For many Vietnamese cancer patients, the price of medication is as critical as the medicine itself. Reading this article shows how drug costs shape treatment choices and personal finances.

N.H.K., a 75‑year‑old from Bac Ninh, was diagnosed with stage‑4 lung adenocarcinoma carrying an EGFR Del19 mutation. The preferred drug, osimertinib, costs around VND42 million a month, which the family cannot afford. Health insurance covered 50 percent of afatinib, leaving the patient to pay just over VND10 million per month, and the drug has already shown promising results.

N.T.T., a 60‑year‑old from Hanoi, also has lung cancer with an L858R mutation. Her treatment costs around VND9 million a month, plus approximately VND3 million for liver‑protecting medication that health insurance does not cover. Health insurance covers 50 percent of the drug she takes, allowing her to continue treatment for 1.5 years.

For cancer, drug costs accounted for more than 60 percent of total treatment expenditure. Newer drugs that are not covered by health insurance or require high co‑payments can leave patients paying substantial sums out of pocket, especially when treatment lasts for months or even years.

The high price of cancer medicines forces families to choose cheaper options or pay large sums themselves. Understanding this link between drug cost, insurance coverage and personal finances is essential for anyone facing expensive health care.