How Much Does Breast Cancer Treatment Cost ? World Prices

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the breast generally caused by aging, genetic factors, being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, drinking alcohol, eating unhealthy food and radiation exposure to chest or face. However, these cancerous cells are treated by various treatment techniques at variable prices. In this article, we have gathered the costs of breast cancer treatments from different countries together. Although it is obvious that the prices depend on each treatment itself, these average prices may help you to compare the different countries.

READ: Breast Cancer Myths vs. Facts

What is Breast Cancer Treatment?

There are several ways to treat breast cancer, depending on the type and stage of the cancerous area. Briefly explain, the stages of cancer are typically labeled as 1 to 4 (usually written in Roman numerals: I, II, III, and IV), and they describe the size of the cancer and how far it's metastatic. Stage I means the cancer is smaller and it is seen still only in one area. This stage is called early-stage cancer. Stage II and stage III mean the cancer is larger than stage I and has already started to be grown in nearby tissues or lymph nodes. And stage IV means cancer has spread to other parts of your body. Cancer in this last stage is called advanced cancer or metastatic cancer.

The main breast cancer treatment options include:

Surgery,
Chemotherapy,
Radiotherapy,
Hormonal therapy (endocrine therapy)
Biological therapy.

You might have a combination of these treatments depending on your condition. So, your doctor will take many significant factors into account when choosing the best and most suitable treatment for you. It should also be mentioned here; there are many cancer researchers conducting various studies on these treatments and trying to increase their efficacy of them, as we see on the latest news on breast cancer. For example, according to breast cancer research, reducing the interval between chemotherapy treatment cycles or administering chemotherapy medications sequentially at higher doses, rather than simultaneously at lower doses, increases treatment efficacy and decreases the risk of breast cancer recurrence and death, a study suggests.

READ: Self-Examination of Breast Cancer – Why Is It So Important?

What to Expect After Breast Cancer Treatment?

After breast cancer treatment is done, your doctor will want to watch your healing process closely. At first, your follow-up visits will generally be scheduled for every month. In follow-up controls, your doctor will make a blood test, breast biopsy and imaging tests such as bone scans and chest x-rays. The longer you have been free of breast cancer, the less often follow-up appointments are needed. You may also experience some side effects and complications after your cancer treatment such as the following: chest pain, back pain, hair loss, anemia, appetite loss, swelling, fatigue, scars, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression.

However, these side effects can often be managed with medications or other options determined by your breast cancer specialist.

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in Turkey (avg. € 9.000)

An increasing number of patients are turning to Turkish hospitals for breast cancer treatment. Having breast cancer treatment done in Turkey will save you thousands of euros. Because the cost of breast cancer treatment is 20-30% cheaper than the same treatment in most of European countries. For example, a surgical breast cancer treatment cost in Turkey is €9.000 in average. And also, one session of chemotherapy is from € 1.000 to €3.650.

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in the USA (avg. $100.000)

The USA is of the most developed countries when it comes to healthcare and medical equipment. However, the prices would not be so satisfying for your budget. Breast cancer treatment in the USA is generally covered by health insurance, although some plans may not cover individual drugs or treatments. For patients not covered by health insurance, breast cancer treatment in the USA costs between $15,000-$50,000 or chemotherapy can cost $100,000 on average, depending on the drugs, the method of administration and the length or number of treatments.

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in the UK (avg. €90.000)

The UK offers a wide range of options and clinics with good quality of medical service and satisfying customer care. However, the prices generally don’t meet most of the patients’ budgets as the average cost of breast cancer treatment in the UK is as high as €90.000.

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in Germany (avg. €20.000)

Germany is in 25th place in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ranking of the world’s healthcare, providing a highly qualified treatment for nearly 600 women every year. The prices are relatively competitive in the UK as an average surgical breast cancer treatment in Germany is around €20.000 and radiation therapy is as much as €13.000.

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in Poland (avg. €15.000)

Poland excels among other European countries by offering relatively cheaper breast cancer treatment. An average cost of breast cancer treatment in Poland ranges from €8.000 to €15.000.

Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in Hungary (avg. €10.000)

Located in Central Europe, Hungary is a popular destination offering high quality of healthcare along with reasonable prices. As an annual breast cancer treatment cost in Hungary may be as low as €10.000.

Which Destination for Breast Cancer Treatment Is the Best and the Cheapest?

As seen above, you have various choices from Turkey to the USA for breast cancer treatment. And there is a wide diversity of oncology clinics all around the world.

Turkey is one of the best affordable healthcare destinations with a wide array of medical facilities and high-quality of healthcare. Successful results make the patients satisfied. Thus, breast cancer treatment in Turkey is quite popular, and this makes Turkey a good option for people planning to have breast cancer treatment.