Countermeasures Begin with Early Detection

The high mortality rate of cancer was caused, among other factors, by a lack of awareness with regard to early detection. Cancer can be treated if discovered at an early stage.

KOMPAS/YOLA SASTRA

Irfan (right), 4.5, rides a tricycle under the watchful gaze of his mother Maimunah, 47, at a rehabilitation center run by Zakat Indonesia on 30 Jan. 2020 in Padang, West Sumatra. Irfan, whose family lives in Pulupuah district of Agam, West Sumatra, is staying at the center while he undergoes chemotherapy treatment for leukemia at Dr. M. Djamil Central General Hospital in Padang.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The increasing prevalence of cancer in developing countries, including Indonesia, indicates inadequate preventive efforts. In addition to a comprehensive strategic program, a commitment from all parties is needed to overcome this problem.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 9.6 million people died from cancer in 2018. That number increased by 2 million deaths over a decade. In Indonesia, the number of cancer deaths reached 207,210 in 2018. Most cases were breast cancer, cervical cancer and lung cancer.