In our second installment focusing on the costs of cancer treatment, we turn our attention to colorectal cancer, the most diagnosed type of cancer among seniors in Malaysia (after breast cancer for women). This silent but prevalent disease often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced, underscoring the importance of understanding the costs and options for treatment.
It’s deeply concerning to see so many seniors diagnosed late, echoing findings from the Malaysian National Cancer Registry (2017-2021), which revealed that colorectal cancer (alternatively known as colon cancer) is the leading cancer for seniors, regardless of gender. Many are diagnosed unexpectedly, sometimes during routine check-ups, as the disease often remains silent until later stages. Fortunately, about 60% of cancer diagnoses are caught in stages 1, 2, and 3, where the chances of survival are significantly higher, with relative cancer survival rates at five years being 75.8% for Stage 1, 72.5% for Stage 2, and 55.6% for Stage 3.
However, challenges remain. We find it frustrating that colorectal cancer is largely preventable with regular colorectal cancer screening from age 45 or earlier if there’s a family history of colorectal cancer. But long waiting times in public healthcare contribute to treatment delays, leading some patients to face a Stage 4 metastatic cancer stage, which is more difficult and costly to treat. At KALSIS, we want to help seniors understand the cancer care landscape and make informed decisions about financing options to optimise their treatment journey.
Limited Number Of Colorectal Surgeons
Currently, Malaysia has only 90 colorectal specialists (to address ~5,000 cases annually), with a disproportionate concentration in private healthcare within the Klang Valley. Here’s how they’re distributed as of November 2024:
| Location | All | Private Hospitals | Government Hospitals | University Hospitals |
| All | 90 | 42 | 30 | 18 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 25 | 14 | 4 | 7 |
| Selangor | 34 | 21 | 6 | 7 |
This limited availability in public healthcare forces many patients to rely on private treatment, where costs are significantly higher but accessible without lengthy waits. Compounding the situation, public and university hospitals share operating theatres, further reducing their capacity to address the volume of colorectal cancer patients.
Case Study: Mr. Lee’s Colon Cancer Treatment Costs in Malaysia
To illustrate the financial requirements, let’s consider Mr. Lee, a 65-year-old senior with diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Stage 3. He’s retired, does’t have medical insurance, and prefers not to touch his retirement savings. In Mr. Lee’s scenario, his doctors recommend immediate surgery followed by 12 cycles of FOLFOX chemotherapy. For the sake of simplicity, we will exclude other out-of-pocket costs and focus only on the main treatment expenses (and excludes radiotherapy and targeted therapies as cancer treatment fund options).
This study focuses on private hospital costs within the Klang Valley, providing a realistic reflection of treatment volumes and market rates. Additionally, clinical trial options are not considered here, as their availability can be inconsistent.
Cost Overview for Colorectal Cancer Treatment
The cost of surgery followed by 12 cycles of FOLFOX chemotherapy for a Stage 3 colon cancer patient in Malaysia can vary widely based on several factors, including the choice of private healthcare facilities, the patient’s health condition, and any additional treatments or supportive care required. Below is a general breakdown of potential costs and the processes for the treatment plan involved.
| 1. Preoperative Assessments and Diagnostic Tests | ~ RM 5,000 – RM10,000 |
| a. Consultations with Specialists: | RM 100 – RM 500 per visit |
| b. Laboratory Tests (blood tests, tumor markers): | RM 200 – RM 500 |
| c. Imaging Studies | |
| i. CT Scan (Computed Tomography): | RM 800 – RM 1,200/ scan |
| ii. MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging ): | RM 1,000 – RM 2,000/ scan |
| iii. PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) : | RM 3,600 – RM 6,000/ scan |
| 2. Surgical Treatment | ~ RM 30,000 – RM 80,000 |
| a. Colorectal Surgery (e.g., colectomy, hemicolectomy) | RM 20,000 – RM 50,000 + |
| b. Hospital Stay ( 5 – 10 days) | RM 500 – RM 1,000 / day |
| c. Anaesthesia Fees | RM 2,000 – RM 5,000 |
| d. Colorectal Surgeon Fees | RM 5,000 – RM 15,000 |
| 3. Postoperative Care | ~ RM 2,000 – RM 6,000 |
| a. Medication and Supplies | RM 1,000 – RM 3,000 |
| b. Follow-up Consultations | RM 100 – RM 500 / visit |
| c. Rehabilitation Services ( if needed) | RM 100 – RM 300 / session |
| 4. Chemotherapy Treatment (FOLFOX – 12 cycles) | ~ RM 45,000 – RM 100,000 |
| a. Folinic Acid (Leucovorin), Fluorouracil (5-FU), Oxaliplatin | RM 3,000 – RM 7,000 / cycle |
| b. Administration Fee ( by Oncology Department ) | RM 500 – RM 1,000 / cycle |
| c. Laboratory Monitoring | RM 200 – RM 500 / cycle |
| d. Supportive medications (anti-nausea drugs, etc) | RM 200 – RM 500 / cycle |
| 5. Various Out-Of-Pocket Expenses | ~ RM 5,000 – RM 10,000 |
| TOTAL. | ~ RM 90,000 – RM200,000 |
The total estimated cost for treating colorectal cancer in a private hospital ranges from RM90,000 to RM200,000. These figures cover the essential procedures but can increase based on the patient’s specific needs and hospital choice.
The journey through colorectal cancer treatment involves multiple steps, each with an associated cost of treatment and medical conditions. It’s crucial to consult with healthcare providers, including your oncologist, for personalised information and to obtain detailed quotations from hospitals. Early planning and financial preparation can help manage the expenses and reduce stress during this challenging time.
Conclusion: Reducing Financial Stress with KALSIS
Facing high treatment costs, many seniors worry about funding their healthcare while maintaining financial independence. This is where KALSIS can play a critical role. KALSIS enables seniors to unlock wealth from their biggest asset—their home—without leaving it. Seniors can receive lump sum payouts for immediate healthcare needs and monthly annuities to cover living expenses, allowing them to age comfortably in their own homes.
Here’s how KALSIS works:
- Seniors sell their home titles to KALSIS at market value and continue to live in their homes.
- In Year 1, seniors receive a lump sum payout (10% of their home’s value) to cover immediate healthcare needs.
- From Year 2 onwards, they receive monthly lifetime annuities (4% of the home’s value annually) to cover ongoing living expenses.
Eligibility requirements are that the senior and their partners must be 65 years and older, and live in a fully-paid, freehold & landed home in the Klang Valley.
As we continue to explore options for seniors, KALSIS remains committed to enhancing access to life-saving treatment while preserving the financial aid resilience needed to navigate these challenging times.
To learn more about KALSIS and how it can help your family during these challenging times, visit our website or contact us via WhatsApp at +6011 5638 8580. Let us help you face the road ahead with confidence and peace of mind.
Cancer Advocacy Side Note: Go Get A Colonoscopy Done Regularly To Mitigate Risk Factors And Ensure You Have Sufficient Medical and Critical Illness Insurance
The best way to mitigate colorectal cancer risks is to add on a colonoscopy (especially for those with a strong family history of colorectal cancer) as part of health screening tests, where if polyps are found are then removed immediately – thus mitigating risk factors of it turning into cancer cells. For further protection against cancer and peace of mind, we would recommend health and critical illness insurance.