A Complete Guide to Chemotherapy Costs, Process, and Care in Shimoga

November 13, 2025

Dr Guruchanna B
MS, MCh (TMH. Mumbai)., FMAS Consultant Surgical oncologist

The news of a cancer diagnosis is a shocking one, and it is vital to know what will follow  the treatment, especially a chemotherapy course. One of the pillars of modern oncology  is this treatment that utilises the power of drugs to kill cancer cells that divide quickly.  Quality care can be obtained by the citizens of Karnataka, and getting to know the  pricing and operation processes in such cities as Shimoga is especially relevant as a  part of treatment planning. Here, we intend to give a straightforward account of the  chemotherapy process, the chemotherapy costs, and the necessary care of a patient  undergoing such a life-threatening treatment. 

What is Chemotherapy? 

Chemotherapy involves the use of chemical substances or drugs to treat cancer. The  drugs work to destroy fast-growing cells in the body, such as cancer cells. Its treatment  is systemic in nature, as drugs circulate all over the body to nearly all organs, allowing it  to destroy cancerous cells that might have moved with the initial cancerous tumour. At what stage of cancer is chemotherapy used? It can be administered at almost any  stage. It can be used as part of a neoadjuvant treatment to reduce the size of a tumour  before surgery, as part of an adjuvant treatment to eliminate any remaining cells after  surgery or used as part of the palliative treatment to control the cancer and manage  symptoms when it is an advanced or widespread disease. 

What Happens in Chemotherapy? 

The chemotherapy process is a methodical procedure that is performed by an  oncologist. It is extremely personalised and based on a certain kind of cancer, its stage,  and the overall health of a patient. 

• Initial Planning: A personalised treatment protocol is developed after making a  diagnosis. It involves the identification of the exact chemotherapy types(drugs),  the dosage and the schedule. 
• Cycles of Therapy: The delivery of chemotherapy is in cycles. A cycle entails a  treatment period, during which the drug is delivered, and a rest period, during  which the body takes some time to resume normal functioning before the effects 

of the drug. The length of a cycle is one to four weeks, and patients can also  need multiple cycles. 

• Administration: The route of administration may change. The most popular one  is intravenous (IV), when the drug is administered directly into the vein. Oral  tablets, injections or topical creams are other methods. 
• Individual Care: During the treatment period, the medical staff performs frequent  blood tests to see the count of blood cells and ensure that organs (liver and  kidneys) are functioning properly.  

Depending on the response of the patient and the frequency of the occurrence of  the chemotherapy side effects, the oncologist might change the dosage or the  schedule. 

What Factors Determine Chemotherapy Cost in Shimoga? 

A majority of the patients are concerned with the chemotherapy costs. Specific data on  Shimoga is not accessible, though generally the cost is around a few thousand rupees  per cycle. The ultimate cost will be calculated depending on several major factors: 

• Type and Price of the Drug: Conventional chemotherapy begins with a couple of  thousand rupees per cycle, which is a financial investment accessible to several  people. On the other hand, newer drugs and technology are used in advanced  treatment such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy and hence are very  expensive. The cost of a particular drug combination or mixture given is a  significant cost determinant. 
• Treatment Setting: Receiving treatment within a daycare/outpatient environment  will tend to be cheaper than an inpatient treatment that will demand the  accommodation and boarding of the patient. The facilities and status of the  oncology centre providing services in Shimoga also determine the ultimate bill. 
• Number of Cycles: The overall cost of treatment is simply determined by  multiplying the per-cycle price by the total number of treatment cycles that are  advised, which is usually four to eight sessions. 
• Ancillary Expenses: Do not disregard the extra expenditure. This would consist  of the necessary first-line diagnostic procedures (such as PET scans or  biopsies), additional medications to relieve side effects (such as anti-nausea  drugs or growth factors), and follow-up visitation charges. 

What Are the Main Chemotherapy Types?

The term ‘chemotherapy‘ is very broad, and the drugs that fall under this term are quite  varied; each drug operates differently to counter cancer. The type of chemotherapy given is wholly dependent on the cell type of cancer. 

• Alkylating Agents: These medicines prevent cell reproduction in the cancer, or  rather damage the DNA of the cancerous cell. 
• Antimetabolites: These disrupt the growth of DNA and RNA by replacing the  natural structure of nucleic acids. 
• Anti-tumour Antibiotics: The drugs alter the DNA within the cancer cells in a way  that prevents the cancer cells from multiplying. 
• Plant Alkaloids: These are drugs obtained from some plants, and prevent cell  division. 

Other, more contemporary therapies commonly used in conjunction with or in place of  the old-fashioned chemotherapy are targeted therapy (drugs that target specific  maladies of the cancer cells) and immunotherapy (drugs that enhance the human  body’s immunity to fight the cancer). 

How Can Patients Manage Chemotherapy Side Effects? 

Drugs cause chemotherapy side effects as they kill other healthy cells that multiply fast,  including hair follicles, the bone marrow, and the digestive tract. One should keep in  mind that the majority of the side effects are short-lasting and can be managed. Side effects and management plans: 

• Nausea and Vomiting: Preventive medications are often given to reduce nausea and vomiting. Eating small, bland, and frequent meals can also help.
• Fatigue: This is the widespread side effect. A combination of rest and light  exercise, including short and light walks, is usually prescribed. 
• Hair Loss: Although not all chemotherapy types result in hair loss, the ones that  do lead to transient loss. 
• Greater Risk of Infection: Patients with a fall in white blood cell count  (neutropenia) are required to exercise great care concerning hygiene and to avoid  crowded areas. Immediacy of reporting fever. 

These effects during chemotherapy are essential to counter, and supportive care, which  entails the presence of an oncologist, nurse, and various dieticians, may help.

What Care and Financial Support is Available? 

Cancer treatment is a process that needs medical and financial planning to cope with.  Indian initiatives in oncology are larger and help local hospitals and oncology services  in Shimoga. 

• Government Schemes: The patients are expected to verify their entitlement to  the government health insurance programmes like the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and state programmes,  including the Arogya Karnataka Scheme. These offer key financial coverage on  the chemotherapy cost and other hospitalisation costs. 
• Insurance: This is a long-term health insurance plan that offers the best direct  approach to covering the financial burden. There are numerous hospitals where  treatment can be given without cash, making the process of paying easier. 
• Nutritional and Emotional Support: A dietitian in the hospital can prescribe a  special diet to keep one strong. The necessary emotional and psychological  support in the chemotherapy process can also be found in counselling services  or support groups. 

Nanjappa: The Best Hospital of Shimoga. 

Feeling overwhelmed and alone after a cancer diagnosis? Navigating the complexities of chemotherapy, from managing side effects proactively to planning treatment costs with control and precision, is not easy. However, you don’t have to face it alone; expert guidance and support can make the journey smoother and more manageable.

Nanjappa Life Care in Shimoga ensures access to quality oncology services for the community. Nanjappa Hospital is a trusted choice for specialised care and comprehensive support for those undergoing cancer treatment. Our oncology services feature state-of-the-art technology, offering patients high-quality diagnostics and personalised treatment programs within the Malnad region.

Take the first step toward personalised care today. Call us to discuss how we can support your treatment journey and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Disclaimer: This article’s content regarding chemotherapy costs, process, and care in  Shimoga and the services mentioned at Nanjappa Hospital is for informational  purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice,  diagnosis, or treatment.

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