Deputy Health Minister: Colorectal Cancer Screening Integrated into National Free Health Check Program

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono stated that his ministry has integrated colorectal cancer screening into the National Free Health Check Program (CKG), targeting individuals aged 45 and above deemed high-risk. ‘Our layered approach begins with the Asia-Pacific colorectal screening questionnaire, followed by digital rectal examination and faecal occult blood test (FOBT) for high-risk individuals,’ the deputy minister said in a virtual address from Jakarta on Saturday. Colorectal cancer is acknowledged as a national health challenge, as most patients present at healthcare facilities in advanced stages. ‘If 100 colorectal cancer patients present at our healthcare facilities today, over 70 would be in advanced stages. This is not due to negligence or the disease being untreatable, but because early detection is lacking,’ he added. In Indonesia, it ranks fourth among cancers and fifth as a cancer-related cause of death, with over 19,000 fatalities annually. Of the five million screened, 9,000 positive results were detected via digital rectal exams and 2,000 via FOBT, though these figures only account for those who proceeded with further testing. Meanwhile, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Health Ministry, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, stated that cancer treatment, including colorectal cancer, is covered by BPJS Health insurance, but not all cancer therapy drugs are included. ‘Certain drugs, such as targeted therapies for metastatic cases, are often not fully covered by BPJS due to their high costs,’ she added. However, general cancer treatments remain covered by BPJS. The ministry therefore urges the public to adopt healthy lifestyles, including increased fruit and vegetable intake, while the government continues public education on cancer prevention.