Cost of Treatment for Cancer: Experiences of Patients in Public Hospitals in India

Background: To assess the treatment pattern and expenditure incurred by cancer patients undergoingtreatment at government tertiary hospitals in India. Materials and
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 508 cancerpatients randomly selected from tertiary cancer hospitals funded by central/state governments located in majorcities of five states in India, namely Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Mizoram, during March- May 2011 was conducted. Information related to direct costs, indirect costs and opportunity costs incurredon investigations and treatment, major source of payment and difficulties faced by patients during the courseof treatment was collected.
Results: About 45% of the patients used private health facilities as the first point ofcontact for cancer related diseases as against 32% in public hospitals. About 47% sought private health facilitiesfor cancer investigations, 21% at district/sub-district hospitals, and about 4% contacted primary health carefacilities. A majority of the patients (76%) faced financial problems while undergoing treatment.
Conclusions: Theresults highlight the importance of involving the primary health care system in the cancer prevention activities.