Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis: Why Indian men over 40 must take screening and insurance seriously

The news of former US President Joe Biden being diagnosed with prostate cancer is a strong reminder of the prevalence of this illness, especially after 40 years of age. While Biden is expected to recover well, thanks to timely detection and care, his case has drawn global attention to a disease that often goes unnoticed until it is too late.

In India, too, prostate cancer is rising steadily, and the challenges are not just medical but also financial. “India, over the years, has seen increasing cases of prostate cancer,” said Dr Pankaj Shahane, Head of Health Claims at Digit Insurance. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, prostate cancer, at 14.2% of all new cases among males, is the second most common cancer among men across the world.

“In India, too, the prostate ranks as the third leading cancer site among males, following lungs and mouth,” Shahane added. “Adopting a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular screenings can help reduce the risk.”

The high cost of care

Besides awareness and prevention, the financial burden of treatment is another growing concern. “The average cost of prostate cancer treatment can range from Rs 1.5-2 lakh, but in some cases, it has even gone beyond Rs 14 lakh,” said Shahane. “At Digit, we receive about 450–500 claims related to prostate cancer every year. That’s why having an adequate health insurance cover of Rs 20-25 lakh is essential.”

It is also worth noting that in the US, the annual per-person cost for prostate cancer is about $28,000 (around ₹23.8 lakh) for early-stage care, and $2,600 (around ₹2.21 lakh) for continued care. However, the cost of treating cancer varies greatly depending on one’s condition. Thus, it is good to have insurance coverage to protect yourself from the financial burden of treatment costs.

Shahane suggests a practical approach for those worried about premiums: “Start with a base plan of Rs 10 lakh, and add a super top-up plan for higher coverage. This ensures you're protected from the rising cost of medical care.”

Financial delays can worsen outcomes

Kulin Shah, co-founder & COO of Onsurity, points to another worrying trend. “Often, men confront increasingly high costs for critical health treatments, including diagnosis, surgery, and radiation. These financial barriers often delay both preventive check-ups and advanced treatments,” he said.

That’s where insurance becomes more than just a backup plan. “Comprehensive coverage serves not just as a buffer against major expenses, but as an enabler that allows men to seek timely, essential care without the stress of medical bills,” Kulin added.

Know your policy

Most health insurance plans cover all types of cancer, including prostate cancer. However, it is important to know that some non-cancerous prostate conditions might be subject to a waiting period. “Prostate-related treatments usually come up in older age. Hence, it is critical to continue your health insurance policy into retirement years,” said Shahane. “Also, read the policy terms carefully, which include waiting periods, exclusions, and the sum insured that can vary widely between insurers.”