Cancer is a devastating illness that can cause immense physical and emotional suffering, and the price of treating cancer can be prohibitively expensive for many people. The high cost of cancer treatment is due to several factors, including the cost of drugs, medical procedures, and hospital stays. Fortunately, there are several alternatives available to people who cannot afford costly cancer treatments. Read ahead to know about them.
Financial assistance programs
These are great options for people who cannot afford high-cost cancer treatments. Many hospitals, foundations, and pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance programs that provide financial support to patients who need it. These programs may help with the cost of drugs, medical procedures, and hospital stays, as well as provide support for other expenses related to cancer treatment. Services offered may vary from one scheme to another. Therefore, people should be aware of what the scheme beholds and enroll for the one that meets their requirements.
PMJAY Ayushman Bharat, for instance, is a National Health Protection Scheme by the government of India. Under this scheme, 50 crore beneficiaries can avail financial benefits in secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. The scheme extends expenses up to 5 lakh rupees per family per year giving the beneficiary freedom to seek hassle-free treatment in public and empanelled private facilities. The entitlement to the scheme is based on deprivation criteria as per the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) database, 2011. Similarly, the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) within the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) is another scheme that has been extending financial assistance to people below the poverty line and cancer patients since its inception in 2009. Here, treatment is offered at various Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) spanning all over the country. A grant of 2 lakh rupees is given for medical expenses.
Clinical trials
This is yet another alternative approach that people who cannot afford expensive cancer treatments can adopt. Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments for cancer, and they often provide treatment for free to participants. Patients who participate in clinical trials have the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments and access to top doctors and researchers, and they also contribute to the advancement of cancer research. People need to have assurance in this method and know that they are always in charge of the decision they take as informed consent is a prerequisite to initiating a clinical trial. A patient is in no way bound to complete the trial and therefore can choose to drop out midway if they do not want to continue with the treatment. The best part about participating in a clinical trial is that a patient is always free to communicate with the researchers involved and get to know the working of the treatment.
Alternative therapies
There are other possibilities for those who cannot afford high-priced cancer treatments. Alternative therapies are non-conventional treatments for cancer that are based on natural remedies and holistic approaches. Some alternative therapies are thought to help boost the immune system and promote overall health, and they may also help manage the side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Some of the most popular alternative therapies for cancer include acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal remedies, and nutrition and lifestyle changes.
It is important to keep in mind that while alternative therapies may be a useful complement to conventional cancer treatments, they should not be used as a substitute. Cancer is a complex illness, and it is essential to receive medical treatment from a qualified doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.
