Nearly 50 per cent cancer patients are uninsured: Edelweiss Tokio Life study

92 per cent oncologists believe a majority of patients discontinue treatment due to unaffordability

Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, in partnership with Ipsos Research, conducted a study with 100 oncologists across 15 cities to assess the state of cancer care in India and its impact on the patients.

A majority of oncologists believe that cancer incidences are likely to increase by almost 25 per cent over the next five years. Breast cancer is likely to account for a greater proportion of these incidences followed by lung, oral, and cervical cancers.

Commenting on the study, Sumit Rai, MD and CEO, Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance said, “The financial impact of cancer is glaring. While there are advanced treatments available, the staggering cost involved makes it unaffordable for several patients. Through this study, we wish to highlight the economic burden created by cancer care and create awareness that a simple tool like insurance can be your friend during such a challenging time.”

Currently, a standard cancer treatment for early and locally advanced stages costs about Rs 4.5 lakh, and for metastatic stage cancer about Rs 6 lakhs. The financial burden increases sharply if a patient opts for advanced therapy. Across all cancer types, advanced therapy costs about Rs 10 lakhs for locally advanced stage (stages two and three) and about Rs 14 lakhs for metastatic stage.

“The awareness about insurance for critical illnesses is quite low in India. Despite the escalating medical costs, a large population avails loans or sells their assets to provide for the massive medical expenditures. In fact, 92 per cent doctors believe that a majority of patients discontinue the much-needed treatment due to unaffordability,” Rai added.

While treatment cost increases, survival rates of patients drop as cancer progresses across stages. The study reveals, after a year of diagnosis, survival rate stands at 77 per cent in early stage, lowers to 58 per cent in locally advanced stage (stages two and three), and drops further to 45 per cent in metastatic stage.

These findings draw an ugly picture and more people must become cognisant of these facts. Early detection is extremely essential – it not only increases the patient’s chances of surviving at a curable stage, but also significantly reduces the cost of treatment.