Inp.polri.go.id - Medan. Indonesia officially launched its "National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan 2024-2034" during the 2024 Indonesia International Cancer Conference (IICC) in Bali on Thursday (3/10/2024).

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin called the plan a historic milestone in the fight against cancer. The strategy includes six key areas to enhance cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and management.

"Prevention and early detection are our main priorities. The government will intensify educational campaigns to raise public awareness about healthy lifestyles and early screenings," he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The government aims for 70% coverage in early cancer detection, focusing on cervical cancer screenings for women aged 30-50 using the HPV DNA method. Lung and colorectal cancer screenings will also target specific age groups, while breast cancer screening will involve clinical examinations and ultrasounds.

Minister Budi emphasized that early detection can lead to a 90% recovery rate with current technology.

To support this initiative, Indonesia will expand hospital facilities and diagnostic tools, including 276 mammography units, 236 CT scans, and other equipment by 2027, aiming to provide comprehensive cancer services nationwide.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)