Countermeasures Begin with Early Detection

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

Irfan (right), 4.5, rides a tricycle under the watchful gaze of his mother Maimunah, 47, at a rehabilitation center run by Zakat Indonesia on 30 Jan. 2020 in Padang, West Sumatra. Irfan, whose family lives in Pulupuah district of Agam, West Sumatra, is staying at the center while he undergoes chemotherapy treatment for leukemia at Dr. M. Djamil Central General Hospital in Padang.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The increasing prevalence of cancer in developing countries, including Indonesia, indicates inadequate preventive efforts. In addition to a comprehensive strategic program, a commitment from all parties is needed to overcome this problem.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 9.6 million people died from cancer in 2018. That number increased by 2 million deaths over a decade. In Indonesia, the number of cancer deaths reached 207,210 in 2018. Most cases were breast cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer.

The government should pay more attention to cancer by ensuring the availability of quality, safe, timely and targeted services. The deputy speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly, Lestari Moerdijat, and cancer survivors said as much at a discussion held in Jakarta on Tuesday (4/2/2020) in conjunction with World Cancer Day, which is commemorated annually on Feb. 4.

KOMPAS/AMBROSIUS HARTO

Neighbors visit breast cancer patient Anik Ismawati (left), 37, on Friday (31/1/2020) at her rented house on Gang IV, Jl. Sidotopo Wetan in Surabaya, East Java. The cancer has left the mother of four bedridden.

Early stage

The director of prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases at the Health Ministry, Cut Putri Arianie, said the high mortality rate of cancer was caused, among other factors, by a lack of awareness with regard to early detection. Cancer can be treated if discovered at an early stage.

According to the Integrated Mission of the Program of Action for Cancer Therapy 2018 report, 70 percent of cancer cases in Indonesia were found at an advanced stage, complicating treatment.

"Various efforts were made to encourage early detection, from promoting [a healthy lifestyle] and raising awareness about the dangers of cancer to the availability of [affordable] early detection healthcare facilities," Cut Putri said.

70 percent of cancer cases in Indonesia were found at an advanced stage, complicating treatment.

The government has determined four pillars for the prevention of cancer in Indonesia: healthy lifestyle promotion, early detection of risk factors at health facilities (through clinical breast examination and visual inspection with acetic acid or Pap tests), human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination to prevent cervical cancer and medical treatment at health facilities.

Regarding the administration of the HPV vaccine, the government has only conducted trials in six cities, including Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Manado. This vaccine is given to children aged 11-12 years. "Local governments are expected to commit themselves to providing HPV vaccines to residents in their areas," Cut Putri said.

Indonesian Cancer Foundation chairman Aru Wisaksono Sudoyo explained that another early-detection effort was chest x-rays to detect lung cancer, and people at higher risk, such as smokers over the age of 40, needed to be aware of such measures.

KOMPAS/MACHRADIN WAHYUDI RITONGA

Indonesia Cancer Foundation chair Siti Muntamah (center left, with glasses) visits Dr. Hasan Sadikin Central General Hospital for World Cancer Day on Tuesday (4/2/2020) in Bandung.

According to Cut Putri, the most effective way to fight cancer is the early detection of risk factors. For this reason, residents need to carry out routine checks, such as checking blood sugar levels, blood pressure, abdominal circumference and body weight.

A number of social organizations are involved in tackling cancer. The Yogyakarta branch of the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI), for example, disseminates information on early detection and provides volunteers to accompany patients who have difficulty in seeking treatment. "If the patient [cannot afford the] transportation cost, we provide transportation assistance," said YKI Yogyakarta deputy chairperson Sunarsih Sutaryo.

The foundation has a shelter for cancer patients who need lodging while getting medical treatment, because many patients from a number of areas go to the Sardjito General Hospital in Yogyakarta to be medically treated. (TAN/HRS/JOL/BRO/ETA/EVY)