With more than 1.4 million people getting diagnosed every year, prostate cancer is one of the top most feared health problems globally.
It is the most prevalent type of cancer in men in 118 nations and is quite common in Australia, New Zealand, and Northern America which have age-standardized rates of 111.6 and 97.2 per 100,000 men throughout these regions.
Prostate cancer also has cost implications. In the U.S, treatment in the first year costs roughly $35,700 and then increases to around $94,400 in the last year of life.
These figures emphasize the need to understand the different treatment options that are available and their costs.
Expenses on Surgical Interventions
Surgery is primarily done for prostate cancer treatment especially when the disease is localized to the prostate. The prices that the facility charges usually relate to what type of procedure it is, where it is performed, the reputation of the specialist, and whether or not a robot is employed for the procedure.
- Annual Cost: Can range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Lifetime Cost: Can exceed tens of thousands, depending on follow-up care and complications.
Costs of Performing Radical Prostatectomy
This operation entails the surgical excision of the prostate in its entirety along with adjacent regions containing tissues. This method is suitable for individuals whose cancer is at the organ confined stage.
- There is a range of costs based on which facility is selected and how many years the doctor has practiced.
- There are extra costs such as associated with hospital admission and postoperative treatment.
Costs for Robotic-Assisted Surgical Procedures
A modern style where surgical robotic systems are used for cutting procedures without opening up the body much.
- Because of the advanced equipment being used for the procedure, this new method is often more expensive than others.
- Recovery time being decreased may increase the cost savings associated with the average length of stay.
Radiation Treatment Therapy Hereford Expenditures
One method employed in combating cancer is through the use of radiation. The X-ray used here is described as high energy. Prostate cancer which is local and even after surgical resection is done can be treated using this technique.
External Radiatorial Treatment Therapy
The irradiation treatment is performed by exposure of a radiation source to prostate cancer cells using vigorous radiation beams from a machine.
- Type of session to be done without limit to frequency is charged.
- The sustained length of treatment allowed will increase the aggregate expenses.
Internal Radiation Therapy
During the procedure, the radioactive material is placed inside the prostate gland in the form of small metallic ‘seeds’ so that the radiation can be delivered to the intended area.
- Expenses are calculated based on the quantity of seeds needed and the specific healthcare facility.
- For some patients, this method is more cost-effective when compared to external beam radiation therapy.
Hormonal Therapy Charge
Hormonal therapy helps in controlling specific male hormones like testosterone, thus aiding in the suppression of the male type of cancer. This method is used predominantly when surgical or radiation therapy options are not available.
- The outlay will depend on the specific type of prescribed hormone treatment.
- Hormonal therapy when used for an extended period can contribute significantly to the overall costs.
Cost of Chemotherapy Treatment
Chemotherapy refers to treatment using drugs that kill cancer cells, usually for advanced-stage prostate cancer, which is often combined with other treatments.
Costs depend on the particular medicine employed and the length of treatment.
Other costs include hospital attendances, laboratory investigations, and other prescribed free medicines.
Expenses For Medication Treatment
Medication is essential in managing prostate cancer treatment. Expenses for medication may differ unlike types, brands available and insurance provisions.
Abiraterone: Often prescribed in conjunction with therapy for more productivity. Abiraterone price can be high, especially without insurance, making it important to explore financial aid options.
Leuprolide (Lupron): Assists in decreasing testosterone levels which in turn retards the growth of cancer tissue. The price for this drug will differ depending on the dosage and the period it is being used.
Enzalutamide: A common drug used in advanced prostate cancer treatment. Enzalutamide price is known to be significant, making affordability a challenge for some patients.
Bicalutamide (Casodex): Works together with other hormonal manipulations to increase effectiveness. Generic medications tend to be cheaper than branded products.
Docetaxel (Taxotere): Help in the management of the spread of cancer in chemotherapy. Costs are cumulative with the number of cycles done with the patients.
Cost of Immunotherapy Treatment
Immunotherapy assists the host’s disease fighting system to recognize and destroy cancer cells for the particular type of tumor.
- Its general expense varies depending upon the type of immunotherapy that is applied.
- There are some newer treatments of immunotherapy which are very costly.
Cost of Targeted Therapy
This kind of treatment is aimed at specific cancer molecules that aid in the proliferation of the malignancy.
- The pricing of targeted drugs depends on the specific medication and its form.
- These therapies may stand alone or in combination which drives up the price even more.
Focused Ultrasound Treatment
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) refers to the use of sound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells in a noninvasive manner without the use of surgery.
- The price depends on the number of treatment sessions needed.
- Not all insurance plans cover HIFU treatment which makes it less affordable.
Methods Of Cost Saving
For a lot of patients, keeping track of treatment costs is very important. Below are a few cost-saving methods:
Compare Hospitals: Different hospitals may have different pricing for the same treatment.
Financial Assistance Programs: There exists a number of hospitals and other institutions who are willing to help in any financial burden, including cost reductions.
Generic Medications: One can opt for the cheaper alternative drugs which are not specifically branded.
Clinical Trials: These may provide treatment at no charge or for a minimal cost.
Note: “Please speak to your doctor or a financial expert prior to making any treatment plan selections. They are best suited to walk you through the healthiest and financially friendliest options available for you”
Conclusion
Prostate cancer treatment can be costly, yet being aware of the costs in advance allows patients and families to strategize. Pricing is based on the method being used, the hospital’s geographical area, and how long treatment is expected to take.
Certain methods, like watchful waiting, tend to be less expensive as opposed to roughly immunotherapy which can cost a lot. Luckily, there are other ways to save money like financial assistance packages or clinical studies.