Fear Of Being An Early Detection Barrier, Most Of The Breast Cancer Cases Found By The Stadium Continue

Breast cancer cases in Indonesia are still being detected at an advanced stage. This is not only due to lack of facilities, but is also due to low awareness of screening and high fear of diagnosis and treatment.

According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, cancer cases in Indonesia continue to increase and are predicted to increase by more than 70 percent in 2050 if preventive measures and early detection are not strengthened.

Currently, around 400 thousand new cancer cases are detected every year, with the death rate reaching 240 thousand cases. Without effective intervention, the burden of cancer will be even greater, both in terms of public health and the economy.

Prof. dr. Ikhwan Rinaldi, Sp.PD-KHOM (Medical Oncology Expert) and Director of Gading Pluit Hospital said, when cancer was detected early on, the patient's life expectancy actually increased dramatically.

"Many women are reluctant to check themselves for fear that the results will show cancer. In fact, if found in the early stages, the chances of recovering can reach almost 98 percent," said Prof. Irwan in a media discussion at Gading Pluit Hospital, Jakarta, recently.

He explained that in many developed countries, routine examinations such as ultrasound or emmography have become part of a healthy lifestyle for women aged 30 years and over. However, in Indonesia, this habit is still not too common for many people.

That's in terms of early detection, not to mention a few myths that develop and it's as if cancer tests actually make cancer cells spread more widely. Even though this is not the case, these kinds of things make cancer in a person not handled properly.

"There are also those who believe the myth of biopsy can make cancer spread. That's not true, but because they are afraid, they eventually postpone the examination," he explained.

In addition, Prof. Irwan highlighted the negative stigma towards cancer treatment, such as the assumption that chemotherapy or surgery can worsen the patient's condition. Fear of treatment is often greater than fear of the disease itself.

"In fact, when handled with medical standards, cancer treatment is proven to be effective and measurable," he said.

According to him, if cancer has spread (stadium 4), the five-year survival rate is only around 16 percent. On the other hand, for the initial stage, the cure rate could be close to 98 percent.

"The key is early detection and proper medical treatment," he added.

In responding to the challenge of the high rate of advanced breast cancer, dr. Feirlita Kuswandi, MPH, Director of Gading Pluit Hospital, said that a more intense approach is needed regarding education to the wider community about breast cancer.

The public does not need to worry, because currently not a few hospitals have treatment services that are integrated from start to finish.

"To ensure optimal handling, we have integrated services through Gading Integrated Cancer Care (GICC)," he explained.

In this integrated service, patients can take various steps to minimize the risk of cancer comprehensively, ranging from screening, supporting examinations such as anatomy and imaging pathology, to advanced therapies such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and target therapy are all available in one service system.

"Don't wait for severe symptoms. Do your own breast tests (SARRI) and regular clinical examinations (SADANIS). The sooner it is known, the greater the chance of recovery," he concluded.