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Surgical intervention is often necessary to remove cancerous tissues and prevent further spread of the disease. The two primary surgical options for breast cancer are lumpectomy (removal of the tumor while preserving the breast) and mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts).

In addition to the procedure itself, costs include pre-surgical consultations, anesthesia, hospital stays, and post-operative care. In Saint Lucia, the total cost of surgery can vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure, hospital fees, and whether reconstructive surgery is performed afterward. Some women may also require lymph node removal, which adds to the overall cost and recovery time.

For many patients, surgery is just one part of their treatment journey. Following surgery, some women will need additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. The financial burden of these combined therapies underscores the urgent need for financial support to ensure that all women have access to comprehensive care.

Chemotherapy is a primary treatment for breast cancer, involving the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs are administered in cycles, typically over several months, depending on the stage and type of cancer.

In Saint Lucia, the cost per session ranges between $2,500 and $3,000, with most patients requiring at least eight sessions. This totals approximately $20,000 to $24,000 for a full course. There are also additional costs from supportive medications needed to manage side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression. Patients also require frequent blood tests and imaging to monitor progress, further increasing the overall expense.

Many women face financial hardship when seeking chemotherapy treatment, as the costs are often not fully covered by insurance or public health programs. Many women depend on community support and fundraising, because without adequate funding, some may be forced to delay or forgo treatment, significantly impacting their prognosis.

Radiation therapy is another critical component of breast cancer treatment, used to target and destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery or chemotherapy. This therapy helps reduce the risk of recurrence and is often recommended for women who have undergone a lumpectomy or have aggressive tumor types.

In Saint Lucia, while consultations and systemic therapies are available at local centers, patients may need to travel to facilities like The Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean in Antigua for radiation treatments. The center has worked out special packages for OECS patients, but the cost of radiation therapy is still around US$10,000 per patient.

Radiation treatment typically requires multiple sessions over several weeks, adding to the financial and logistical strain on patients. The need to travel abroad for this therapy further increases costs, including accommodation, transportation, and time away from work or family. For many women, this financial burden makes radiation therapy inaccessible, highlighting the importance of financial assistance programs and community support.