Breast cancer, the most common type of cancer affecting women in India, poses not only a severe health challenge but also a significant economic burden on patients and their families. With its incidence steadily rising, the financial cost of diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care has left countless individuals grappling with both physical and emotional tolls, along with the weight of mounting medical bills.
Breast Cancer: A Growing Health Crisis
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can spread to surrounding tissues. This disease primarily affects women but can also occur in men, accounting for about 1% of cases. In 2022 alone, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, leading to 6,70,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
India has seen a worrying increase in breast cancer cases over the past two decades. What was once primarily diagnosed in women over 50 is now increasingly affecting younger women in their 20s and 30s. Factors such as genetic predisposition (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations), family history, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption, obesity, and inactivity contribute to this rise.
The Economic Impact of Breast Cancer in India
The financial strain of breast cancer is immense. A January 2025 study published in Scientific Reports estimated that the economic burden of breast cancer in India would rise to $13.96 billion by 2030, reflecting an annual increase of 5.6%. This projection underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to reduce the financial burden on patients.
Treatment costs vary depending on the stage and type of cancer. A typical breast cancer treatment—including surgery, radiation therapy, and diagnostic tests—costs between ₹5–6 lakh. Advanced treatments, like targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer, can exceed ₹20 lakh, equivalent to a decade’s worth of average annual income in India. These expenses often force families to deplete savings, sell assets, or take on substantial debt.
Barriers to Access and Financial Reimbursement
In India, healthcare expenses for breast cancer are predominantly paid out-of-pocket, despite the availability of reimbursement options through insurance schemes or government programs. Unfortunately, the reimbursement amounts are often insufficient to cover the full cost of treatment. This leaves patients and their families facing significant financial gaps, further exacerbating their economic distress.
According to a study published in BMJ Open, poor diagnosis, high treatment costs, and delayed access to care contribute to a high mortality rate. While early detection improves survival rates, a lack of awareness, limited screening facilities, and high costs hinder timely diagnosis and treatment for many patients in India.
The Human Cost: Decreased Productivity and Quality of Life
The financial burden of breast cancer extends beyond direct medical expenses. Many patients experience decreased productivity due to the physical and emotional toll of treatment. Fatigue, side effects, and rigorous treatment schedules often prevent them from working, leading to a loss of income. Caregivers, usually family members, also bear indirect costs, such as lost wages and travel expenses for hospital visits.
“Patients are unable to work because of their treatment regimen and fatigue. Family members bear some financial burden as caregivers through lost hours of work or incurred expenses for travel and accommodation,” said Dr. Shweta Mendiratta, Gynecologist at Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad.
Government Efforts and Policy Changes
In 2024, the Indian government took a step to ease the financial burden by reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on certain cancer drugs, including Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, from 12% to 5%. This drug is essential for treating HER2-positive breast cancer, one of the most aggressive types of the disease.
While this reduction in GST is a welcome move, more comprehensive strategies are needed. Policies promoting affordable cancer care, increased funding for public health initiatives, and widespread insurance coverage could significantly alleviate the economic strain on patients and their families.
The Role of Technology in Early Diagnosis and Treatment
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare is revolutionizing cancer detection and treatment. AI-powered tools can analyze mammograms, identify abnormalities at an earlier stage, and predict patient outcomes with remarkable accuracy. Early diagnosis not only improves survival rates but also reduces treatment costs by addressing the disease before it progresses to advanced stages.
Bridging the Gaps
With breast cancer cases projected to rise, India faces an urgent need to address the gaps in its healthcare system. Increased awareness campaigns, better diagnostic facilities, and affordable treatment options are critical in combating this growing crisis.
While hope remains for better outcomes, it comes at a cost—both financial and emotional. Addressing the economic burden of breast cancer requires a collaborative effort from policymakers, healthcare providers, and society at large to ensure that no patient has to choose between life-saving treatment and financial stability.
