Economic Burden of Cancer Treatment Among CancerPatients Attending a Secondary-Level GovernmentHospital in Haryana: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66765/acobs.2026.001Keywords:
Neoplasms, Economics, Health Expenditures, Cost of Illness, Cross-Sectional Studies, Indian epidemiologyAbstract
Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide and poses a major public health challenge. The cost of cancer treatment often imposes a substantial financial burden on patients and their families, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where out-of-pocket expenditure remains high. However, limited studies are available regarding the economic burden of cancer treatment at district-level public healthcare facilities in Haryana. The present study aimed to assess the economic burden of anticancer treatment among cancer patients attending a secondary-level government healthcare facility in Hisar.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Civil Hospital, Hisar. A total of 80 cancer patients visiting the hospital for document verification related to welfare benefits were included using consecutive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Information regarding socio-demographic characteristics, treatment modalities, healthcare utilization, and treatment-related expenditure was collected.
Results: The mean age of participants was 55.2 ± 10.4 years, and 57.5% were male. Chemotherapy was the most common treatment modality (40.0%), followed by surgery (27.5%) and radiotherapy (20.0%). The mean total treatment-related expenditure was Rs. 23,700 ± Rs. 5,860, with medicines accounting for the highest proportion of costs. Employment was affected among 60.0% of participants. A significant association was observed between the type of healthcare facility and treatment expenditure (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Cancer treatment imposes a considerable financial burden on patients and their families. Strengthening financial protection mechanisms and improving access to affordable cancer care are essential to reduce the economic impact of cancer treatment.
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