The economic burden of breast cancer is increasingly affecting Indians, as it remains the most common cancer among women in the country. With rising cases and heavy financial costs, patients and their families continue to face many challenges.

According to cancer researchers, breast cancer cases and their economic impact are expected to grow rapidly in India, with an annual increase of 5.6%. A study published in January 2025 in Scientific Reports reflects that the economic burden of breast cancer could rise to $13.96 billion by 2030.

In India, breast cancer treatment remains a costly affair, with most expenses coming out of patients' pockets. While many patients do receive some level of reimbursement, the funds are often inadequate, leaving families to bear significant financial burdens. Reimbursement flows from multiple sources, but experts agree it falls short of addressing the high treatment costs.

Breast Cancer: A growing global concern

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast multiply uncontrollably, forming tumours. These cancer cells typically originate in the milk ducts or milk-producing lobules. If left untreated, the tumour can spread to nearby breast tissue, leading to noticeable lumps or thickened areas.

In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in 670,000 deaths worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI), 1 in 12 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, while 1 in 71 will die from it.

Although 99% of breast cancer cases happen in women, men are not completely immune, accounting for about 1% of cases. The treatment and management for men are largely similar to those for women.

Genetic factors play an important role in breast cancer development. Mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB-2 significantly raise the risk. For women with these mutations, treatment options often include preventive surgeries or chemoprevention strategies.

Other risk factors include family history, age, hormonal changes, and lifestyle habits. The American Cancer Society highlights a strong link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer. Obesity, especially after menopause, is another major risk factor due to elevated blood insulin levels.

A sedentary lifestyle further adds fuel to the risk. To lower it, experts recommend at least 150–300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75–150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer symptoms include a painless lump or thickening in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, dimpling or redness of the skin, changes in the nipple's appearance, and unusual fluid discharge. It can be diagnosed using methods like mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, and blood tests such as CBC and blood chemistry tests.

Treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer treatment options vary based on the type and may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted biological therapies.

Breast cancer and Its economic burden

In India, the rising number of breast cancer cases over the last two decades is alarming. What once affected women above 50 is now being diagnosed in women as young as their 20s.

Experts recommend that while increased awareness has improved early-stage diagnosis, the country still faces challenges with poor diagnostic facilities. According to a review published in BMJ Open by researchers from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, poor diagnosis combined with expensive treatments has contributed to a high death rate.

The cost of breast cancer treatment, including radiation, surgery, and tests, ranges between ₹5–6 lakh, while six rounds of personalized chemotherapy can exceed ₹20 lakh. Only 50% of women with breast cancer survive, with the highest five-year survival rate being 66.4%, according to an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report.

ICMR experts say the reason for the low survival rate is delayed diagnosis and limited access to treatment facilities. Also, patients face reduced productivity due to treatment fatigue, while families bear financial burdens as caregivers, including lost work hours and expenses for travel and accommodation, says Dr. Shweta Mendiratta from Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad.

Breast cancer treatment comes with high costs for exams, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. Many patients also face extra expenses for supportive care, follow-up visits, and managing side effects, which can lead to financial strain, especially if they are uninsured or underinsured, says Dr. Shweta Mendiratta.

In 2024, the GST Council, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reduced the tax on three cancer drugs, including Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (used for HER2-positive breast cancer), from 12% to 5%.

With the rise in breast cancer cases, using technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for early detection could improve patient outcomes. Additionally, lowering cancer drug costs through government policies could ease the financial burden on patients and their families.