How Preventative Medicine Is The Most Cost-Effective Health Investment

I remember being in my corporate job, feeling unfulfilled and coasting day to day. I was lacking self-care, self-worth, and a true sense of self.

I put more priority into work, then my health. Instead, I chose my career success over listening to my body.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to put health on the back burner, until we’re forced to confront imbalance or illness. But what if we flipped the script and changed that plot?

What if, instead of reacting to illness, we focused on preventing it?

This mindset shift isn’t just about feeling better day-to-day. It’s also incredibly cost-effective.

I started getting curious about the cost efficacy and difference between complementary treatment and convention treatment. So, I did research and I looked into an example that I will share below — which is about cancer treatment.

So, let’s explore how investing in preventative care, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition, stacks up against the costs of conventional treatments for illnesses like cancer.

Spoiler alert: The difference is staggering.

As an disclaimer, the information stated in this article or in the YouTube video is purely informational and educational. It is not professional, medical advice.

The Cost of Conventional Cancer Treatment

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, the financial burden is overwhelming. Here’s what typical treatment costs look like:

• Radiation Therapy: $9,000 to $50,000

• Chemotherapy: ~$27,000 for a six-month course

• Surgery: $7,660 to $16,909 per procedure

• Imaging & Diagnostics: Thousands more

The total first-year cost of cancer treatment often falls between $60,660 and $98,909.

For many, these treatments are life-saving and non-negotiable. But they also highlight the importance of investing in health before serious illness strikes.

Preventative Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Wellness

Now let’s imagine you’ve committed to a preventative care plan rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and holistic health principles. What would that look like?

• Acupuncture: Weekly sessions to balance the body, reduce stress, and boost immunity.
  Cost: ~$2,600 to $4,680 per year.

• Herbal Medicine: Monthly consultations to support digestion, energy, and overall health.
  Cost: ~$600 to $1,200 per year.

• Chiropractic Care: Monthly adjustments to maintain alignment and reduce tension.
  Cost: ~$360 to $2,400 per year.

• Nutritional Guidance: Monthly sessions to optimize diet and prevent chronic conditions.
  Cost: ~$600 to $1,800 per year.

The total annual cost of this preventative approach? Between $4,160 and $10,080.

Side-by-Side Comparison

To visualize the difference, here’s a breakdown of total costs:

Conventional (1 Year) $60,660 to $98,909

Preventative (1 Year) $4,160 to $10,080

Conventional treatment is 9 to 15 times more expensive than preventative care.

Why Prevention Matters

Based on all those numbers, what do you think? Preventative medicine isn’t just about saving money. It’s about creating a life where health is your foundation, not an afterthought.

Here’s what investing in preventative care can do for you:

• Reduce Stress: Practices like acupuncture and herbal medicine calm the nervous system, promoting resilience against illness.

• Improve Energy and Sleep: Holistic care addresses imbalances, helping you wake up refreshed and energized.

• Prevent Chronic Illness: Nutrition and lifestyle guidance reduce the risk of developing diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and yes—even cancer.

• Integrative Approach: Conventional medicine has its values. Find a middle path of using both approaches and a blend that works best for you.

Most importantly, prevention fosters a deeper connection to your body, empowering you to live in harmony with your unique rhythms.

Join the Conversation: So, what do you do to invest in your health?

Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with us on social media at @areturntoyin.

If you’re curious to learn more about living in tune with the body’s rhythms, stay tuned for the Monthly Mystic newsletter, be sure to subscribe to the Substack for more insights on Traditional Chinese Medicine, wellness practices, and spiritual growth. Click here to learn more!

For a FREE resource on Chinese Medicine Mental Wellness & Meditation, I created an eBook all about this. Click here to learn more!

Many thanks & blessings forward,

Linh