy
- Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women and improve survival rates in those with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
- Tamoxifen is an option for premenopausal women .
- It can also help manage hormone-positive metastatic breast cancer by slowing down tumour growth.
- For postmenopausal individuals, aromatase inhibitors are often preferred.
- Treatment duration ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the specific situation.
- Toremifene
Similar to tamoxifen, toremifene works by blocking the effects of estrogen on breast cancer cells.
- It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and is often used for postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Targeted Drug Therapy
Targeted drug therapy hone in on the specific proteins within cancer cells that drive their growth, spread, and longevity. These drugs are administered into the bloodstream and can travel throughout the entire body, which renders them especially effective in dealing with cancers that have advanced and spread to distant parts of the body.
Targeted drug therapy offers a more precise and less generalized approach to breast cancer treatment, thereby minimizing side effects and maximizing the chances of success, especially in late-stage and metastatic cases.
Average cost in India
-
Trastuzumab (per 440MG vial) ₹15,749
-
Herceptin Hylecta (5 ML) ₹4.09L
-
Pertuzumab (per 420MG vial) ₹2.2L
Tata1mg
-
Phesgo (per 1200/600MG vial) ₹4.5L - ₹5L
Tata1mg, PharmEasy
- Highly targeted weapons against breast cancer cells.
- How they're used depends on the specific situation of the patient.
- Lumpectomy costs inclusive of breast reconstruction costs.
- Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal Antibodies work through various mechanisms, not only attacking cancer cells directly but also enhancing the immune system’s response. They’re trained to lock onto specific parts of breast cancer cells. Once attached, they work to put the brakes on the cancer cells, preventing them from growing and spreading.
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
Herceptin is often used to treat two main stages of breast cancer: the early stage and the advanced stage. Typically, doctors pair it with chemotherapy for a one-two punch against cancer. In some situations, it can also go solo. Herceptin is usually given through an IV, which means it’s slowly dripped into your veins.
Herceptin Hylecta
Herceptin Hylecta is like a more convenient version of Herceptin. Instead of going through an IV, it’s given as a shot just under your skin. It’s a quicker process and can make the treatment experience a bit more comfortable.
Pertuzumab (Perjeta)
Pertuzumab (Perjeta) is often used alongside Herceptin and chemotherapy. It’s like forming a powerful trio to tackle cancer. Like Herceptin, it’s given through an IV.
Phesgo
Phesgo is like a combination of Herceptin and Pertuzumab in one shot under the skin. It's a bit like getting two superheroes in one injection to combat the cancer.
Please note: These are estimated costs of treatment at most private hospitals in the country. The costs may vary based on region, severity of disease and mode of treatment.
P.S. This article is for information purposes only and don’t replace professional medical guidance. Health decisions should be made in consultation with qualified medical experts who can provide personalized advice based on individual circumstances and needs.
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