Remission no 'cure' for cancer

JAKARTA (JP): An estimated 90 percent of people whose cancer went into remission subsequently suffered a relapse, with greater difficulties experienced in treating the recurrence, an expert said.

Obstetrician/gynecologist Sutoto from the state-run Diponegoro University in Semarang, Central Java, said in a speech marking his investiture as professor on Saturday that many cancer patients mistakenly assumed the disease was cured once it was classed in remission.

"They thought that with only one treatment, they were cured, not knowing that when they had a relapse, it would be more difficult to treat them or bring them into another remission," he said as quoted by Antara.

"Most of the medical world believes that a person cannot be cured of cancer for life, that's why a person with cancer is not said to be cured, but goes into remission."

First treatment for a person diagnosed for cancer, he said, was generally "the best short- and long-term treatment." Following a relapse, doctors need to adjust treatment to the cancer, its spread and the possibility of a further relapse.

Diponegoro University rector Eko Budihardjo said 34 of the institution's 77 professors were from the School of Medicine. (swe)