Free Cancer Screening in North Jakarta Targets 100 Women

The North Jakarta City Administration, through its Health Sub-agency and in partnership with the Indonesian Breast Cancer Foundation (YKPI), is holding a two-day free breast and cervical cancer screening program targeting 100 women. Participants include Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) and Family Welfare Movement (PKK) administrators, civil servants (ASN), and local residents.

Through early detection, the chances of recovery are much greater

North Jakarta Health Sub-agency Head Murniasi Hutapea said the initiative is intended to raise women's awareness of the importance of maintaining reproductive health through early cancer detection.

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"The program offers cervical cancer screening using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) method, as well as clinical breast examinations (CBE), supported by a mobile mammography unit," she explained on Wednesday (6/24).

Murniasi emphasized that early detection plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes when cancer is identified at an early stage. She encouraged women to undergo regular screenings at nearby healthcare facilities.

She also urged residents to take advantage of the screening services, noting that mammography examinations can be relatively expensive when obtained independently at hospitals.

"There is no need to be afraid of getting checked early because it is very important for your health. Through early detection, the chances of recovery are much greater," she noted.

Linda Sugeng, Head of YKPI's Mobile Mammography Unit Division, added that similar collaborations are routinely carried out across Jakarta's five administrative cities.

"For this program, we are operating our newest mobile mammography unit, which was donated by Pertamina," she said.

According to Linda, the mobile mammography unit is part of efforts to bring healthcare services closer to the public, particularly women who need breast cancer screening.

"This vehicle is Indonesia's only mobile mammography service unit dedicated to early breast cancer detection. We want women to pay greater attention to their health because when a mother falls ill, the entire family feels the impact," she explained.

Linda noted that limited public awareness and fear of screening procedures remain major challenges in breast cancer detection efforts.

"We continue to educate the public that mammography is not painful. Do not wait until the condition becomes severe, because this disease often shows no symptoms in its early stages," she said.

Meanwhile, Dina, an employee of the North Jakarta Housing and Settlement Area Sub-agency, said the free screening service had been very helpful.

She noted that providing mammography services at no cost not only helps residents save on healthcare expenses but also promotes awareness of early detection.

"This service is excellent and greatly benefits women, especially because it is provided free of charge. I personally undergo screening at least once a year because early detection is essential," she said.