How to Navigate Breast Cancer Treatment Costs with Confidence: Taking Control of Your Financial Journey
Early detection of breast cancer plays a vital role in saving lives and minimising the financial burden on patients. When breast cancer is detected early, treatment options are usually less invasive and more effective, leading to better outcomes and lower treatment costs.
According to a WHO article, studies in high-income countries have shown that treatment for cancer patients who have been diagnosed early are 2 to 4 times less expensive compared to treating people diagnosed with cancer at more advanced stages [1].When detected early, breast cancer can often be treated with surgery and radiation therapy, which are generally less expensive than extensive treatments required at more advanced stages, such as chemotherapy.
In the past, cancer treatment mostly relied on surgery alone, while nowadays, combining two or more treatment options may achieve a greater likelihood of cure than a single therapy. Below are treatment options available [1]:
- Breast Surgery
- Radiation Therapy: this uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours
- Chemotherapy: This uses drugs to destroy cancer cells
- Hormone Therapy: This uses anti-oestrogen therapy (such as Tamoxifen) or an aromatase inhibitor (such as Anastrozole) to stop hormone-responsive cancer cells from growing
Estimated Cost of Breast Cancer Treatment in Singapore
The estimated total bill for breast cancer treatment is from $3,000 onwards for Day Surgery and from $17,000 onwards for Inpatient treatment at private hospitals and clinics.
Financing Breast Cancer Treatment & Screening in Singapore
Using Medisave
For women aged 50 years old and above, they can use their Medisave or the Medisave account of an immediate family member for their mammogram at Medisave-approved centres, including participating centres under HPB’s Screen for Life [2]. The full list of approved centres can be found on the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) website. Individuals can use up to $500 per Medisave account a year under the Medisave500 scheme [2].
Treatment cost is always a pressing concern after a cancer diagnosis. Besides worrying about your health, you may also be concerned about your financial status.
It is helpful if the Clinic share about the estimated costs required for the whole treatment process including follow up treatment or consultation so you can look out for financial support (if needed).
Health Insurance
All three critical illness, early-stage critical illness and cancer insurance plans cover breast cancer, as it is listed among the 37 common critical illnesses acknowledged by insurers.
Self-paying
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has increased the MediShield Life claim limit for cancer drug services from $1,200 per calendar year to $3,600 per calendar year with effect from 1 April 2023.[3]
For needy Singaporeans who cannot afford their subsidised medical bills, even with Medisave and Medishield coverage, they can tap into Medifund, which is a medical safety net set up by the government [4]. Those who have difficulties paying their medical bills can approach social workers at Medifund-approved institutions for assistance.
Patients can also tap into the Cancer Care Fund, which is a one-time financial assistance scheme to relieve the financial burden of newly diagnosed cancer patients from low or middle-income families within the first six months of their diagnosis [5].
Since the inception of this fund in 2015, more than $5.64 million in financial aid has been disbursed, helping more than 6,200 patients [5].
Seeking financial advice with Solis Breast Care
Seeking financial advice is essential for patients navigating the complexities of breast cancer treatment costs. Solis Breast Care offers customised financial advice tailored to each patient’s specific symptoms and required treatments. Our team of experts understand the financial challenges that patients may face, and we can offer valuable insights and support.
By seeking financial advice, patients can better understand their options, explore potential financial assistance programmes and alleviate the burden of navigating the financial aspect of their breast treatment journey. Reach out to us via hello@solis.sg or Whatsapp to +65 91396472.
2. HeatlhHub, “Breast Screening Subsidies in Singapore”
3. Ministry of Health, “Higher Medishield Life Claim Limit For Cancer Drug Services”
4. Singapore Cancer Society, “Financing Your Treatment”
5. Singapore Cancer Society, “Apply for Financial Assistance”
