Doctor: Cancer is not the end if treated comprehensively
The Indonesian Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (PERHOMPEDIN) has emphasised that a cancer diagnosis is not the end of everything, but can be optimally managed through accurate diagnosis, precision therapy, and comprehensive multidisciplinary healthcare services.
Secretary II of PERHOMPEDIN’s Jakarta branch, Dr Eka Widya Khorinal, said in Jakarta on Friday that cancer treatment requires cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration, placing the patient at the centre of care.
“With accurate diagnosis, appropriate therapy, and comprehensive services, more patients have the opportunity to achieve better treatment outcomes,” she said.
To this end, PERHOMPEDIN is encouraging stronger multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive care in cancer management through the 13th Annual Roll-out of the International Conference on Hematology & Medical Oncology (ROICAM 13).
The annual medical symposium and scientific forum carries the theme “Strength in Diversity, Excellence in Care: Because Cancer Is Not the End of Everything” to reinforce that a cancer diagnosis can be optimally managed if all parties work together.
Without a change in strategy, the National Cancer Plan 2024-2034 projects that the cancer case burden could increase by up to 63 percent in the 2025-2040 period.
“This condition is exacerbated by the high rate of delayed diagnosis, with the Ministry of Health recording that more than 80 percent of cancer patients in Indonesia are only diagnosed once they have reached stage III or IV,” she noted.
Given the complexity of a disease that has systemic effects on the body’s organs, she stressed that the internal medicine approach and multidisciplinary management are key to maintaining organ stability, controlling complications, and supporting patients throughout their therapy.
“Through the integration of equitable healthcare services and national data-based research, Indonesia is expected to transform cancer care from merely treating tumours into holistic services that preserve patients’ quality of life,” she added.