How Much Does Cancer Treatment Cost in Singapore?
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Singapore (23.9% of all deaths). Treatment costs vary enormously by cancer type, stage, and ward class. Here is what 13 types of cancer actually cost, based on real MOH hospital bill data.
All 13 cancer types compared
Sorted by highest Ward C cost. Click any row for the full cost breakdown.
| # | Cancer Type | Ward C Range | Private High | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leukaemia or Lymphoma | $203 – $30,446 | $147,057 | 6.8d |
| 2 | Brain Tumour | $1,106 – $21,560 | $129,341 | 6.5d |
| 3 | Pancreatic Cancer | $8,917 – $18,436 | — | 9.7d |
| 4 | Liver Cancer | $866 – $14,833 | $138,516 | 4.2d |
| 5 | Lung Cancer | $468 – $13,336 | $88,885 | 5.3d |
| 6 | Stomach Cancer | $607 – $12,957 | $70,218 | 6.3d |
| 7 | Colorectal Cancer | $468 – $12,300 | $70,218 | 3.7d |
| 8 | Prostate Cancer | $1,058 – $11,140 | $71,599 | 2.9d |
| 9 | Cervical or Uterine Cancer | $505 – $10,490 | $53,336 | 3.1d |
| 10 | Kidney or Bladder Cancer | $740 – $9,325 | $62,958 | 4.2d |
| 11 | Thyroid Cancer | $1,976 – $7,442 | $67,354 | 1.8d |
| 12 | Breast Cancer | $468 – $4,493 | $37,105 | 2d |
| 13 | Skin Cancer | $929 – $4,473 | $8,755 | 1d |
Most expensive cancers to treat
The 5 costliest cancer types by Ward C hospitalisation bill.
What the hospital bill covers (and what it doesn't)
The costs above are for the initial hospitalisation only. This typically includes diagnosis, surgery, and the hospital stay itself. The real total cost of cancer treatment is much higher because it usually involves multiple rounds of additional treatment over months or years.
Additional costs NOT included in these figures:
- Chemotherapy cycles (often 4–8 rounds, each a separate hospital bill)
- Radiation therapy (typically 15–30 sessions over several weeks)
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy drugs (can cost $5,000–$15,000+ per month)
- Follow-up oncology consultations, blood tests, and imaging scans
- Hormone therapy (for breast/prostate cancer, often 5–10 years)
- Rehabilitation, nutritional support, and palliative care
A realistic total cost of cancer treatment from diagnosis through recovery could be 3–10x the initial hospitalisation figure shown here.
Ward C vs Private for cancer treatment
Some cancers have 5–10x cost gaps between subsidised and private wards. Here is the multiplier for each cancer type.
| Cancer Type | Ward C High | Private High | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Cancer | $14,833 | $138,516 | 9.3x |
| Thyroid Cancer | $7,442 | $67,354 | 9.1x |
| Breast Cancer | $4,493 | $37,105 | 8.3x |
| Kidney or Bladder Cancer | $9,325 | $62,958 | 6.8x |
| Lung Cancer | $13,336 | $88,885 | 6.7x |
| Prostate Cancer | $11,140 | $71,599 | 6.4x |
| Brain Tumour | $21,560 | $129,341 | 6.0x |
| Colorectal Cancer | $12,300 | $70,218 | 5.7x |
| Stomach Cancer | $12,957 | $70,218 | 5.4x |
| Cervical or Uterine Cancer | $10,490 | $53,336 | 5.1x |
| Leukaemia or Lymphoma | $30,446 | $147,057 | 4.8x |
| Skin Cancer | $4,473 | $8,755 | 2.0x |
Key facts about cancer costs in Singapore
- Cancer is the #1 cause of death in Singapore, accounting for 23.9% of all deaths.
- Cheapest initial cancer hospitalisation starts at $203 in Ward C.
- Most expensive reaches $147,057 in a Private ward.
- Early detection saves both lives and money. Early-stage cancers often require less aggressive (and less expensive) treatment than late-stage diagnoses.
- 68% of Singaporeans have an Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) that provides additional coverage beyond MediShield Life.
Frequently asked questions
Breast cancer treatment costs $468 to $4,493 in a subsidised ward (Ward C). In a Private ward, costs can reach $37,105. This covers the initial hospitalisation only. Chemotherapy cycles, radiotherapy, and follow-up oncology are additional. Based on MOH Bill Size Benchmarks, January–December 2023.
MediShield Life covers cancer-related hospitalisation and approved outpatient treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, it has claim limits, deductibles, and co-payment requirements. An Integrated Shield Plan (ISP) provides higher coverage. 68% of Singaporeans have an ISP.
The most expensive cancer to treat is leukaemia or lymphoma, costing up to $30,446 in a subsidised ward (Ward C). In a Private ward, costs can reach $147,057. Based on MOH Bill Size Benchmarks, January–December 2023.
Chemotherapy costs vary widely depending on the cancer type, drug regimen, and number of cycles. A single hospitalisation cycle costs roughly $468 to $2,455 in Ward C and $10,544 to $14,289 in a Private ward. Most patients require multiple cycles, so the total cost is significantly higher than a single bill.
Yes. MediSave can be used for cancer-related hospitalisation, approved outpatient chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, subject to withdrawal limits. The average MediSave balance of $31,000 covers many initial cancer hospitalisations in Ward C. However, the total cost of cancer treatment across multiple cycles and follow-ups often exceeds MediSave limits.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Actual treatment costs depend on individual diagnosis, stage, treatment plan, and hospital. All figures are based on MOH Bill Size Benchmarks (January–December 2023) for Singapore Citizens, after government subsidies, before insurance and MediSave payouts. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised cost estimates.