On September 26, 2024, in Jakarta, Indonesia, health officials reported that lymphoma cases rank 27th in the country, with approximately 1,294 cases and 373 deaths, according to Global Cancer data 2022. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, Director of the Ministry of Health's Non-Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups as the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, continues to rise.
During a discussion on Hodgkin lymphoma, Tarmizi noted that many individuals remain hesitant to seek diagnosis due to fear of discovering their health issues. This reluctance contributes to the increasing rates of non-communicable diseases, alongside ongoing challenges posed by communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, and dengue fever.
The report indicated that Hodgkin lymphoma predominantly affects individuals aged 10 to 49 years, a demographic that is particularly productive. Despite the challenges, Tarmizi highlighted that survival rates are promising if patients do not experience a second attack.
She also stressed the need for support groups to raise awareness about lymphoma and provide a community for cancer warriors and survivors. Tarmizi urged the BPJS (Indonesian National Health Insurance) to ensure the availability of medications for cancer patients and to promote pharmaceutical independence and adequate care facilities.
This rising trend in lymphoma cases in Indonesia reflects broader global health issues, emphasizing the need for increased awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive healthcare strategies to combat cancer and other non-communicable diseases.