The term BREAST CANCER may become a great concern for you if you are a woman. It is commonly observed in women post 40s and requires immediate attention. Approximately 2.3 million women around the world were diagnosed with breast cancer in the year 2020 . Horrified on hearing the news?

In fact, there are high chances of recovery for a person affected with breast cancer if it is detected at the early stage.

One of the significant methods employed in detecting breast cancer is mammograms. If it is detected at an early stage the chances of complete recovery is significant.

Want to know how much one should expect to pay for mammogram in our country?

Mykare Health is here to assist you. We will explain through this blog the average expenses involved, the various factors that influence the cost of mammograms in India, and strategies for managing these costs effectively.

Before we learn about the mammography cost in India, we will first gain a basic idea of the concept of a mammogram.

Understanding Mammogram

• It is extremely important for gaining an idea about mammogram for those who suspect that they could have breast cancer. Mammograms are essentially X-ray images of a person’s breasts that are designed to help detect cancers and other changes occurring in a person’s breast tissues.

• There are mainly two main types of mammograms that are used currently for detecting breast cancer – conventional and digital.

• Films are used to store and read the mammograms in a conventional mammography whereas usage of computers in digital mammography makes it easier to study the data by magnifying or enhancing the same and arrive at more accurate conclusions.

• Naturally, digital mammography has a distinctive edge over the conventional method.

Factors Influencing Mammogram Costs in India

Healthcare services expenses in the country have become a significant concern for many individuals and families since recent years.

Among the various medical expenses people encounter, mammograms stand out as a critical preventive screening tool for breast cancer, recommended for women starting at age 40.

However, understanding the costs associated with mammograms can be complex and varies widely depending on factors such as location, insurance coverage, and type of facility.

Several factors contribute to the variability in mammogram costs across India:

• Type of Facility: Mammograms can be performed in various settings including government hospitals, private clinics, diagnostic centres, and mobile screening units. Costs typically vary based on the type of facility and its location.

To promote early detection of breast cancer, the government occasionally offers subsidised rates or even free mammography tests in specific camps or medical institutions.

• Geographical Variation: Like many healthcare services in India, mammogram costs vary significantly by region.

Urban centres generally have higher costs due to higher operating expenses and demand, whereas rural areas may have limited access to facilities offering mammography services.

• Quality of Equipment: The cost of mammograms can be influenced by the quality and sophistication of the equipment used for screening. Advanced digital mammography may be more expensive compared to conventional methods.

• Additional Services: Sometimes, additional services such as diagnostic mammograms (for evaluating abnormalities found during routine screenings), ultrasounds, or biopsies may be required, adding to the overall cost.

• Insurance Coverage: While some private health insurance plans in India cover mammograms, coverage varies widely. Government health schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) may also cover mammograms under certain conditions for eligible beneficiaries.

• Type of Mammogram: Digital mammography test prices can vary quite substantially in India depending on the location and the lab where you get it done.

It is important for you to find a reputed lab that has good facilities and expert technicians, so that you can improve the accuracy of the imaging and reduce the risk of being called back for a second try.

Costs vary from city to city and it may range from Rs 3000 to Rs 8000 and upwards depending on where you live and which lab you use.

There are options for single breast mammography as well, which will halve your digital mammography cost, but may not comprehensively rule out breast cancer risk.

It is a good idea to check with your physician about what you need and ask about reliable labs where the imaging can be done quickly and accurately with as little discomfort as possible. If you have medical insurance, check with the insurer beforehand if this procedure is covered and if they have specific labs allocated for it.

Average Costs of Mammograms in India

The mammography cost in India depends on the sort of test that is done on the patient. Usually, an ordinary breast scan price may range from Rs. 1,500 to an amount of Rs. 2,000. A mammogram in the digital form may sometimes even cost up to an amount of Rs. 8,000

In India, the cost of a mammogram can range from approximately INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Costs are generally lower in government hospitals and clinics compared to private diagnostic centres. The variation in costs underscores the importance of researching and comparing prices across different facilities.

Strategies for Managing Mammogram Costs in India

• Government Schemes: Utilise government-sponsored health insurance schemes like PMJAY, which cover certain diagnostic services including mammograms for eligible beneficiaries.

• Public Health Facilities: Access mammography services at subsidised rates in government hospitals and health centres, where costs are generally lower compared to private facilities.

• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): NGOs and charitable organisations often conduct outreach programs offering free or subsidised mammography screenings, particularly in underserved communities.

• Health Insurance: Consider purchasing private health insurance plans that cover preventive screenings including mammograms, ensuring lower out-of-pocket expenses. Corporate Health Programs: Some companies offer health benefits that include preventive screenings for employees, which can include mammograms.