Types of Cancer Commonly Found in Indonesia
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia, with some types occurring more frequently than others. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, there are 408,661 new cancer cases in Indonesia each year. Several key factors, such as lifestyle, environment, and genetics, contribute to an increased risk of cancer.
Below are the most common types of cancer in Indonesia, along with their risk factors and the importance of early detection to improve treatment success rates.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Indonesia, primarily affecting women. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, there are 66,271 new cases of breast cancer annually. Risk factors include family history, hormonal changes, and an unhealthy lifestyle. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) or routine mammography is essential to increase the chances of recovery.
Prevention:
Perform BSE (Breast Self-Examination) every month.
Undergo mammogram screenings for women over 40 years old.
Maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Indonesia. The primary cause is HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection. HPV vaccination and regular Pap smears can significantly reduce the risk.
Prevention:
Get HPV vaccination from adolescence.
Undergo routine Pap smear tests.
Avoid risk factors such as smoking and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Lung Cancer
According to GLOBOCAN 2022, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Indonesia, with 34,339 fatalities annually. The main cause is smoking (both active and passive), along with exposure to air pollution and harmful chemicals such as asbestos and radon.
Prevention:
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke exposure.
Reduce exposure to air pollution.
Eat antioxidant-rich foods to maintain lung health.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is increasing in Indonesia. The primary risk factors include a high-fat, low-fiber diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
Prevention:
Eat fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits.
Reduce consumption of red meat and processed foods.
Undergo colonoscopy screening, especially if there is a family history of colorectal cancer.
Financial Challenges Faced by Cancer Patients in Indonesia
1. High Treatment Costs
Cancer treatment often involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, which can be very expensive and are not always fully covered by standard health insurance.
2. Loss of Income
Many cancer patients and their families experience financial difficulties due to the time spent on treatment and recovery, which can lead to a significant loss of income.
3. Non-Medical Expenses
Transportation to hospitals, accommodation, and other special needs are often not covered by insurance, adding to the financial burden.
Benefits of Critical Illness Insurance for Cancer Patients
1. Cash Benefits for Any Purpose
Critical illness insurance provides a lump sum cash payout that can be used for any purpose, including medical bills, daily necessities, or unexpected expenses.
2. Affordable Premiums
Oona offers premiums starting from as low as IDR 11,500 per month, making it accessible to many people.
3. Simple Claim Process
By simply submitting a formal diagnosis from a doctor, you can receive your cash benefit without complicated procedures.
4. Comprehensive Coverage
In addition to covering common types of cancer, the insurance also protects against other critical illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes.
How to Choose the Right Critical Illness Insurance
1. Ensure Relevant Coverage
Choose a policy that covers common cancers in Indonesia, such as breast and cervical cancer.
2. Understand Policy Terms
Familiarize yourself with the claim conditions, waiting periods, and exclusions to avoid unexpected issues later.
3. Select an Affordable Premium
Ensure the premium fits within your budget without sacrificing the benefits you receive.
4. Purchase from a Trusted Provider
Oona offers a range of insurance products with a fast and easy online purchase process through myoona.id.
Conclusion
Cancer is a major health challenge in Indonesia, but with proper financial preparation through critical illness insurance, you can face potential financial risks with confidence. Insurance not only helps ease the burden of treatment costs but also provides security for you and your family.
Don’t wait any longer—protect yourself today with Oona’s cancer insurance.