Why is early detection of cancer important?

Cancer is the leading cause of death globally. Unfortunately, many patients in developing countries like Indonesia are only diagnosed when the cancer reaches an advanced stage. This delay has a significant impact on prognosis and life expectancy. This article discusses the factors causing delayed diagnosis, a comparison of global statistics, as well as innovative solutions for early cancer detection.

5 Major Factors Delaying Cancer Diagnosis

1. Lack of Public Awareness

Early symptoms of cancer such as fatigue, unexplained pain or weight loss are often overlooked. Education about cancer symptoms needs to be increased to encourage prompt medical examination.

2. Limited Access to Health Facilities

Remote areas often lack competent medical personnel and adequate diagnostic tools. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, 70% of cancer cases in Indonesia are diagnosed at stage III/IV due to these limitations.

3. Suboptimal Detection Technology

Methods such as imaging and tumor markers have limitations in sensitivity. As a result, cancer is only detected after it has spread.

4. Expensive Inspection Fee

MRIs, CT scans or genetic tests are often unaffordable. This puts people off screening.

5. Lack of Structured Screening Program

Developing countries such as Indonesia and Nigeria do not have equitable cancer screening programs. In fact, regular screening can detect breast, cervical or lung cancer early.

Comparison of Cancer Diagnosis: Developed vs. Developing Countries

Developed Countries (US, UK, Japan)

• US: 40-50% of cases are detected at stage I/II (American Cancer Society).
• Japan: 60-70% of stomach and intestinal cancers are diagnosed early thanks to effective screening programs.

Developing Countries (Indonesia, India, Nigeria)

• Indonesia: 70% of cancer cases are detected at an advanced stage (Indonesian Ministry of Health).
• Nigeria: 80% of cervical cancer patients present after severe symptoms.

Cancer Early Detection Challenges

Cancer is slow-growing in the early stages, but aggressive in the advanced stages. Example:

• Lung Cancer: Often detected when the patient coughs up blood or has shortness of breath.
• Breast Cancer: The palpable lump is generally stage II or above.
• Liver & Stomach Cancer: Late diagnosis due to symptoms such as severe pain or drastic weight loss.

SPOTMAS10: Multi-Organ Cancer Screening Innovation

SPOTMAS10 is a breakthrough non-invasive blood test for early detection of 10 types of cancer at once, including lung, breast and liver. Advantages:

• Using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology for tumor DNA analysis.
• High accuracy with clinical validation in Southeast Asia.
• Results in 4 weeks.

Recommendations for:

• Heavy smokers or alcohol drinkers.
• Family history of cancer.
• Patients with hepatitis B/C.

"Don't wait for symptoms to appear! Get screened for cancer with SPOTMAS10 now. Contact KALGen Innolab hotline for a free consultation!"

Optimize Prevention with CERDIK

Adopt a healthy lifestyle:

• Regular health checks.
• Get rid of cigarette smoke.
• Engage in physical activity.
• Balanced diet.
• Get enough rest.
• Manage stress.

Early detection of cancer through screening such as SPOTMAS10 and increased public awareness are key to reducing cancer mortality. Developed countries have proven that structured programs can increase early stage diagnosis by up to 60%. It's time for Indonesia to innovate for better health!