Data from the Global Cancer Observatory in 2022 showed that Indonesia recorded 408,661 new cancer cases, with a mortality rate of 242,099—more than 50 percent of the total cases.
Among these, the five most common types of cancer affecting both men and women in Indonesia are breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer.
Without intervention, the number of cases is projected to increase by 63% between 2025 and 2040, placing a significant burden on public healthcare systems and communities.
Dr. Mardiah Suci Hardianti, MD, an internal medicine specialist at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing of Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), revealed that data from the cancer registry at RSUP Dr. Sardjito from 2008 to 2021 recorded 48,429 new cancer cases, predominantly breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Among these cases, 62.9% were women aged 31 to 70 years. Dr. Hardianti also pointed out that several types of cancer frequently occur in younger individuals, including acute leukemia, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, bone cancers such as osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma, brain tumors like medulloblastoma and glioma, as well as testicular cancer and melanoma.
“Many factors contribute to this, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation and chemicals, Epstein-Barr virus infections, individual susceptibility, and immune system disorders,” she explained in an interview on Tuesday (Feb. 11).
She further elaborated that the high mortality rate in cancer cases is largely due to delays in diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
According to her, early detection is crucial for identifying cancer at an early stage, thereby reducing the number of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. Ideally, early detection allows for easier treatment and significantly better treatment outcomes.
For instance, breast cancer detected at an early stage has a five-year survival rate of 90%, whereas detection at a locally advanced stage reduces this rate to around 50%.
“If diagnosed at a metastatic stage, where cancer has spread to distant organs, the five-year survival rate drops to less than 20%,” Dr. Hardianti added.
Regarding early cancer symptoms that are often overlooked, Dr. Hardianti outlined various symptoms based on the primary location of the cancer.
In breast cancer, symptoms may include the presence of a lump, which is sometimes painless but grows in size as the disease progresses. In this case, a self-breast examination (popularly known in Indonesia as SADARI) every month after the menstrual cycle is recommended.
Persistent coughing and shortness of breath may be linked to lung cancer, while symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer include ringing in the ears accompanied by headaches, nosebleeds, and nasal congestion.
“For colorectal cancer, changes in bowel habits, such as bloody stools, constipation, and diarrhea, should be noted,” said Dr. Hardianti, who is also a medical staff member specializing in cancer and blood disorders at RSUP Sardjito, UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), and RS PKU Yogyakarta.
Recurrent bleeding can also serve as an early warning sign of cancer. For example, rectal bleeding may indicate colorectal cancer, vaginal bleeding could signal cervical cancer, and blood in the urine may be an early symptom of urinary tract cancers, such as kidney or bladder cancer.
Significant and unexplained weight loss in a short period, without any intentional weight loss program, may also indicate cancer due to increased metabolism. Additionally, persistent fatigue and weakness, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, could be warning signs.
“For blood cancers, symptoms may include recurrent infections due to weakened immune function, fatigue and paleness due to a lack of red blood cells, and bleeding tendencies related to low platelet counts,” Dr. Hardianti explained.
She noted that in Indonesia, the availability of cancer treatment facilities equipped with multidisciplinary teams of specialists remains very limited. Given this situation, screening and early detection become essential solutions to reduce the number of late-stage cancer cases.
“So, don’t forget—regular health check-ups, avoiding smoking, engaging in physical activities and exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough rest, and managing stress effectively are all highly recommended for preventing non-communicable diseases, including cancer,” she concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Photo: Dr. Mardiah Suci Hardianti, MD
Illustration: Freepik