The data comes from BPJS Kesehatan (healthcare and social security agency)Jakarta (ANTARA) - The treatment of 2.5 million cancer cases in Indonesia in 2020 cost up to Rp3.5 trillion, Vice Health Minister Dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono said.
“The data comes from BPJS Kesehatan (healthcare and social security agency). The number of cancer cases in 2019 stood at 2.7 million and the treatment cost reached Rp4.1 trillion,” he said during an online discussion held to mark World Cancer Day in Jakarta on Thursday.
Compared to 2019, there was a decline in the number of cancer cases in 2020. However, the drop could be due to cancer patients' reluctance to come to health facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.
"It seems that the mortality rate and service rate fell. But, I believe the number of cancer cases has continued to increase in Indonesia," he said.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death after coronary heart disease in the country. Data shows nearly 9.7 percent of deaths due to non-communicable disease are caused by cancer.
Based on the results of a basic health research related to global burden cancer (Globocan) in 2018, breast cancer is the most common cancer, representing 16.8 percent of the total cancer cases. This is followed by cervical cancer (9.3 percent), lung cancer (8.6 percent) and liver cancer (5.3 percent).
"The figures have become a cause for concern and have drawn our attention to handle them as a priority issue," Dr. Harbuwono said.
“It is worth noting that cancer patients are one of the groups vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. After all, cancer sufferers can receive COVID-19 vaccine shots based on the phase and recommendation of the clinical test," he added.
Related news: Government prepares Rp3.1 trillion subsidy for BPJS participants
Related news: MIKTA should call for equitable vaccine access for all: Marsudi
Related news: Bio Farma to produce 13 million vaccine doses by mid-Feb
Translator: Muhammad Zulfikar/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
