The Singapore Cancer Registry (2022 Annual report) shows that liver cancer in Singapore is the 5th most common cancer among men, accounting for 7.1% of cancers diagnosed between 2018-2022. It is responsible for 12.2% of cancer deaths in men during the same period. Liver cancer is not within the top 10 most common cancers for women. However, it is the 5th most common type of cancer resulting in female deaths (5.8%). In this article, we explore the cost of screening or diagnosis, as well as the cost of liver cancer treatment in Singapore.
Cost Of Liver Cancer Screening In Singapore
The estimated cost in Singapore for liver blood test and medical imaging is:
- AFP Tumour Marker Blood test – S$20.
- Ultrasound (Liver) – S$120-S$140.
- MRI (Abdomen) – S$1,300-S$1,400.
- CT Scan (Multiphasic Liver) – S$800 – S$1,100.
Learn More: Guide To Medical Imaging >>
Cost Of Liver Cancer Treatment In Singapore
Treatment for liver cancer will depend on the specifics of each patient’s cancer. For surgeries, MOH recommends the following range of fees for surgeons as of 1 Jan 2025 (excluding anaesthetist, facilities and consumables fees)
- Liver Transplant, Donation (Live Donor) (TOSP: SF701L): S$18,800 – S$26,500.
- Liver Transplant, Recipient (TOSP: SF702L): S$22,400 – S$33,600.
- Liver, Various Lesions, Lobectomy (3 – 4 Segments) (TOSP: SF812L): S$17,400 – S$24,800.
Chemotherapy costs in Singapore depend on the type and of drugs used, and the number of times they have to be administered.
Data from MOH (accessed in Sep 2024) provided these average chemotherapy costs in Singapore (Code: R63Z):
| Type of Hospital(Inpatient) | Average Cost (data accessed in Sep 24) |
| Private | $3,152(data accessed in May 22) |
| Public (Ward A, Unsubsidised) | $1,711 |
| Public (Ward C, Subsidised) | $544 |
Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment method that kills cancer cells using high doses of radiation to damage the DNA of the cancer cells.
The cost of radiotherapy can range from $25,000 to $30,000.
Overall treatment cost for late stage cancer in Singapore private healthcare may be upwards of $100,000.
MediSave, MediShield And Insurance
MediShield Life and MediSave cover only treatments on the Cancer Drug List (CDL) from 1 September 2022 [extracted from MOH website 14 Oct 2024]. Each cancer drug treatment on the CDL will have its own MediShield Life claim limits and MediSave withdrawal limits.
You may refer to the Cancer Drug List for the list of cancer drug treatments that are claimable under MediShield Life and MediSave, and their respective claim and withdrawal limits. Please consult your doctor if you wish to find out whether the treatment that you are undergoing is on the CDL.
The CDL came into effect for Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) on 1 Apr 2023, upon renewal or application.
Check with CPF on the latest MediSave policies.
For insurance, you will need to check with your insurance provider on the specifics of cancer coverage under your policies, and also to ensure that your chosen doctor is on the panel of your insurance company.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.