Younger Age of Lung Cancer Patients in Indonesia & Early Detection Key

Jakarta – Lung cancer in Indonesia is diagnosed at a younger age than in most other countries, and cases are increasing among young women who have never smoked, according to recent findings. This concerning trend highlights the need for increased awareness and earlier screening, experts say.

“In Indonesia, the age of lung cancer diagnosis is 10 years younger compared to other countries,” explained Dr. Sita Laksmi Andarini, a thoracic oncology specialist, during a World Cancer Day media conference. “The numbers are also increasing, particularly among young women who have never smoked.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally and in Indonesia, accounting for 12.6% of all cancer deaths. While it remains the most common cancer in Indonesian men, incidence is rising in women. Globally, lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer mortality.

While smoking remains the most significant risk factor for lung cancer, other contributors include exposure to asbestos, air pollution – particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) – a history of tuberculosis, and genetic predisposition. “The highest risk is exposure to cigarette smoke. By avoiding cigarette smoke, approximately 80 percent of chronic diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, can be prevented,” Dr. Andarini stated.

A particularly alarming statistic is that approximately 90% of lung cancer patients in Indonesia are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This late-stage diagnosis significantly reduces treatment options and survival rates, as the disease can progress rapidly from early to late stages – often within one to one and a half years.

Early detection is crucial, as treatment outcomes are significantly better when cancer is identified at an earlier stage. The difference in cost of treatment between stages can also be substantial.

It’s important to distinguish between screening and early diagnosis, Dr. Andarini clarified. Screening is performed before symptoms appear in high-risk groups, while early diagnosis occurs after symptoms develop.

In Indonesia, lung cancer screening is currently recommended for individuals aged 45 to 71 who are at high risk. This includes those with a history of active smoking, passive smoking, or who quit smoking less than 15 years ago, as well as individuals with a family history of lung cancer. Screening typically involves a low-dose CT scan.

The Indonesian Society of Respirology (ISR) has been working to develop national guidelines for lung cancer screening, recognizing the need for firm criteria to identify high-risk populations given limited resources. Recent research suggests that screening could begin as early as age 35, considering the prevalence of smoking and the carcinogenic process in Indonesia.

Detecting cancer at an earlier stage is critically important, as even a one-stage difference in diagnosis can dramatically increase treatment costs.