Early Detection System for Breast Cancer Requires Improvement
The Director of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, outlined the urgency of improving the early detection system for breast cancer. Health Ministry data reveals significant disparities in the management of breast cancer patients.
“Out of 14 million targeted women, only 4.1 million underwent examination. Of this number, 20,000 people were found to have abnormalities, but only 6,000 pursued treatment, and only half succeeded in gaining hospital access,” stated Nadia in her statement on Friday (27 February).
Nadia emphasised that the main challenge currently is public reluctance to undergo examination as well as synchronising systems to prevent patients from falling through the cracks during treatment.
Consequently, the Ministry of Health is disseminating the National Breast Cancer Action Plan (RAN) 2025–2034. This step represents the government’s strategy to achieve the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard target of reducing mortality from breast cancer by 2.5% annually.
“The Breast Cancer Action Plan is structured according to three pillars of the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative,” she said.
Based on early detection, only 60% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage (stage 1 or 2). Fast Diagnosis: diagnosis is confirmed within 60 days of initial symptoms appearing. Complete Treatment: more than 80% of patients receive multimodal therapy (combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, etc.) until completion.
The Breast Cancer Action Plan 2025–2034 encompasses five main strategies: health promotion, strengthened early detection, expanded access to quality services, reinforced cancer registration, and multi-stakeholder partnership coordination.
“The government opens its doors widely for inclusive partnerships to achieve a five-year survival rate target of 70% for breast cancer patients in Indonesia,” she concluded.
The Ministry of Health emphasises that self-examination (Sadari) and clinical examination (Sadanis) conducted routinely constitute the most effective preventive measures in detecting breast cancer. With regular examinations, potential cancer can be identified before progressing to a more dangerous stage, thereby significantly improving the chances of recovery.
Saint Borromeus Hospital urges the public to be more proactive in seeking information about breast cancer from credible sources. Early breast cancer detection: perform Sadari at home and Sadanis at a clinic. Be alert to painless lumps, orange-peel-like skin, and abnormal discharge from the nipple.