Couple suicide bares cancer treatment’s monetary stress

Nagpur: The heartbreaking incident in which a couple died by suicide on Thursday after struggling to cope with the financial burden of blood cancer treatment has brought the issue of prevalence and the exorbitant expenses back into the spotlight.
TOI spoke with experts who shed light on the increasing prevalence of blood cancer and the associated costs.

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the cost of treating blood cancer in India can range between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Bone marrow transplants, a final treatment option for blood cancer, can cost between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 40 lakh.
Patients require long-term care, and the expenses for medication, injectables, and hospital stays can run into lakhs of rupees. For many families, it becomes a choice between financial ruin and the hope of recovery.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that around 70% of cancer patients in India incur catastrophic health expenditures, leading to financial hardships and often pushing families to poverty.
Dr Riya Ballikar, a renowned Haemat Oncologist, provided valuable insights. “Blood cancer, which includes leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, has been on the rise due to a variety of factors,” Dr Ballikar explained, adding, “Environmental pollution, lifestyle changes, genetic predispositions, and even exposure to certain chemicals can increase the risk of developing blood cancer.”
To address the financial challenges, she called for more government support and research initiatives. “The government of India should promote research to develop low-cost generic medicines. There is very little original research in India, and we often have to buy expensive foreign molecules. By the time these molecules are available as generics in India, they are outdated and still costly,” she said.
Dr Ballikar also highlighted the potential of clinical trials as a solution. “People should be aware that many hospitals offer clinical trials. Patients who are willing to participate can access the latest treatments at low costs. This practice is common in the USA and has shown good results,” she informed.
Haemat Oncologist, Dr Shailesh Bamborde, said patients should be made aware of NGOs and fundraising platforms. “We have several instances of fundraising platforms that proved to be extremely helpful to needy patients. We doctors keep telling patients about such solutions, but many are hesitant,” he said.
Raj Khandare, social worker and public health activist, said, “Government hospitals must have better facilities for cancer treatment. The conditions in these hospitals are poor. Strengthening government hospitals will allow poor patients to receive good facilities at no or low cost.”
Dr Manish Thakre, president of the Psychiatric Society of Nagpur, emphasized the importance of psychological support for cancer patients. “A counselling unit is essential in hospitals treating cancer patients. These patients and their relatives need someone to share their emotions and feelings with. Suicides can be avoided if a psychiatrist is available,” he said.