'One test changed our lives forever': The unseen burden of cancer on Bengaluru's middle-class families

Bengaluru: For middle-class and lower-middle-class families in Bengaluru, cancer is not just a disease. It's an exhausting, expensive, and time-consuming battle. Cancer care impacts every facet of a family's daily existence, transforming ordinary tasks into daunting obstacles. Caregivers frequently leave their jobs, resulting in financial strain, while children are forced to miss school and social engagements. Household duties often take a backseat as families focus on treatment and extending emotional support.

The relentless pressure of managing medications, medical documents, and doctor visits leaves families feeling drained. For many, life revolves around hospital appointments, making even the simple daily tasks seem insurmountable in light of cancer's challenges. "We never thought this could happen to him. He never smoked or drank, yet here we are, struggling to afford his treatment costs. One test result changed our lives forever,” says a woman, whose husband is battling cancer at a hospital in Bengaluru. As per Practo.com, the average treatment cost of cancer in Bengaluru starts around Rs 3,75,000 and the long-term cost can exceed Rs 6,25,000 or even more. At Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, one of the city’s largest cancer treatment centres, patients and their families face not only the financial burden of the illness, but also the strain of prolonged treatment. Kidwai is a government-funded institute with a mission to provide affordable cancer care. The hospital offers various schemes and subsidies to help patients, especially those from lower-income backgrounds. Families from across the state travel to Bengaluru, spending hours in hospital queues for subsidised treatment. Despite Kidwai’s efforts to provide affordable care, costs such as medications, transportation, and lost wages—pile up. “We have already spent over Rs 3 lakh in the past six months, even with government support,” said a caregiver, whose mother is undergoing chemotherapy.

Patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy must return for multiple sessions, making treatment a logistical and emotional challenge for their families. “My daughter is not even 14, and she is going through chemotherapy. Cancer doesn’t just affect the patient. It takes over the entire family. She cannot have a normal childhood. She can't go to school. At her age, she should be worrying about maths exams and birthday parties, not hospital visits,” said her mother, holding back tears. She further said cancer is not like other illnesses where a single injection brings recovery. “Everyone knows cancer treatment is expensive, but it is also emotionally exhausting. I had to quit my job, and now we are a single-income family. Our 10-year-old son is left with no attention as all our time and energy are diverted toward her treatment,” she added At just 14, her daughter faces the harsh realities of chemotherapy, dealing with side effects such as a weakened immune system, anaemia, excessive bruising, hair loss and constant nausea.

For families like hers, cancer is not just a medical battle, but an all-consuming ordeal that disrupts every aspect of life. Adding to the struggle, many families find that despite treatment subsidies, the related expenses create a significant financial strain. “We borrowed from relatives, sold jewellery and are also on the verge of taking a loan. But how do you put a price on a loved one’s life?” asks a man, whose wife is battling late-stage cancer. Although government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat provide some relief, many families continue to struggle with exorbitant expenses and inadequate support. Despite the advanced cancer care available in Bengaluru, it remains inaccessible for many individuals who require it the most.