TOI
Citing an Indian study of 500 breast cancer patients at Tata Memorial Centre, published in the International Journal for Equity in Health, doctors noted that 84.2% of households experienced catastrophic health expenditure, while 72.4% resorted to distress financing. The study found that 14% of patients discontinued treatment during the study period, with financial problems accounting for 4.8% of all patients. They also cited figures indicating that out-of-pocket treatment expenditure was over Rs 1.8 lakh. Patients made an average of 49 hospital visits over 276 days, while approximately 69% had taken loans by the end of the follow-up period.
“Some patients are at risk of losing their job as a result of the cancer diagnosis. We also need medical leave and flexible work arrangements, along with social protection for informal-sector workers, to ensure no patient is denied care due to financial issues,” said Dr Smitha Saldanha, senior consultant – medical oncology, HCG Cancer Hospital.
Dr Monika Pansari, consultant – breast and gynaecology onco-surgery (surgical oncology) and robotic surgery, Manipal Hospital, Kanakapura Road, said the financial burden could persist for years after initial treatment. The expenses may increase just when she may be losing her income,” she said, adding that follow-up tests, medicines and rehabilitation continue to strain household budgets. Dr Anil Kamath, senior surgical oncologist at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta, said treatment could span six months to a year, during which fatigue, nausea and other side effects could affect a woman’s ability to work. “These expenses, coupled with existing family responsibilities and other personal circumstances, can make the treatment journey extremely stressful and affect a patient’s ability to adhere to the prescribed treatment plan,” she said.
Bengaluru : For a woman diagnosed with breast cancer, the battle is not just within the walls of the hospital. Be it a working woman who has to take a loss of pay during treatment or a homemaker from a village who has to make multiple trips to the hospital, dipping into her savings, oncologists in Bengaluru highlight how financial distress is forcing some women to delay treatment, miss follow-up appointments and reconsider expensive therapies. The burden is particularly severe for women who are primary earners or work in the informal sector without paid medical leave. Dr MS Sushruta, senior consultant – surgical oncology, breast and gynaec oncology, Cytecare Hospitals, added the financial burden includes expenses that are often overlooked, such as travel, accommodation, food, childcare and the loss of income for family members accompanying patients. Doctors called for changes across healthcare delivery, insurance coverage and workplace policies to prevent financial distress among women undergoing treatment. “Financial counselling should begin at diagnosis; insurance should cover treatment and follow-up care more comprehensively, and support should extend to travel and caregiving costs.