Early Detection of Lymphoma: 90 Percent Cure Rate, says Indonesian Ministry of Health

Lymphoma or lymph node cancer has a 90 percent chance of cure if it is detected early, said an official at the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes).

“Cancer that is found at an early stage through early detection and treated appropriately will provide a 90 percent chance of cure,” said the Director General of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) of the Ministry of Health, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu when confirmed in Jakarta, Wednesday.

Lymphoma is a blood cancer characterized by swelling of the lymph nodes. This disease can attack anyone and at any time.

He said lymphoma is cancer that develops in the lymph node system and attacks the white blood cells which function to fight infection so that it can reduce the body’s immune system.

According to him, people need to know the risk factors and symptoms early so that it is not too late.

Symptoms that arise include swollen or lumpy lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin.

Apart from that, he said, people with lymphoma also sweat easily at night, feel weak and have fever, experience a decrease in appetite and weight, and itching occurs on the skin.

Data from the Ministry of Health’s Directorate General of P2P reports that 4.1 percent of all cancer sufferers or 16,125 people in Indonesia suffer from lymph node cancer.

“A total of 9,024 deaths were caused by lymph node cancer or lymphoma, which is the seventh highest cancer in Indonesia,” he said.

If the disease is detected early until it reaches an advanced stage, he said, the success rate for healing is only around 10 percent.

He said that cancer in general could be prevented through adopting a healthy lifestyle.

“The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 30-50 percent of deaths from cancer can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle habits,” he said.

For this reason, he invites the public to carry out regular health checks so that they can detect lumps early.

Apart from that, people also need to do physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week to maintain body fitness, consume minimally processed food, get enough rest and manage stress, said Maxi Rein Rondonuwu.

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Reporter: Andi Firdaus
Editor: Andijauhary

Reporter: Andi Firdaus

Editor : Mahdani