MRCCC Siloam Semanggi Emphasizes Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Care

Indonesia Falls Short of Early Detection Target as Multidisciplinary Care Takes Center Stage

Managing breast cancer extends far beyond initial diagnosis and treatment. It encompasses comprehensive recovery and the patient’s quality of life. Because every patient presents unique conditions and needs, a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach involving various medical specialties remains vital to the cancer care journey. This message was highlighted by MRCCC Siloam Semanggi alongside the Health Ministry, known as Kemenkes, 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, the event brought stark national health statistics into sharp focus.

Based on Globocan 2024 data, Indonesia recorded 93,236 new breast cancer cases and 38,012 deaths resulting from the disease. Breast cancer stands as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Indonesia. These high figures underscore the critical importance of early detection, precise diagnosis, and targeted treatment matching the disease’s specific characteristics.

The Gap Between National Targets and Clinical Realities

Delayed detection and diagnosis remain major hurdles in Indonesia’s breast cancer management, according to dr. Uswatun Hasanah, M.Epid, representing 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. She urged women to pay closer attention to breast health and utilize available screening facilities.

Classic challenges in Indonesia’s breast cancer care include limited service facilities and a widespread lack of public awareness regarding early detection, causing patients to arrive at healthcare facilities only at advanced stages.

Kemenkes has outlined early detection policies through a national action plan. The ministry’s target is for 60 percent of breast cancer cases to be detected at an early stage. Earlier detection yields much higher survival rates than finding it at advanced stages. Unfortunately, national achievement reached only 10 percent in 2025, falling far short of the 60 percent goal. As of Sept 30, it stands at only 16.19 percent.

Kanker payudara?! 😭 Terus apa selanjutnya?

Early screening is available at community health centers, known as Puskesmas, through free health checks. Women aged 30 to 69 are eligible for breast cancer screenings. Abnormal findings are immediately referred to advanced referral health facilities, or FPKTL. Furthermore, the ministry has issued clinical guidelines to assist medical personnel in managing breast cancer.

Collaborative Clinical Approaches at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi

MRCCC Siloam Semanggi CEO Tries Nainggolan emphasized that every cancer patient possesses distinct conditions and needs, requiring collaborative care across multiple medical specialties. Every patient has a unique care journey. Therefore, the institution remains committed to continually strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration so that every patient receives treatment tailored to their specific condition and needs—not only focusing on medical treatment, but also on their quality of life.

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 the tumor’s characteristics, overall health, and individual patient needs. This collaborative assessment forms the foundation of a comprehensive treatment plan, encompassing medical interventions and necessary recovery support.

Many patients still arrive at the hospital at advanced stages. It is crucial to recognize the immense importance of early detection, said dr. Adityawati, reminding the public that early detection does not always require advanced equipment; the simplest method is performing regular monthly self-examinations, or BSE.

Dr. dr. Jeffry B. Tenggara, Sp.PD-KHOM, a consultant medical hematology-oncology specialist at MRCCC Siloam Semanggi, explained that breast cancer features several subtypes, including Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-positive, and triple-negative. Tumor characteristics, coupled with the disease stage, dictate therapeutic options. Biopsies and advanced evaluations are essential to determine tumor characteristics so patients can receive appropriate treatment, noting that a biopsy remains the only definitive diagnostic method.

Dr. Jeffry analogized cancer to termites. We must identify the species, then inspect the entire house to see if they’ve spread elsewhere. That is how staging works. Treatment is highly specific and individualized. If there is no spreading and the lump is under 2 centimeters, we don’t rush into a mastectomy. We may begin with chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.

From a surgical oncology perspective, Dr. dr. Denni J. Purwanto, Sp.B(K).Onk, noted that surgical procedures are tailored to individual conditions. If detected early, cancer offers a higher chance of cure. However, we must remember that cancer is not merely a local disease. Surgery does not solve everything, as cancer cells typically invade other parts of the body, leading to metastasis. We must prevent this through early diagnosis using ultrasound, mammography, or MRI.

Rehabilitation Supports Recovery Before and After Surgery

Beyond treatment, the recovery process requires dedicated focus. dr. Continuous early rehabilitation, planned according to each patient’s condition, is necessary to prevent complications and support optimal functioning for a return to daily life.

Beyond post-operative care, pre-operative rehabilitation is equally important. There is a lengthy journey prior to surgery, and medical rehabilitation plays a role here—minimally to combat fatigue and mood fluctuations, she noted. Post-operative medical rehabilitation encompasses shoulder range-of-motion exercises to reduce stiffness, strengthening exercises, and the assessment and management of arm swelling, or lymphedema, when necessary.

Flavia Sungkit, a cancer survivor, shared her personal journey after being diagnosed with left-side breast cancer in 2022. What the doctors said is true. The hardest moment is receiving the diagnosis, she recalled, noting she was in her early thirties and had just finished breastfeeding.

Through the momentum of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MRCCC Siloam Semanggi encourages women to pay closer attention to breast health, including understanding when and how screenings should be performed. This commitment is matched by tangible efforts to expand access to early detection services.

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