MRCCC Siloam Semanggi and Kemenkes Highlight Multidisciplinary Approach for Breast Cancer Care

Indonesia Misses Early Breast Cancer Detection Target as Ministry Reports 16 Percent Rate

Indonesia recorded 93,236 new breast cancer cases and 38,012 deaths from the disease according to Globocan 2024 data, positioning breast cancer as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women nationwide. The Health Ministry (Kemenkes) set a national target for 60 percent of breast cancer cases to be detected at an early stage, but national achievement reached only 10 percent in 2025. By September 30, that figure rose only slightly to 16.19 percent.

Advanced Stage Diagnoses Hinder Treatment Success

Delayed detection and diagnosis remain major hurdles in Indonesia’s breast cancer management, according to dr. Uswatun Hasanah, M.Epid, who represents the Cancer Working Team at the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases. Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which significantly lowers treatment success rates. Common obstacles involve sparse healthcare infrastructure and a widespread lack of public awareness regarding early detection, which frequently leads patients to seek medical help only after the condition has advanced.

To address these gaps, the Health Ministry offers free early screening at community health centers (Puskesmas) for women aged 30 to 69. Patients with abnormal findings receive immediate referrals to advanced referral health facilities (FPKTL). The ministry also issued clinical guidelines to assist medical personnel in managing the disease.

Multidisciplinary Approach and Medical Innovations at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi

MRCCC Siloam Semanggi partnered with the Health Ministry during a media and community gathering themed “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters” in Jakarta on Wednesday, held in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Tries Nainggolan, the CEO of MRCCC Siloam Semanggi, pointed out that every cancer patient has unique conditions and needs, making teamwork across various medical fields essential. Hospital Director dr. Adityawati Ganggaiswari, M.Biomed, MARS, explained that a multidisciplinary approach enables doctors from diverse specialties to collectively weigh therapy options based on tumor characteristics and individual patient needs.

Dr. dr. Jeffry B. Tenggara, Sp.PD-KHOM, a consultant medical hematology-oncology specialist at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi, noted that breast cancer features several subtypes, including Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-positive, and triple-negative. Biopsies remain the only definitive diagnostic method to determine these tumor characteristics. Surgical options, detailed by surgical oncologist Dr. dr. Denni J. Purwanto, Sp.B(K).Onk, range from mastectomies to Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCS), often applying modern de-escalation techniques and reconstructive surgery to preserve aesthetics and quality of life.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Survivor Resilience

Recovery extends beyond initial treatment through structured medical rehabilitation. dr. Anita Ratnawati, Sp.KFR(K), a medical rehabilitation specialist at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi, highlighted that post-operative medical rehabilitation encompasses shoulder range-of-motion exercises, strength training, and the management of arm swelling known as lymphedema. Flavia Sungkit, a cancer survivor diagnosed with left-side breast cancer in 2022, shared her personal journey of combining early medical rehabilitation, strength training, and physical conditioning to regain independence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Screening in Indonesia

Who is eligible for free breast cancer screenings in Indonesia?

Women aged 30 to 69 are eligible for free breast cancer screenings at community health centers (Puskesmas) under the Health Ministry’s national screening program.

What happens if an abnormality is found during a Puskesmas screening?

When screenings at community health centers reveal abnormal findings, patients are immediately referred to advanced referral health facilities (FPKTL) for further diagnostic evaluations.

What are the primary subtypes of breast cancer identified in clinical settings?

Medical specialists identify several distinct breast cancer subtypes, including Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-positive, and triple-negative, which dictate specific therapeutic pathways.

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