Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment procedure that aims to kill cancer cells in the body of the patient. However, chemotherapy requires a series of preparations, from physical and mental, including knowing the estimated cost of chemotherapy. In addition, basic things such as the rationale of treatment, potential side effects should also be understood by the patient and family.

As chemotherapy does not focus on a single area or organ, but on the entire body. In general, chemotherapy will be done when:

• Before surgery or radiation therapy with the aim of shrinking the tumor size.
• After surgery or radiation therapy, namely to destroy the remaining cancer cells that have not been lifted.
• To maximize the effects of treatment during radiation therapy and biological therapy.
• To control the cancer cells if it has spread to others parts of body.

Before discussing the estimated cost of chemotherapy, you also need to know about the different types of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is usually systemic, meaning the drugs can spread throughout the body. Well, in addition to the estimated cost of chemotherapy, you also need to know about the different types of chemotherapy, as follows:

1. Intravenous (IV)

This method is one of the most common chemotherapy processes, where the drug is administered through an infusion. In this procedure, the drug is introduced through the veins. The process can take place over a span of several minutes to several hours

2. Intraperitoneal (IP)

The drug is given through surgery or a special tube inserted into the patient's abdominal cavity.

3. Intraarterial (IA)

This treatment is carried out by injecting the drug into the artery that supplies blood to cancer cells.

4. Injections

Chemotherapy drugs can also be given by injection under the skin or muscle. Cancer sufferers can also receive injections in the arms, legs, or around the abdomen.

5. Oral medications

Some types of drugs can also be taken as oral medications through the mouth in the form of pills or liquids that can be swallowed. Make sure you know how to use it properly by asking a nurse or doctor.

6. Topical

Usually, this type of treatment is done by applying it to the part of the body or skin that has cancer.

7. Intratechal

This method of treatment involves introducing the chemotherapy in te fluid around the spine through lumbar puncture.

Chemotherapy is one of the treatments that requires close supervision and monitoring. In addition to the estimated cost of chemotherapy, there are things that need to be considered, including the following.

• Pregnant women should not undergo chemotherapy because it risks causing birth defects in the fetus (Unless in special cases where it is absolutely necessary, such as cancer in pregnancy)
• Tell your doctor if you are taking herbal medicine. Because these drugs could cause dangerous reactions in cancer patients.

As a note, always inform your medical history to the doctor before undergoing chemotherapy.

How much is the estimated cost of chemotherapy? One chemotherapy session generally reaches tens of millions of rupiah depending on the results of consultation with a doctor and the severity of cancer. It is also important to note that this treatment needs to be carried out continuously and again depends on the severity of cancer.

However, you can get relief if you have insurance that works with the hospital that will handle your or your family's cancer.

Well, to find out the estimated cost of chemotherapy, you can do a survey first. However, if you plan to undergo chemotherapy, you can start by consulting with the IHH Healthcare Malaysia cancer specialist team.