Breast Cancer, the Most Common Cancer in Indonesia

Jakarta. The most common type of cancer detected in patients across hospitals in Indonesia is breast cancer, Breast Cancer Foundation of Indonesia, or YKPI, chairwoman, Linda Gumelar, said in Jakarta, on Wednesday (07/09).

"In 2010, the number of breast cancer patients was detected in 28.7 percent of total cancer patients," Linda, a former minister for women's empowerment and child protection, said.

The Ministry of Health data in 2013 also revealed that 1.4 in every 1,000 women had breast cancer – a total of around 347,000 people.

According to data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), cancer has accounted for 8.2 million deaths worldwide, and it is estimated that this number will increase to 13 million cancer-related deaths by 2030.

"In Indonesia, new cases of breast cancer have caused the highest mortality rate, where 21.5 deaths in every 100,000 persons are caused by breast cancer. What is alarming is that 70 percent of new breast cancer patients only visit a health center at an advanced stage," Linda said.

Linda promoted the National health insurance program, or JKN, managed by the National health insurance scheme, or BPJS, saying that it is an important tool for cancer patients, especially when cancer treatment is physically and financially taxing.

In many countries around the world, October is widely regarded as breast cancer awareness month, a global movement that attempts to raise awareness of the disease and promote education and detection.

According to the World Health Organization, almost 50 percent of breast cancer cases and 58 percent of deaths take place in developing countries, due to lack of early detection programs.

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