Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases in Indonesia. Read on for more information about the costs of breast cancer chemotherapy.

The cost of breast cancer chemotherapy has become a frequently asked question due to the rising number of breast cancer cases in Indonesia. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, and it also has the highest number of cases in Indonesia. According to data from the Global Cancer Observatory, there were 66,271 cases of breast cancer in 2022, which is higher than cervical cancer, which recorded 36,964 cases.

The most common treatment for breast cancer is chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the costs of chemotherapy for breast cancer are significant. Furthermore, the more advanced the cancer stage, the more complex the treatment becomes, which can significantly impact the financial situation of patients and their families. So, what types of chemotherapy exist, and how much does breast cancer chemotherapy cost? Read on for the answers!

Before diving into the costs of chemotherapy for breast cancer, it's important to understand how chemotherapy is administered. Chemotherapy typically uses drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. For breast cancer cases, chemotherapy can be given both before and after surgery, depending on the patient's condition.

There are three types of chemotherapy for breast cancer, each suited to the patient’s needs. Here are the types of chemotherapy for breast cancer:

1. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

This type is generally given before surgery to shrink the tumor. The goal is to reduce the tumor size, making it easier to remove. Additionally, neoadjuvant chemotherapy helps reduce the risk of cancer spreading.

2. Adjuvant Chemotherapy

This treatment is administered after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Adjuvant chemotherapy also reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in the future, which can ultimately help improve the patient's post-treatment quality of life. This, in turn, may reduce the overall cost of chemotherapy.

3. Chemotherapy for Advanced-Stage Cancer

Chemotherapy is used when cancer has spread to other parts of the body, typically in stage 4. Though the prognosis for stage 4 cancer is poor, appropriate treatment can extend the patient’s life expectancy.

The duration of chemotherapy for breast cancer depends on the cancer stage and how the patient responds to treatment. For early-stage breast cancer (stages 1 and 2), chemotherapy typically lasts 4 to 6 months. Treatment duration for stages 3 and 4 is usually longer.

Chemotherapy is administered in cycles, usually consisting of 4 to 8 cycles, with each cycle lasting between two to three weeks. If the patient responds well to the treatment, the duration may be shortened. However, if the patient's body does not respond well, treatment duration may be extended or the medication may be changed. Poor patient responses can also increase the costs of chemotherapy.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer often experience side effects. These can include:

• Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects as the brain detects toxic substances in the blood from chemotherapy, prompting the body to protect itself.

• Hair Loss

Alopecia or hair loss is a typical reaction to chemotherapy. The chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells, including healthy cells like hair follicles.

• Fatigue

Chemotherapy affects both cancer cells and healthy cells, including muscles and tissues, causing the body to work harder. This leads to fatigue, which can persist throughout the recovery period.

Additional side effects include diarrhea, changes in appetite, and changes in skin and nail color. The more side effects a patient experiences, the higher the overall cost of chemotherapy. However, most side effects are temporary, so it's important for patients to maintain communication with their treating physician.

After discussing the side effects, it is crucial to understand the estimated costs of chemotherapy for breast cancer. Costs increase if intensive care is required for the patient. Other factors that influence the cost of chemotherapy include:

1. Use of Generic vs. Brand-Name Drugs

One factor influencing the cost of chemotherapy is the type of medication used. There are two main types of chemotherapy drugs: generic and brand-name (patented) drugs. Generic drugs are generally more affordable as they contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, but are produced after the patent expires.

Patented drugs are more expensive due to the exclusive rights held by the pharmaceutical company producing them, but they contain the same active ingredients as generic drugs. Both generic and patented drugs are safe when prescribed by a doctor and approved by the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM).

2. Additional Costs

Besides the cost of chemotherapy, there are additional expenses that can add up. Laboratory tests, for example, can cost between IDR 1 million to 5 million. Hospital stays and doctor consultations typically range from IDR 500,000 to 5 million, depending on the room and the number of consultations.

Additionally, transportation and accommodation costs may increase, especially for patients traveling from areas without comprehensive chemotherapy facilities.

There are many hospitals that provide breast cancer treatment, and one example is those affiliated with IHH Healthcare Malaysia. In fact, the cost of chemotherapy for breast cancer at several hospitals under IHH Healthcare Malaysia is considerably more affordable.

The cost of breast cancer chemotherapy at hospitals within the IHH Healthcare Malaysia network varies depending on the specific hospital chosen. You also have the option to select from multiple IHH Healthcare Malaysia hospitals located in different cities, allowing you not only to receive treatment but also to enjoy the unique atmosphere of various cities in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, many are still unaware of this important information regarding treatment costs. Likewise, the facilities available at hospitals in Malaysia are also not widely known. However, treatment costs in Malaysia are not only more affordable, but the services and facilities offered are on par with hospitals in other countries. In addition to comprehensive facilities, the strategic location and easy accessibility of these hospitals are also key advantages.

If you have a family member who is undergoing breast cancer treatment and are looking for a more affordable option, consider choosing one of the hospitals under IHH Healthcare Malaysia. For more detailed information or to arrange a consultation, you can explore the various hospitals affiliated with IHH Healthcare Malaysia. Don't wait any longer—schedule a consultation now at any of the IHH Healthcare Malaysia hospitals.