The most frequent type of cancer for women in Pakistan and affects hundreds of families every year. Although the emotional and physical impact of this disease are frequently mentioned but the financial burden the disease imposes on families is not often discussed. Many Pakistani families diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be more than an illness that can cause to financial stress. This blog examines the hidden costs associated with the breast cancer epidemic in Pakistan that include the direct medical costs along with travel and other expenses. the often-ignored effects on income of the family.
1. Rising Treatment Costs in Pakistan
The treatment for breast cancer is an extended, complex cost-intensive journey. Medical expenses start at the time of diagnosis increasing rapidly as process progresses. In Pakistan costs for treatments for breast cancer differs based on the cancer’s stage as well as the type of hospital as well as the treatment plans chosen.
- Diagnostic expenses: The first step in battling breast cancer is a proper diagnosis. The most common method is mammograms biopsies and ultrasounds of the breast. These tests for diagnosing breast cancer can range from PKR 5 up to PKR 30,000 depending on the clinic. Modern diagnostic instruments like 3D breast ultrasound can be even more costly which makes early diagnosis the biggest financial burden to several families.
- Costs for Medical and Surgical Treatment: Once diagnosed, the treatment may consist of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery as well as hormone therapy. A single mastectomy may be as high as PKR 300,000. Chemotherapy sessions can range between PKR 20, 000 up to PKR 200 000 per session dependent on the medication employed. Radiotherapy, another crucial part in the treatment of breast cancer may cost up to PKR 500 000 for a complete session.
- Treatment-Postponement Medication After receiving the first treatment, patients usually require continual medication to stop the recurrence of. The medications that are prescribed, like hormone blockers, may be priced between PKR 10,000 – PKR 50000 each month, which adds to the overall financial burden.
2. The Burden of Travel and Accommodation
In Pakistan the country, high-quality cancer treatment services are available in the major cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Patients living in smaller towns or regions in rural areas typically require long journeys in order to get these services. Traveling for these services can incur more cost which many families are unable to pay for such as:
- Transportation costs: The regular journey to get treatments or appointments afterward can be expensive, especially in areas that are not large urban centres. The distance you travel and the type of transportation used the costs could quickly increase.
- Accommodation expenses: For families who require a stay close to the hospital for extended period of treatment, accommodations become an extra financial burden. Hotels that are budget-friendly or rentals near hospitals are available for from PKR 220 to the equivalent of PKR 10,000 for a night.
3. Impact on Household Income
The financial burden of breast cancer goes beyond the cost of medical treatment and travel. A lot of patients, especially women who are the primary or major family members who contribute to the household’s income. Cancer diagnosis can force the patient to quit working at times permanently or temporarily and can lead to a decline of income, which can affect families’ financial position.
- Lost of Employment Females who are employed could be forced to take an extended absence from their jobs, which could result in a diminution or total loss of earnings. If you are operating small or self-employed companies, the impact of losing their job could be more severe.
- Caregiver Burden There are many instances where family members are required to be an all-time caregiver to the patient. This usually means quitting their jobs or decreasing the hours they work, the overall household earning.
4. The Emotional and Psychological Costs
The direct costs associated with breast cancer are significant however, the psychological and emotional effect can also have an unintentional economic burden. Stress and anxiety that come when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer may lead to depression or various mental health problems, that may need more treatments. Mental health counseling and therapy aren’t widely available in Pakistan or, if they are available, they typically are expensive.
- Mental Health Care: The private mental health services can be costly for therapy sessions, which can range from PKR 3,000- 10000 PKR each. A lot of families are unable to pay for these therapies, resulting in those who care for them and their families without emotional assistance.
5. The Role of Health Insurance and Financial Assistance
In Pakistan the health insurance market in Pakistan is developing the coverage of cancer treatment is very limited. Many insurance policies prohibit cancer treatment, or carry excessive costs that aren’t affordable for most families. The lack of coverage implies that the vast majority of cancer patients be the sole financial burden for their treatment.
There are a variety of charitable organisations and government programs focus on providing aid in the form of financial support to cancer patients. These programs may provide a few reliefs, they usually do not have the resources to entirely cover the cost for comprehensive breast cancer treatment.
Conclusion: Addressing the Financial Impact of Breast Cancer
The hidden costs associated with the breast cancer epidemic the country of Pakistan make clear the necessity to improve services for support, accessibility to health treatment, and a greater awareness of the financial consequences from this illness. Many families find that the weight of cancer caused by breasts is not just a health issue as well as a financial problem that could lead them to financial hardship.
The organization Lincs Healthcare work with is dedicated to spreading awareness of breast cancer, and to provide assistance services to reduce the financial burden for families. Should you, or anyone else you knows is afflicted by breast cancer, talk to us for help as well as support and details on resources available.
