The Ministry of Health Sets 4 Priority Types of Cancer in Indonesia, What Are They?

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian government through the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has launched an ambitious National Action Plan (RAN) to combat four types of cancer that are prioritized. This step is expected to reduce the number of new cases, improve survival rates, and alleviate the burden of treatment costs that continue to rise each year.

Recent data shows that cancer now ranks third as a cause of death in Indonesia, after stroke and heart disease. Each year, there are 408,661 new cancer cases recorded, with a mortality rate reaching 242,988 lives. Not only that, the cost of cancer treatment borne by BPJS Kesehatan in 2023 has reached IDR 5.9 trillion, making it the second highest disease in terms of funding after other catastrophic diseases.

In this handling effort, the government focuses on four types of cancer: cervical cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. This National Action Plan includes early detection programs, vaccination, and improving the quality of care as key steps. Let us support this effort for better public health! More information can be found in the Kapanlagi.com report, Tuesday (4/2).

1. Cervical Cancer: Elimination Targets through Vaccination and Screening

Indonesia is committed to addressing the serious issue of cervical cancer, which remains a significant threat to women's health. With strategic steps through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and early screening using the IVA method and HPV DNA testing, the government aims that by 2030, 90% of girls and boys aged 15 will have received the HPV vaccine.

Not only that, 75% of women aged 30-69 are expected to undergo screening with high-quality tests, and 90% of those diagnosed with pre-cancerous lesions will receive treatment that meets standards. With these efforts, it is hoped that cervical cancer can be eliminated in the coming decades, significantly reducing the incidence and mortality rates associated with this disease.

"And 90 percent of women identified as suffering from pre-cancerous cervical lesions and cancer receive treatment according to standards," said the Director of Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, as reported by ANTARA.

2. Breast Cancer: Early Detection to Improve Survival

Breast cancer remains the leading type of cancer most commonly found in Indonesia, with the majority of new cases detected at advanced stages. In response to this, the Ministry of Health is strengthening early detection programs through methods such as BSE (Breast Self-Examination), CBE (Clinical Breast Examination), and ultrasound examination.

With the increasing number of women routinely undergoing examinations, it is hoped that breast cancer can be detected earlier, allowing treatment to be carried out before the condition worsens.

The sooner cancer is found, the greater the chances for patients to survive and receive optimal care. Additionally, educational efforts regarding the importance of regular examinations continue to be promoted to raise public awareness about breast cancer.

"According to BPJS data in 2023, cancer treatment is the second largest cost, reaching Rp5.9 trillion," he stated.

3. Lung Cancer: Focus on Screening and Prevention

Lung cancer has become a frightening specter with high mortality rates in Indonesia, especially because many new patients are diagnosed when the disease has already reached an advanced stage. Smoking and exposure to air pollution, which is increasing in major cities, are two main risk factors that must be watched out for.

In an effort to tackle this issue, the Ministry of Health is now aggressively conducting lung cancer screening for high-risk groups, such as active and passive smokers. With early detection, it is hoped that the recovery rate will increase and treatment costs can be reduced.

In addition, preventive measures through stricter tobacco regulations, anti-smoking campaigns, and education about the dangers of air pollution continue to be promoted to reduce the incidence of lung cancer in the future.

"The goal of this program is to lower the stage of cancer at the time of initial diagnosis, so that survival rates can be improved and treatment costs reduced," said the relevant official.

4. Colon Cancer: Screening and Healthy Lifestyle as Key Prevention

Colon cancer (colorectal) is becoming increasingly concerning in Indonesia, particularly due to unhealthy lifestyles and a lack of physical activity. Unfortunately, this disease often hides without symptoms in its early stages, causing many patients to only realize its presence when it has reached an advanced stage. To change this situation, the Ministry of

Health has launched a broader colon cancer screening program with stool occult blood tests, aimed at detecting potential bleeding in the digestive tract. With early detection, patients can receive the necessary treatment before the cancer progresses further.

Additionally, the government is encouraging the public to adopt healthier eating patterns, increase fiber intake, and limit processed foods that are high in fat and low in fiber, in order to prevent the looming risk of colon cancer.

5. National Cancer Plan Development for More Optimal Management

In an effort to combat cancer more effectively, the Indonesian government has launched an ambitious National Cancer Plan aimed at improving access to healthcare services and strengthening the network of medical facilities throughout the archipelago. With this plan, it is hoped that early detection, vaccination, and cancer treatment services can be evenly accessible, so that every patient can receive quality care without being hindered by access or cost issues. In addition, the Ministry of Health is also building cyclotron infrastructure, which will produce radiopharmaceuticals for cancer therapy, to enhance the capacity of healthcare facilities in handling cancer patients in various regions. "This National Cancer Plan is expected to align the steps and direction of comprehensive cancer service development to achieve the same goals," he stated.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is cancer a priority in the national health program?

Because cancer is the third leading cause of death in Indonesia and has a very high treatment cost.

2. What are the main strategies of the government in addressing cancer?

The government implements strategies such as vaccination, early detection, strengthening regulations, and developing a National Cancer Plan.

3. What are the benefits of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer?

The HPV vaccine prevents infections from viruses that can cause cervical cancer, thereby reducing the number of new cases in the future.

4. How can colorectal cancer be detected early?

Colorectal cancer can be detected with a fecal occult blood test, which aims to find hidden bleeding in the digestive tract.

(kpl/srr)