The outpatient department section of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
A 45-year-old garment factory worker from Bengaluru Rural diagnosed with stage IV-A cancer of the mouth faces an arduous course of treatment: chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, extensive surgery involving reconstruction, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. The cost of medicines and supportive drugs of around ₹93,000 alone, besides treatment costs, are staggering for her family with a modest monthly income of ₹28,000. With funds running out, she is facing the risk of discontinuing the final stages of treatment.
Likewise, a 56-year-old shopkeeper from Mysuru district, diagnosed with recurrent, inoperable hypopharyngeal cancer involving the oesophagus, has a different but equally difficult challenge. After three cycles of chemotherapy, the disease has shown partial response. Immunotherapy could offer another treatment option, but its cost remains prohibitive. Spending another ₹2.4 lakh to ₹8 lakh over the next 2 to 3 months for bi-weekly immunotherapy is virtually impossible on a ₹45,000/month income.
Published – November 06, 2026 06:30 am IST
