We all dream of getting the best possible treatment, right?

What if I told you the fight against cancer can come with a hidden financial battle? Behind Singapore’s shiny facade of advanced treatments can lie a maze of unexpected costs.

This isn’t about raining on anyone’s parade, but knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health and wallet.

So, let’s shed some light on these hidden costs, navigate the cancer treatment system together, and hopefully empower you to face cancer with less financial stress.

Breakdown of Cancer Treatment Costs in Singapore

While cost is a significant factor, finding the right balance between affordability and expertise is crucial when choosing your treatment provider.

Public hospitals offer lower costs for primary medical care and cancer treatment, starting from S$10,000. 

However, some patients might seek treatment from renowned oncologists in private hospitals, but this might come at a premium, starting at around S$120,000.

Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Cancer Treatment 

In Singapore, government schemes like MediShield Life and MediSave cover subsidized treatment costs in public and private hospitals, which can significantly lower costs by up to 30 percent.

Let’s compare the cancer treatment cost in the Lion City with and without a subsidy:

Surgery

Surgery, as part of the cancer treatment in Singapore, can be a significant financial hurdle. But with subsidies offered by the government, the costs become more manageable, especially in private hospitals. 

A colectomy (colon cancer surgery) could cost around S$10,000, while a lumpectomy (breast cancer surgery) might range from S$5,000 to S$10,000.

More complex procedures like a Whipple procedure (pancreatic cancer surgery) could cost S$20,000 or more.

Chemotherapy

The estimated range for chemotherapy in a public hospital in Singapore is S$2,000 to S$5,000 per cycle. 

However, even with subsidies, there might still be some out-of-pocket expenses like non-subsidized medication, which range from S$100 to S$500 per cycle.

Radiotherapy

A standard external beam radiotherapy course in Singapore depends on the type and duration of treatment, but it can range from S$10,000 to S$20,000.

Traditional Medication 

This type of medication method is also known as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Singapore oncologists highly recommend this treatment as it’s manageable for cancer patients. 

It’s also sometimes used alongside conventional cancer treatment and includes herbal supplements, vitamins, and alternative pain management therapies. 

The cost of traditional medication for cancer treatment can also vary greatly. Here’s a general range in Singapore:

• Herbal Supplements: S$50 to S$200 per month
• Vitamins and Minerals: S$30 to S$100 per month
• Massage Therapy Sessions: S$100 to S$200 per session
• Alternative Pain Management Therapies: S$80 to $100 per session

New Targeted Medication 

Modern targeted medication for cancer treatment with targeted therapy drugs included cost anywhere from S$5,000 to S$20,000 per month, depending on the specific drug and dosage.

Targeted therapies are often not covered under basic government healthcare subsidies in Singapore.

However, some integrated Shield Plans (IPs) might offer coverage for these medications.

Factors Affecting Cancer Treatment Costs in Singapore

Stage and Type of Cancer

The stage of your cancer (early, advanced, metastatic) and the specific type of cancer will play a significant role in determining treatment complexity and, consequently, costs.

For instance, treating one of the common cancer types in Singapore, like breast and lung cancer, often involves shorter treatment durations, so the cost of the procedure is slightly lower.

In contrast, advanced pancreatic cancer might require multiple surgeries combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which translates to expensive fees.

Treatment Complexity and Duration

More complex surgeries requiring specialized equipment or longer operating room times will naturally cost more.

Additionally, the duration of your treatment, whether it’s multiple cycles of chemotherapy or extended radiotherapy sessions, will contribute to the overall cost.

For example, minimally invasive surgery for early-stage colon cancer with subsidies might cost around S$10,000. This is significantly lower than a Whipple procedure for advanced pancreatic cancer, which could easily exceed S$100,000 even with subsidies.

Similarly, a shorter course of targeted therapy, costing anywhere from S$5,000 to S$20,000 per month, will be less expensive than a multi-year course of traditional chemotherapy, which can range from S$2,000 to S$5,000 per cycle.