Prostate cancer treatment costs can differ based on the chosen method and the medical center. Standard options include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, each with its price range and effectiveness.
The five-year survival rate for men with prostate cancer is 96.9%, with 82% of cases diagnosed in the early stages. Routine prostate cancer screening like Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests help doctors administer timely treatment.
Key Takeaways:
Prostate cancer treatment costs depend on the type of treatment, location, and follow-up care.
Insurance may cover some costs, but patients might still face out-of-pocket expenses.
Prices for the same treatment can vary significantly across countries.
This article will explain the costs associated with common prostate cancer treatments and provide a global comparison to help patients plan their budget, especially when seeking care abroad.
What Is the Average Cost to Treat Prostate Cancer?
When seeking effective treatment for prostate cancer, patients often consider the cost of therapy as a critical factor in decision-making.
Country | Price Range (from) |
|---|---|
$10,000 | |
$15,800 | |
$8,500 | |
$10,200 | |
$8,500 | |
$31,200 | |
$13,500 |
*Costs may vary based on the type of treatment, currency exchange rates, and individual cases. You can contact Bookimed to get a cost estimate for your specific case.
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What Are the Main Treatment Options?
🩸 Surgery (Prostatectomy)
Surgery to remove the prostate gland (prostatectomy) is a standard option for treating localized prostate cancer. This can be done through traditional open surgery or robotic-assisted methods like robotic prostatectomy.
Robotic-assisted surgery is generally more expensive due to the advanced technology, but it offers faster recovery times and more precise results.
Cost Range:
$8,000 - $16,000 for open surgery;
$14,000 - $17,000 for laparoscopic prostatectomy;
$14,000 - $27,300 for robotic prostatectomy.
👨⚕️ Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. The average cost of radiation treatment for prostate cancer may range between $12,000 — $40,000.
Two main types of radiation therapy are commonly used:
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) is the most common type of radiation treatment, where radiation is directed at the prostate from outside the body.
Cost Range: $12,000 - $20,000;
Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive seeds inside the prostate to target cancer directly. It’s often less expensive than EBRT. Brachytherapy is usually a one-time procedure, making it a more cost-effective and time-efficient option for many patients.
Cost Range: $8,000 - $15,000.
💊 Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It's typically used when prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate or if other treatments haven't worked.
Cost Range:
$1,500 - $5,000 per cycle, depending on the drugs used and the number of cycles needed.
🧬 Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy lowers the levels of male hormones, which can help slow the growth of prostate cancer. It is often used in conjunction with other treatments or for advanced-stage prostate cancer.
Since hormone therapy often requires long-term treatment, the overall cost can accumulate over time.
Cost Range: $1,000 - $3,000 per session.
🩺 Active Surveillance
For patients with low-risk prostate cancer, active surveillance (also called a watchful waiting) may be recommended. This approach involves closely monitoring the cancer’s progression through regular check-ups and tests.
Active surveillance is the least invasive and least expensive option, but it requires regular follow-ups to ensure that the cancer does not become more aggressive.
Cost Range: $1,000 - $2,000 per year.
Comparing Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Before choosing prostate cancer care, the doctors consider the effectiveness, side effects, and costs of each approach. They may apply different treatment options depending on the cancer stage and individual health factors.
Comparison of these options helps patients to make an informed decision about prostate cancer diagnosis.
Treatment Type | Cost (from) | Recovery Time | Hospital Stay | Precision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$8,000 | 2-6 weeks | Required | High | |
EBRT | $12,000 | Several weeks | No | Moderate |
$8,000 | Few days | Minimal | Very High | |
$1,000 per session | Ongoing | No | Depends on cancer type | |
Watchful waiting | $1,000 per year | N/A | No | Low-risk cases only |
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Average Cost of Prostate Cancer Treatment in Europe
Europe ranks as one of the top destinations for international patients seeking treatment facility due to its high-quality care, innovative technologies, and internationally renowned doctors. European hospitals offer an outstanding balance of prostate cancer care and cost-effective treatment options.
While prices vary across countries, the cost of treating prostate cancer in Western Europe tends to be the most expensive, whereas costs in Eastern Europe are typically 1.5 to 2 times lower.
For example, the average prostate cancer surgery cost in the Czech Republic is around $8,000, compared to $24,000 in Germany.
Now, let’s explore prostate cancer treatment costs in different countries and what each offers to patients.
Procedure | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
on request | from $1,500 | from $1,200 | from $3,000 | from $4,300 | |
on request | from $6,700 | from $8,500 | from $9,500 | from $13,600 | |
from $8,000 | on request | from $9,000 | from $21,000 | from $24,000 | |
from $12,600 | on request | from $6,000 | from $9,000 | from $15,000 | |
from $14,100 | from $10,500 | from $15,000 | from $9,000 | from $24,000 |
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The prices, savings rates, and other cost-related information presented below are derived from three independent sources:
Hospital representatives ensure the accuracy of pricing and other clinic-specific details.
The Bookimed medical team calculates savings rates based on data from accredited medical facilities, making comparing and choosing the best option easier.
Official websites of reputable organizations offer detailed cost insights, facts, and figures.
"The success of radical prostatectomy depends on the surgeon’s professionalism. Today, most operations are performed using the Da Vinci robotic system. To be considered experienced in this field, a surgeon must conduct at least 500 surgeries. We send our patients to the doctors who have performed nearly 4,000 operations! This is a real confirmation of the surgeon’s skills.”
Why Choose the Czech Republic for Prostate Cancer Surgery?
The Czech Republic is a top destination for affordable prostate cancer treatment, offering European-class care at prices 15-20% lower than in Western Europe. St. Zdislava Hospital, located in Vysočina, specializes in Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy, performed by renowned surgeons
Prof. Jaroslav Tvaruzek and Dr. Azat Hamzin. Prof. Tvaruzek has conducted over 4,000 robotic prostate removals and is certified by Intuitive Surgical, the system's manufacturer.
The hospital reports a 90% recovery rate, with 80% of men preserving erectile function. Despite these excellent outcomes, the cost of prostate surgery vs radiation starts from $8,000 per session, including the procedure, medications, doctor’s fees, and hospitalization.
- The Robotic Surgery Center works on St. Zdislava premises. Over 2,000 operations on the Da Vinci robotic system are performed annually. St. Zdislava is one of the best hospitals for prostate cancer surgery, especially for robot-assisted one.
- Prof. Jaroslav Tvaruzek is a recommended specialist for Da Vinci robotic prostatectomies by Intuitive Surgical (USA), the original producer of the robotic system. The doctor has carried out over 3,500 robotic operations for his working experience. He operates together with Dr. Azat Hamzin.
- 90% of men recover after robotic prostatectomy, and 80% preserve an erectile function according to the Zdislava data.
- 250 patients choose Zdislava to have robotic prostatectomies annually.
- The given prostatectomy cost already includes operation, diagnostics, admission, meals, transfer.
- The combination of doctors' professionalism and affordable price makes St. Zdislava the best hospital for prostate cancer treatment in Europe.
Pay attention that Zdislava provides only prostatectomy as the treatment option for cancer of the prostate gland.
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| Prostatectomy | $14081.52 |
| Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy | $14409 - $14575 |
| Da Vinci Robotic System | $6779.99 |
| Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) | $7301.53 |
Why Choosing Thailand for Prostate Cancer Cases?
Thailand is a highly sought-after destination for prostate cancer surgery due to its combination of top-tier medical care and affordability. The expected costs for prostate cancer care in Thailand are 2-3 times lower than in the USA and Canada.
Hospitals like Bumrungrad International are equipped with cutting-edge technologies, such as IBM Watson, an AI system that assists in selecting the most effective treatment plan for cancer patients.
With JCI accreditation and GHA certification, Thai hospitals guarantee international standards of care. The cost of Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy at Bumrungrad is $29,000, which is 10-15% lower than in top European hospitals, making Thailand a preferred option for high-quality yet cost-effective prostate cancer treatment.
- Bumrungrad is one of the most popular medical centers in the world among the international patients. Over 520,000 outbound patients choose Bumrungrad for the treatment annually.
- Bumrungrad is included in Top 30 most technologically advanced hospitals in the world ranking according to the Top Master's in Healthcare Administration.
- The hospital is the 1st in Asia to receive JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation, a global organization to control medical services.
- Bumrungrad became also the 1st in Asia to receive GHA (Global Healthcare Accreditation), a world's leading medical tourism organization.
- About 29,000 patients with cancer (including prostate cancer) choose Bumrungrad for the treatment annually.
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| Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy | $29270 - $32350 |
Why Choose Treatment Facility in Turkey?
Choosing Turkey for treating prostate cancer combines world-class medical care with affordability. Turkish hospitals, many of which are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), meet high international standards, comparable to leading institutions in Germany, Spain, Italy, South Korea, and the USA.
The Anadolu Medical Center, in partnership with Johns Hopkins Hospital, offers advanced treatments at significantly lower prices. For example, the Da Vinci prostatectomy is priced at $27,000, while TURP prostatectomy and open prostate cancer surgery cost $6,900 and $16,000, respectively—2-3 times lower than similar procedures in Western countries and other regions.
Patients are treated by Dr. Dzhemil Ujgur, who has over 30 years of experience in urological oncology. The treatment package often includes transfer and language assistance, making Turkey a standout destination for affordable, high-quality prostate cancer care.
- 100% is a 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer patients at the initial stages according to the Anadolu data.
- Xofigo Radium 223 is applied at Anadolu to stop metastases spread in the bones. This is a non-surgical treatment that allows prolonging a patient's life for a decade.
- Anadolu Medical Center is among leading prostate cancer treatment centers. It is accredited by OECI (Organization of European Cancer Institutes) for the high standards of treatment and medical services. Only 31 hospitals in the world have this prestigious certification.
- Anadolu cooperates with Johns Hopkins Hospital, the best medical facility in the USA according to the U.S. News & World Report magazine. Anadolu doctors interchange the experience with American colleagues to apply the latest technologies for cancer treatment. As a result, Anadolu improves its medical care and service.
- The medical center is also certified by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) for precise diagnostics and effective treatment of patients with oncological diseases.
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| Da Vinci Robotic System | $18000 - $25000 |
| Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy | $18500 - $23000 |
| CyberKnife for prostate cancer | $6000 - $8000 |
| Chemotherapy for prostate cancer | $1500 - $5000 |
| Prostatectomy | $16000 - $23000 |
| Proton-beam therapy | $1500 - $2000 |
| HIFU for prostate cancer treatment | $20000 - $25000 |
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Why Is Israel a Top Choice for Cancer Care?
Israel has emerged as a prominent medical tourism destination for prostate cancer patients, renowned for its high success rates in oncology — up to 90%. This reputation attracts patients seeking advanced medical care and innovative treatment options.
Sourasky Medical Center, Israel's largest state hospital, ranks among the top 10 global clinics for medical tourism, as recognized by Newsweek magazine. Over 400,000 international patients seek treatment from Sourasky’s experienced specialists each year, benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology.
The associated costs at Sourasky Medical Center are quite affordable for the patients:
Da Vinci Prostatectomy: $27,300;
HIFU Ablation: $22,000.
Patients can receive a personalized estimate for their plan, ensuring transparency and aiding in financial planning for their medical journey in Israel.
- Sourasky specialists have applied brachytherapy for prostate cancer treatment for about 10 years. Its effectiveness is 95% according to Israeli hospital data.
- In 96% of cases, the erection and urinating functions are preserved after robotic prostatectomy.
- Prostate cancer treatment options available at Sourasky: robotic and laparoscopic prostatectomies, external and internal radiation therapy, HIFU.
- Sourasky is included to Top 10 most popular hospitals for medical tourism in the world. The rating was composed by the Newsweek magazine.
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Why Choosing Germany for Treating Prostate Cancer?
Germany is a top destination for prostate cancer treatment, known for its advanced medical care, cutting-edge technology, and highly qualified specialists. Renowned experts like Prof. Andreas Gross and Prof. Sebastian Melchior perform innovative robotic surgery, HIFU ablation, and brachytherapy in leading hospitals like Asklepios Medical Group and Gesundheit Nord Bremen.
Germany’s hospitals are also certified by the German Cancer Society, ensuring high standards and effective treatment. While costs may be 20-30% higher than in other European countries, some hospitals offer more affordable options without compromising quality, making Germany a leading choice for international patients seeking the best prostate cancer care.
- Asklepios Barmbek is No. 1 hospital for international patients in the world according to the Medical Travel Quality Alliance. This makes Asklepios one of the best prostate cancer treatment centers for foreigners.
- Prof. Andreas Gross heads the Urology Department at Asklepios Barmbek. His professionalism and outstanding results are confirmed by a German medicine website — Leading Medicine Guide.
- Asklepios Hospital Barmbek is ranked among Ttp medical centers in Germany by the Focus magazine. The ranking is based on the treatment success rates, equipment quality, doctors' qualification, and patients' reviews.
- Over 500 HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) procedures. HIFU is a non-surgical treatment option for prostate cancer with high-intensity ultrasound waves of 90°С. The heat destroys only the cancer cells, the prostate is preserved. Asklepios Barmbek also offers such treatments as prostatectomy, hormone therapy, brachytherapy.
Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality
Latest review
| Da Vinci Robotic System | $18775.37 - $22947.67 |
| Laparoscopic prostatectomy | $13559.99 - $15646.14 |
| Radiotherapy for prostate cancer | $8344.61 - $14081.52 |
| HIFU for prostate cancer treatment | $10628.94 |
| Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy | $13455.68 - $16376.29 |
| Chemotherapy for prostate cancer | $2086.15 - $4172.3 |
| Prostatectomy | $13559.99 - $17210.75 |
Factors That Affect Prostate Cancer Treatment Costs
The game-changing factors for the final treatment price are:
🛑 Type of Treatment. Some treatments, such as robotic-assisted surgery or brachytherapy, can be more expensive due to the advanced technology involved. However, the added precision of these methods can lead to better outcomes and fewer complications, which may reduce long-term costs.
🛑 Hospital Location. The country where the treatment is provided plays a significant role in determining the cost. For example, treatment in countries like India or Turkey is often more affordable than in Germany or the U.S. due to lower operating costs while still maintaining high-quality care.
🛑 Hospital Stay and Aftercare. Some treatments, especially surgery, require a hospital stay, which can increase the overall cost. Additionally, follow-up visits, medications, and monitoring for recurrence can add to the expenses.
🛑 Insurance Coverage. Some insurance plans cover major medical bills, but the coverage extent varies. Patients are advised to review their insurance policies carefully to understand what is covered and what out-of-pocket expenses they might face.
Additional Costs Prostate Cancer Patients Should Consider
The average out-of-pocket costs for prostate cancer treatments can be substantial. Studies have shown that patients may pay around $2,800 per month for treatments after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis. However, this can fluctuate depending on the treatment type.
Even with health insurance coverage, the patients may face significant out-of-pocket costs. These costs can vary based on the type of treatment, length of care, and the specifics of your insurance coverage. The out-of-pocket cost for prostate cancer treatment includes:
Deductibles. The amount paid out of pocket before insurance covers medical costs.
Co-pays and Co-insurance. Payments are made for each service or treatment after meeting the deductible.
Premiums. The monthly fee paid for health insurance.
Out-of-Network Costs. Additional fees for seeking care from providers not covered by your insurance.
Doctor's Visits. The average copayment is $37 per visit, depending on a health insurance plan.
Medications. In case the referral programs don't cover these expenses.
Specialized procedures, such as surgery consumables.
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How Bookimed Can Help You Find the Best Deal
💚 Bookimed's expert team will help you find the best medical center and doctor specializing in prostate cancer diagnosis. Considering your diagnosis, personal preferences, and overall health, we will provide a customized treatment plan and cost estimates, helping you budget for your trip to the selected hospital.
💚 As a leading global platform, Bookimed connects patients with top medical solutions across 25+ countries. We assist over 4,000 patients annually, guiding them through the entire process—from choosing a hospital and arranging travel to returning home. Our team is available 24/7 to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
💚 Bookimed services are entirely free for patients, including trip coordination. Submit a request to consult with a Bookimed manager and receive a personalized cost estimate for prostate cancer treatment.
FAQ
What Is the Cost of Proton Beam Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
The average proton beam therapy cost is $21,000 in European countries. The price may range based on the center's policy and cancer stage. However, it may cost a minimum of $150,000 for patients without insurance coverage.
What Is the Cost of Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
The costs of hormone therapy range between $17,000 and $25,000. The starting price is relatively lower in European countries than in the USA ($13,000 and $17,000 respectively).
What Is the Cost of HIFU for Prostate Cancer Treatment?
The cost of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) varies between $10,000 — $15,000. It works by using sound waves to create very high temperatures that target and destroy cancer cells in the prostate. HIFU is non-invasive, minimizing the risk of infections. The doctors perform ultrasound treatment on an outpatient basis, which means the treatment plan doesn't include hospital stays.
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Iheanacho C. O., Odili V. U. A review of factors influencing the uptake of prostate cancer treatment in Nigeria. Journal of Cancer Policy. 2024. P. 100487. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcpo.2024.100487 (date of access: 15.10.2024).
HealthMatch staff. Prostate Cancer: Costs For Diagnosis, Treatment, And Care. HealthMatch. URL: https://healthmatch.io/prostate-cancer/costs-for-prostate-cancer#treatments-and-procedures (date of access: 15.10.2024).
How much does proton therapy cost without insurance. Medical Tourism in India with IndiCure | Trusted Since 2010. URL: https://www.indicure.com/blog/how-much-does-proton-therapy-cost-without-insurance/ (date of access: 15.10.2024).
Roland J. What is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Treatment for Prostate Cancer?. Healthline. URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/prostate-cancer/hifu-treatment#about-hifu-treatment (date of access: 15.10.2024).
The Cost of Prostate Cancer. WebMD. URL: https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/cost-of-prostate-cancer (date of access: 15.10.2024).
U.S. Cancer Statistics Prostate Cancer Stat Bite. United States Cancer Statistics. URL: https://www.cdc.gov/united-states-cancer-statistics/publications/prostate-cancer-stat-bite.html (date of access: 15.10.2024).