Managing the cost of treating cancer
The fight to treat cancer is a long one that is physically, emotionally, and financially draining.
That’s why the Together Against Cancer Association of Malaysia (TAC) organized the Let’s Talk Cancer forum, aimed to give cancer survivors and caregivers a simple and easy-to-understand guide to coping with cancer and its impact.
Dato’ Dr Yip Cheng Har, Consultant Breast Surgeon at Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare, spoke at the vent and gave advice to handle the financial burden of cancer care:
1. Learn as much as you can before choosing a treatment
“Is all recommended treatment necessary for a patient? It is important to look at the benefits they offer and what the patient can afford,” said Dato’ Dr Yip.
According to Dato’ Dr Yip, the first step for patients is to learn as much as they can about their diagnosis and the treatment before it starts in order to opt for the best in terms of cost and efficacy. Then, ask for a treatment plan and its estimated cost. This may not always be possible as costs may fluctuate depending on the patient’s reaction to treatment.
2. Be informed about your health insurance coverage
While having insurance may be a saving grace, Dato’ Dr Yip said that only 22 per cent of Malaysians were insured. Furthermore, health coverage may not be able to pick up the total medical costs for the whole duration of treatment. Hence, it is important that insured patients find out the total coverage of their health plans beforehand.
3. Opt for government hospitals
Those without insurance or insufficient coverage, can seek medical attention at a government hospital where they will receive the same treatment at a fraction of the cost, albeit with some inconveniences. These hospitals often have long waiting lists, too many patients and too few doctors, and patients may not be able to see the same doctor on each visit. Private hospitals also vary in costs and there are institutions that may provide cheaper treatment.
4. Avoid unnecessary tests
Dato’ Dr Yip explained that there has to be a balance between doing too much and too little. For example, the most expensive tests such as PET CT scans may not be appropriate for those with early staged cancers. A chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound may be just as effective at a cheaper cost. She also added that blood tests need not be repeated if recently performed.
5. Ask for generic drug alternatives
Generics proved beneficial in helping patients get quality treatment at a reduced cost. These chemically equivalent, lower-cost versions of branded drugs are made available after patent expiry to improve the patient’s access to medication.
They cost 30 to 80 per cent less but were found to be as effective and safe as its originator drug. Consumers can opt for high quality generic drugs which are subjected to the stringent standards of regulatory bodies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMEA), Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Malaysia’s Drug Control Authority (DCA).
Held at the Swan Convention Centre, Sunway Medical Centre, the one-day forum included a panel of speakers comprising surgeons, oncologists, a family physician, a clinical psychologist, patient advocate, a financial coach, a sports physician and nutritionist, as well as cancer survivors.
