My friend, treating esophageal cancer can be very expensive. The total costs depend on the treatments needed. At good hospitals, chemotherapy alone may cost 1-3 lakh rupees. Radiation therapy is around 2-4 lakh rupees. But surgery is the most costly – it can be 5-12 lakh rupees or more! Add other charges like doctor fees, room rent, medicines etc., and the full bill goes up further. For many families, these huge expenses are simply unaffordable. Unable to bear such heavy costs, some patients may even give up treatment midway. It is a major financial burden that adds to their suffering. Affordable care options are urgently needed.