Is Cutting Edge Technology Cutting Cancer Treatment Cost?

Abstract

Cancer is the second most common disease responsible for mortality in India. Annually, 1.16 million persons are diagnosed with cancer and about 780,000 patients succumb to the disease. Every fifth individual in the 36-45 year age bracket is affected, resulting in huge personal expenditures and healthcare costs.1 Technological advancements in the last three decades have revolutionized the field of medical science. This development is more obvious in the field of oncology than any other discipline. But it is accompanied by rising healthcare costs. The heavy burden of cancer in our population and its rising costs warrants a close look at the cost-efficiency of our preventive, diagnostic and treatment interventions.