Last updated: January 2024
Every time a cancer diagnosis is made, a ton of questions arise.
How much they will have to pay on treatment is one of the key queries everyone has.
Due to the severity, duration, and potential for consequences of cancer therapy, it is often thought to be really expensive.
Cancer treatment is frequently costly, however the real cost in Singapore will depend not only on the kind of cancer but also on the facility you pick for treatment.
If you're looking for a more in-depth post about the cost of cancer treatment, particularly in Singapore, be sure to read this one all the way through because we've covered everything from the usual price of cancer treatment in Singapore by cancer type and kind of therapy to the benefits cancer patients in Singapore can receive.
What is the main treatment for cancer?
The main treatment for cancer depends on various factors like the type, stage, and severity of the cancer.
Some of the main treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy.
Surgery involves removing the cancerous tissue from the body, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy the cancer cells, while biological therapy aims to help the immune system fight cancer cells. Targeted therapy is a treatment option that uses drugs to attack specific genes and proteins that play a role in the growth of cancer cells.
Overall, the main treatment for cancer depends on individual cases and is often a combination of the above methods.
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What is the average cost of cancer treatment in Singapore?
How much does the average person spend on cancer treatment? - Cancer Treatment in Singapore
Given the numerous unknowns, receiving a cancer diagnosis is frightening.
According to statistics, cancer patients are living longer than ever before, both in Singapore and throughout the world.
In line with this, the actual cost of cancer treatment in Singapore will depend on a few factors, which are:
- length of treatment;
- the condition being treated;
- how complex the procedure is; and
- whether it is done at a public hospital or at a private hospital.
We collated the expenses of treatments associated with some of the more prominent cancers discovered in Singapore, ordered by cancer statistics, to give you a better understanding of treatment costs:
| Conditions | Public hospitals (subsidised) | Public hospitals (unsubsidised) | Private hospitals/clinics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | Ward B2: S$1,246 Day surgery: $75 |
Day surgery: $1,978 | Day surgery: S$3,338 |
| Stomach, liver or pancreas cancer, but not very severe complications | Ward B2: S$2,058 Ward C: S$1,451 Day surgery: S$902 |
Ward A: S$4,930 Ward B1: S$5,485 Day surgery: S$1,804 |
Inpatient: S$7,461 |
| Endoscopy with/without biopsy | Ward B2: S$1,655 Ward C: S$1,387 Day surgery: S$342 |
Ward A: S$4,193 Ward B1: S$3,544 Day surgery: S$1,064 |
Inpatient: S$7,363 Day surgery: S$2,139 Clinic: S$1,850 |
| Surgery to remove entire prostate and surroundings | Ward B2: S$9,182 Ward C: S$10,324 |
Ward A: S$27,007 | Inpatient: S$56,119 |
| Surgery to remove part of the end of the large intestine, and rectum | Ward B2: S$5,972 Ward C: S$4,641 |
Ward B1: S$22,946 | Inpatient: S$46,170 |
| Surgery to remove part of the large intestine | Ward B2: S$5,656 Ward C: S$4,535 |
Ward B1: S$17,392 | Inpatient: S$39,796 |
| Lungs with abnormal growth, and very severe complications | Ward B2: S$2,889 Ward C: S$2,374 |
Ward A: S$7,721 Ward B1: S$7,287 |
Inpatient: S$22,441 |
| Lungs with abnormal growth, but not very severe complications | Ward B2: S$1,038 Ward C: S$749 |
Ward A: S$3,556 Ward B1: S$2,235 |
Inpatient: S$8,841 |
| Lung scope (bronchoscopy) with biopsy and surgery to remove tissue | Ward B2: S$2,997 Ward C: S$2,486 Day surgery: S$637 |
Day surgery: $2,210 | Inpatient: S$17,541 Day surgery: S$4,258 |
| Day surgery to remove single growth in breast | Day Surgery: S$958 | Day Surgery: S$3,132 | Day surgery: S$7,258 |
| Surgery to remove cancerous growth in breast and underarm lymph nodes | Ward B2: S$2,339 Ward C: S$1,709 Day surgery: S$2,313 |
N/A | Inpatient: S$23,875 |
| Colonoscopy for diagnosis (with/without biopsy) | Ward B2: S$1,827 Ward C: S$1,365 Day surgery: S$576 |
Ward A: S$4,935 Ward B1: S$4,595 Day surgery: S$2,020 |
Inpatient: S$7,063 Day surgery: S$2,590 Clinic: S$2,309 |
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How much does a typical cancer treatment cost?
How much does it cost for a cancer treatment? - Cancer Treatment in Singapore
Biopsies, tumor removal surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are the most common and typical cancer treatments, which range in price from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Cancer treatment is indeed rather expensive, especially if you are being treated in a private hospital or clinic or if it is unsubsidized.
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How much does it cost for 1 chemo treatment?
Chemotherapy is often administered in cycles, with a treatment phase followed by a time of rest.
Chemotherapy treatment may be weekly, every 2, 3, or 4 weeks, depending on the complexity of your treatment plan.
A typical cancer therapy consists of 4 to 8 rounds; others may require more than one cycle of chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), each cycle of chemotherapy costs the following:
- $$614 (Ward C, subsidised)
- $2,050 (Ward B2, subsidised)
- $4,935 (Ward A, unsubsidised)
Is cancer treatment expensive in Singapore?
Is cancer treatment expensive in Singapore? - Cancer Treatment in Singapore
Cancer treatment in Singapore costs vary from patient to patient since they are determined by the type of treatment and tests used to treat the cancer.
There are several factors that influence the cost of cancer treatment:
Treatments needed
The sooner cancer is diagnosed, the less treatment is likely to be necessary, making treatment more inexpensive.
Stage of cancer
Later stages of cancer typically incur a higher treatment cost because a more active stance or other therapeutic interventions may be required.
Preference for hospital and ward type
Some people or patients may prefer to select a certain doctor as well as a more comfortable ward and this has actually an impact on treatment expenses.
Potential for complications
If the cancer is located in a part of the body where complications are more likely, therapy will be more expensive.
Furthermore, these are some of the therapies that may be advised, as well as their costs:
| Therapy | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Chemotherapy | $1,500 per cycle |
| Immunotherapy | $9,000 per dose |
| Surgery | $2,810 - public subsidised ward$18,525 - private hospital |
| Biopsies | $1,044 - public and subsidised hospital wards and clinics$5,833 - private hospitals and clinics |
| Radiation therapy | $25,000 to S$30,000 |
How much does it cost to go through breast cancer treatment?
How Much Does Breast Cancer Treatment Cost? - Cancer Treatment in Singapore
Patients with breast cancer might receive surgery or non-surgical treatment for their conditions.
The kind of cancer, the stage of the illness, and the patient's physical state are some of the variables that affect the cost of breast cancer therapy.
Radiotherapy is a non-surgical method that uses high-energy x-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons to destroy or harm cancer cells.
As an alternative, patients can require chemotherapy.
Chemicals are used in this treatment, most frequently as an intravenous infusion or in the form of pills or capsules.
To know more about the cost of breast cancer treatment in Singapore, see the table below:
| Treatment | Public hospital | Private hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Lumpectomy (surgical) | $2,191 | $7,112 |
| Mastectomy (surgical) | $6,646 | $18,238 |
| Chemotherapy (non-surgical) | $3,937 | $12,686 |
| Radiotherapy (non-surgical) | $1,422 | $4,866 |
Can I use MediSave for cancer treatment?
The MOH uses a multi-tiered finance structure to help Singaporeans with their medical costs.
Up to 75% of the cost of outpatient chemotherapy might be covered by public healthcare facilities for their patients.
Additionally, they can use MediShield Life, the country's basic health insurance program, and MediSave, Singapore's medical savings program, to cover the expense of chemotherapy.
Up to a withdrawal cap of S$600 per year, patients can utilize MediSave to pay for scans and other diagnostics necessary for cancer treatment in addition to chemotherapy.
Through various recuperation stages, this is intended to help ease your mind.
What benefits can I claim during cancer treatment?
Benefits for people affected by cancer - Cancer Treatment in Singapore
The MediShield Life Council established a Cancer Drug Committee to review coverage for outpatient cancer drug treatments in order to support Singaporeans' continued access to high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare in light of rising cancer prevalence and the appearance of more expensive cancer drug therapies.
Here are some of the benefits MediShield Life is providing to all cancer patients in Singapore:
- provide a summary of the most affordable and clinically effective cancer medication therapies;
- more precisely define monthly claim caps ranging from $200 to $9,600 to offer more specialized coverage depending on the price of every cancer medicine therapy; and
- allow patients to submit an extra claim from MediShield Life for cancer medication services, such as scans, blood tests, and doctor consultations, up to a maximum of $1,200 per year.
Nearly 90% of patients receiving financial assistance whose therapies are cost-effective and scientifically validated will have their cancer medication costs paid in full under the new method.
In the past, the existing system did not fully cover the expenses of 70% of all Singaporean patients receiving cancer medicine subsidies.
A 10% co-insurance that may be paid using MediSave is another modification.
How do I apply for a cancer fund?
Patients with cancer who want financial support can request to have a portion of their cancer treatment costs covered.
Below are the eligible ones for the cancer treatment fund:
- Singaporeans or Permanent Residents (non-Resident candidates whose parents, spouses, or children are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents may still apply and residents who have lived in Singapore continuously for at least five years)
- In a hospital that has been reformed, patients must be paid.
- Patients who satisfy the SCS's medical and means-testing requirements
You may check out this page if you are eligible for the cancer treatment fund in Singapore.
When Not Treating "Cancer" Is the Best Treatment Plan
The following table outlines a comparison between pursuing cancer treatment and opting for no treatment. It's important to understand that the decision to treat or not to treat cancer is deeply personal and can depend on various factors, including the type, stage of cancer, patient's health, age, preferences, and the potential benefits and risks of the treatments available. This table is not exhaustive and is meant to provide a general overview.
| Aspect/Factor | Cancer Treatment | No Treatment (Watchful Waiting or Palliative Care) |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | To cure, control, or reduce cancer symptoms. | To monitor cancer progression and manage symptoms without active treatment of the cancer. |
| Life Expectancy | Can potentially increase life expectancy depending on cancer type, stage, and response to treatment. | May be shorter compared to those who receive treatment, though this can vary widely depending on the type and stage of cancer. |
| Quality of Life | Can be affected by side effects of treatment, but may improve if treatment is successful. | May maintain current quality of life initially but can deteriorate as cancer progresses. |
| Symptom Management | Treatment aims to reduce or eliminate cancer symptoms. | Focuses on comfort measures to manage symptoms without treating the cancer itself. |
| Side Effects | Can include nausea, fatigue, pain, and other side effects specific to the treatment type. | Avoids side effects associated with cancer treatments, but symptoms of cancer may persist or worsen. |
| Psychological Impact | Can cause stress and anxiety due to treatment regimen and uncertainty of outcomes. | Can cause stress and anxiety due to the progression of the disease and lack of active fighting against the cancer. |
| Cost | Can be expensive, including costs of medication, hospital stays, and procedures. | May incur lower medical costs compared to active treatment, but costs can still be significant for palliative care. |
| Progress Monitoring | Regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust as necessary. | Regular monitoring to observe cancer progression and adjust symptom management as needed. |
| Involvement in Decision | Patient actively participates in treatment decisions and planning. | Patient chooses not to pursue active treatment but may still make decisions regarding palliative care and end-of-life wishes. |
| Long-term Outcomes | Can vary widely; some patients achieve remission, while others may not respond to treatment. | Cancer is likely to progress, which can lead to serious health complications and ultimately death. |
| Supportive Care | Often includes supportive care to help with side effects and emotional aspects of cancer treatment. | Focuses on palliative care to provide relief from pain and other distressing symptoms. |
It is essential for individuals facing this decision to have thorough discussions with their healthcare providers, understand all the implications, and consider their personal values and goals. The support of a multidisciplinary medical team, including oncologists, palliative care specialists, and mental health professionals, can help guide patients and their families through this complex decision-making process.
How Much Cancer Treatment Cost Singapore
We hope you were able to find the information you were searching for and learned something new about the cost of cancer treatment in Singapore by the time you reached the conclusion of this article.
We reassure you that we thoroughly investigated all the data we obtained above, particularly the most recent expenses and advantages you may obtain.
Remember that good health is wealth, therefore whether you are a cancer patient or you know someone who is, you should not be scared enough to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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