Different Paths to Cancer Treatment Beyond Chemotherapy
When people hear the word cancer, their minds often jump straight to chemotherapy, which is the treatment widely portrayed in movies and TV dramas. Images of patients losing their hair and battling exhaustion have shaped public perception. Cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplants, with specific treatment chosen depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Medical advancements have introduced a variety of treatments, each targeting cancer in different ways. Radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapy are some of the other life-saving options available. Understanding these alternatives can empower patients and their families to make informed decisions about their health.
Surgery: Removing Cancer at the Source
For many types of cancer, the first step is surgical removal of the tumour. If detected early, surgery can be highly effective and can eliminate the cancer before it spreads. This is especially common for breast, colon, and lung cancers.
Radiotherapy: Targeting Cancer with Precision
Radiotherapy, or radiation therapy, uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is often used when surgery is not possible or as a follow-up treatment to remove any remaining cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects the entire body, radiotherapy is more targeted and reduces damage to healthy tissues.
Immunotherapy: Strengthening the Body's Natural Defenses
Imagine if your own immune system could be trained to detect and destroy cancer cells. That is what immunotherapy does by helping the body recognise and fight cancer naturally. This treatment has shown promising results for cancers like melanoma and lung cancer. However, as a relatively new and advanced treatment, immunotherapy comes at a high price.
Targeted Therapy: A Smarter Approach to Treatment
Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells including healthy ones, targeted therapy focuses on specific cancer cells. This results in fewer side effects and better outcomes for certain cancers. It is commonly used for breast, lung, and colorectal cancers but comes with a significant cost.
Alarming cancer trends with recent statistics indicate a significant rise in cancer cases in Malaysia.
The Reality of Cancer Treatment Costs
Cancer treatment can be financially overwhelming, and costs vary depending on the type, stage, and treatment plan. Many Malaysians rely on health insurance, government subsidies, or personal savings to cover these expenses. This is why having a solid health insurance plan is crucial as it provides financial security and ensures access to necessary treatments without the added burden of hefty medical bills. Below are the estimated costs for every cancer treatment in Malaysia obtained from various sources.
Surgery
The cost of cancer surgery can range from RM5,000 to RM50,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the hospital chosen.
Radiotherapy
The cost of radiotherapy varies based on the number of sessions required, with treatment ranging from RM5,000 to RM30,000 per session.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy comes at a high price, with costs often exceeding RM100,000 for a full course in Malaysia.
Targeted Therapy
The estimated cost for Targeted Therapy for cancer treatment is between RM5,000 and RM50,000 per month, depending on the medication prescribed.
Knowing Your Options
Although chemotherapy remains a fundamental component of cancer treatment, it is not the only option. If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, talk to your doctor about all available options. Knowing the different treatments and their costs can help you plan ahead and make the best decisions for your health.
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