Commemorating World Cancer Day, City Holds Free HPV/IVA Screening

The Jakarta Government commemorated World Cancer Day (WCD) as a global moment to raise awareness about cancer and to encourage efforts for prevention, early detection, and better treatment.

Efforts to empower the community are also being intensified in Jakarta 

During this February, to raise public awareness for preventing cancer and conduct screenings, the Jakarta Health Agency (Dinkes) urges all married women to undergo cancer screening using the HPV DNA method and co-testing IVA. This screening is free at all community health centers and other health facilities that have collaborated.

Jakarta Health Agency (Dinkes) Head, Ani Ruspitawati stated the activities commemorating World Cancer Day 2025 were held in collaboration with Dharmais Cancer Hospital and the Ministry of Health, at Bale Gede, Kramat Jati Sub-district, East Jakarta, Tuesday (2/4).

Governor Reminds The Importance of Cancer Early Detection

She mentioned, the Jakarta Government was seriously working to control cancer through various health programs. Following up on programs at the central level, the Jakarta Government's seriousness was manifested by drafting Governor Regulation Number 25/2021 on the Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, where cancer is one of the priorities.

"Efforts to empower the community are also being intensified in Jakarta through collaboration with various sectors, including forming Cancer Awareness Cadres and Palliative Cadres, who actively encourage the community to undego cancer screenings and provide support to cancer patients and their families," she expressed, as qouted by the Jakarta Government's press release.

World Cancer Day is not just a reminder but also a call to action. Every individual plays an important role in preventing and detecting cancer early. The public can start with simple steps, as follows:

* Take regular health check-ups

* Support family and friends to undergo early detection

* Improve health literacy through education and community campaigns

"Let's work together to raise public awareness about the importance of cancer screening and build a community that is more concerned about health. Together we can create positive change and provide hope for those affected by cancer. The best investment is in maintaining health. Together we can create a healthier, cancer-free world," she explained.

In Indonesia, cancer is also a serious threat with increasing incidence and mortality rates. One of the biggest challenges in cancer management in Indonesia is that 70% of diagnosed cases are at advanced stages (III or IV). However, early detection can increase the chances of survival to 90-99% within five years. This situation calls for the community to be more aware, starting early detection and implementing preventive measures to minimize the risk of cancer.

As part of the transformation of the national health system, the Ministry of Health keeps improving access and quality of cancer services through various initiatives, as follows:

1. Increasing cancer early detection

- Launching the National Action Plan (NAP) for Cancer 2024-2034 to strengthen early detection and treatment services

- Provision of medical equipment, such as Breast Ultrasound at Community Health Centers and Mammography at Hospitals

- Enhancement of medical personnel competencies for early cancer detection through specialized training

- By 2024, as many as  3,686 community health centers have had Linear Ultrasound Probes, with 113 community health centers trained. To date, SADANIS (Clinical Breast Examination) has reached 10,840,869 examinations (25.55%), and breast ultrasound examinations have been conducted on 462 individuals

- Development of early detection methods using a 12 MHz minimum Linear USG Probe has been implemented in Depok and Tangerang. This training program has also been conducted in South Sumatra, Central Java, Central Kalimantan, and South Tangerang, and it is expected to be nationally implemented by 2025.

2. Strengthening Cervical Cancer Screening

- HPV immunization program for girls in grades 5 and 6 as a primary preventive measure

- Implementation of HPV DNA screening and IVA co-testing for women aged 30-69 in 16 provinces and 35 districts/cities since 2023

- As of 2024, as many as 100,107 women have undergone screening with 5,275 testing positive for HPV, including 600 HPV type 16, 964 HPV type 18, 770 HPV type 52, and 2,941 other types

- Pre-cancer treatment for cervical cancer is conducted using cryotherapy, which in 2024 will be enhanced with thermal ablation technology

3. National Action Plan for Childhood Cancer

- Development of specific policies to address childhood cancer as part of the National Cancer Plan 2024-2034, targeting improved health services for children with cancer

4. Free Screening Program in Health Check for Birthdays

- This new program includes early detection for 4 priority cancers: Cervical Cancer, Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, and Lung Cancer. 

All these services are available at community health centers and primary health facilities integrated with the National Health Insurance (JKN)