Most people will be afraid of cancer but their bigger concern is the cost of treatment. The average cancer treatment price can range from Php 120,000 to as much as Php 1 million pesos or more.
Total Cost Per Type
| Cancer Type | Average Cost of Treatment |
|---|---|
| Brain | Php 350,000 – Php 500,000 |
| Breast | Php 300,000 – Php 450,000 |
| Bone | Php 250,000 and above |
| Colon | Php 420,000 and above |
| Lung | Php 350,000 to Php 700,000 (long term) |
| Ovarian | Php 80,000 to Php 120,000 |
| Prostate | Php 90,000 to Php 120,000 |
| Skin | Php 80,000 to Php 210,000 |
| Stomach | Php 110,000 to Php 140,000 |
| Testicular | Php 35,000 and above (starts at orchiectomy) |
| Tongue | Php 38,000 and above (starts at glossectomy) |
With so many variables involved, the exact price of treatment differs based on patient needs. However, one can have rough estimates on the cost of treatment that patients usually need to complete.
List of Expenses
There are certain stages in diagnosing and treating cancer. These stages will involve expenses up until the patient is cleared of the disease.
- Consultation – This involves the initial assessment of the doctor about the symptoms or signs that the patient has. Price: Php 1,500 to Php 3,000
- Diagnostic Tests – It may involve blood tests, imaging or other methods such as biopsy, CT scan and MRI to detect cancer. Price: Php 4,000 to Php 15,000
- Surgery – For cancer types starting from a visible tumor, surgery may be performed. Price: Php 45,000 to Php 120,000
- Treatment – Using different methods, the patient will be prescribed to undergo treatment based on the type of cancer, overall health profile and preference. Price: Php 20,000 to Php 120,000
Price per Type
- Chemotherapy – Php 12,000 to Php 20,000 and up
- Radiotherapy – Php 3,150 to 18,000 and up
- Immunotherapy – Php 5,000 and up
- Bone Marrow Transplant – Php 300,000 and up (surgical procedure)
- Hormone Therapy – Php 5,000 and up
- Targeted Drug – Php 4,000 and up
Government Centers
A person with cancer may require several days for the treatment to be completed. However, constant monitoring will be a key factor to prevent it from coming back. In public hospitals, the starting price of treatment is from Php 35,000 to Php 120,000 depending on cancer type.
Financial Support
Cancer is a major disease and Philhealth can be used to cover a part of its treatment expenses. For example, up to Php 100,000 is covered by the agency when it comes to breast cancer according to Philhealth.
Health cards offer flexible medical treatment through coverage. Your HMO usually covers doctors fees and confinement expenses. However, they are very selective when it comes to pre-existing condition so do not expect much.
According to Philippine News Agency, cancer is third leading cause of death in the country. In fact, at least 96 patients day everyday due to the disease. While hospitals in the Philippines are more than equipped to treat various cancers, majority of Filipinos are concerned with the expenses it entails.
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