Three Well-Known Cancer Treatment Methods and Medical Expenses

Today, due to environmental conditions, weather, and daily lifestyle habits, people of all ages are increasingly at risk of cancer. According to the latest data from the Department of Medical Services, there are around 140,000 new cancer cases per year, or about 400 per day.

With the rising number of cancer patients, choosing the right treatment method is crucial. Nowadays, there are several cancer treatment options available, but the most popular methods include chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Each method has its unique benefits for cancer patients. Today, Muang Thai Life Assurance will explain the differences between these treatments and their costs. Let’s take a look!

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of chemical agents to inhibit and destroy cancer cells that grow or divide rapidly. These chemicals work to stop cancer cells from dividing and eventually kill them. However, this treatment may also affect normal cells, such as white blood cells, hair follicles, and the lining of the stomach.

While chemotherapy is not effective for all types of cancer, it can cure certain types with this treatment alone, such as:

• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Testicular cancer
  

Common side effects:

• Fatigue, body aches
• Nausea, vomiting
• Hair loss
• Infection
• Abnormal blood clotting
• Anemia
  

Sources : Phyathai Hospital , thethaicancer 

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that targets cancer cells specifically. It works by blocking the cellular signals that trigger cancer cell growth and division. This treatment is more precise and has fewer side effects. Recently, it has gained popularity among cancer patients.

Targeted therapy is suitable for treating certain types of cancer, such as:

• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Lymphoma

Common side effects:

• Rash, dry skin, itching
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Liver abnormalities
• High blood pressure
  

Sources: Mahidol, Chulacancer, Muang Thai Life

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy involves the use of drugs or methods to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize cancer cells as foreign invaders and destroy them more effectively. 

• Advanced melanoma skin cancer
• Certain types of lung cancer
• Kidney cancer resistant to other treatments
• Head and neck cancers resistant to chemotherapy
• Bladder cancer resistant to chemotherapy
• Lymphoma
  

Common side effects:

• Fever
• Diarrhea
  
• Nausea
  
• Mouth sores
  

Because immunotherapy is highly specific, patients must consult an expert and undergo detailed medical evaluations before starting treatment.

Sources: Nakornthon Hospital, Bumrungrad Hospital

Cancer Treatment Costs:

Now that we've explored the different cancer treatments, let’s take a look at the costs. Without insurance, these treatments can be shockingly expensive:

• Chemotherapy: 92,000 - 144,400 Baht
• Targeted Therapy: 2.7 - 4.6 million Baht
• Immunotherapy: 3 - 15 million Baht
  

Remark: These are approximate costs and may vary.

Sources: Longtunman, thecoverage

For more information:

☑️ Call Tel. 02-015-5447 during 09.00 - 17.00 hrs.

☑️ Contact life insurance agents.

• Underwriting is subject to the Company’s rules.
• Conditions are in accordance with medical necessity and medical standard.
• Please study details of coverage, conditions and exclusions before making a decision to purchase insurance.