Breast Cancer in Indonesia: Understanding the Risks and Prevention

Breast cancer is a major public health concern in Indonesia, impacting thousands of lives every year. The disease develops when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow uncontrollably, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences. Recognizing the severity of this issue, it becomes imperative to understand the risk factors associated with breast cancer and explore preventative measures that can help reduce the likelihood of its development.

Prevalence and Global Impact

According to the Ministry of Health, breast cancer is a significant public health concern in Indonesia, accounting for a substantial portion of new cancer cases diagnosed annually. Data from the Global Cancer Statistics (Globocan) 2020 reveals a stark reality: 68,858 new breast cancer cases were reported in Indonesia, out of a total of 396,914 new cancer cases. This translates to over 22,000 deaths attributed to breast cancer each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the global scope of this disease, reporting in 2022 that 2.3 million women worldwide received a breast cancer diagnosis, resulting in 670,000 deaths.

Key Risk Factors

While breast cancer primarily affects women (99% of cases), a small percentage (0.5-1%) occurs in men. Several factors contribute to the development of this disease, some modifiable and others non-modifiable. Understanding these risk factors is essential for individuals to assess their own susceptibility and potentially implement preventive strategies. Here are some key risk factors associated with breast cancer:

Age: The likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age, with the majority of diagnoses occurring after the age of 50.

Family History and Genes: Individuals with a family history of certain cancers, particularly breast cancer, or those carrying mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at elevated risk.

Menstrual and Menopausal History: Early menarche (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) can increase the risk due to prolonged exposure to estrogen.

Pregnancy History: Having a first pregnancy after the age of 30, not breastfeeding, or never having had a full-term pregnancy can contribute to a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast Density: Women with dense breasts, containing less fat and more tissue, are at higher risk. This factor is related to mammogram interpretation, as dense breasts can obscure potential tumors.

Prior History of Breast Cancer or Non-Cancerous Diseases: Individuals who have previously had breast cancer or certain non-cancerous conditions like atypical hyperplasia face a higher risk of recurrence or developing a new breast cancer.

Radiation Therapy: Exposure to radiation, especially to the chest or breasts before age 30, can increase the risk of breast cancer. This is particularly relevant for individuals who have undergone radiation therapy for other conditions.

Oral Contraceptive Use: While taking oral contraceptives can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, this risk generally returns to normal within 10 years of stopping use.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): The use of HRT, especially combined HRT (containing estrogen and progesterone) compared to estrogen-only HRT, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Overweight or Obesity: Women who are overweight after menopause have a higher risk of breast cancer, and men also face a higher risk if they are obese.

Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer in women, with the risk rising proportionally to the amount of alcohol consumed.

Smoking: Smoking also increases the risk of breast cancer, although the increase is smaller compared to women who do not smoke.

How many new breast cancer cases were reported in Indonesia in 2020?

According to the Global Cancer Statistics (Globocan) 2020, there were 68,858 new breast cancer cases reported in Indonesia.

What is the main risk factor for breast cancer?

The main risk factor for breast cancer is female gender, accounting for 99% of cases.

What is the age range where most breast cancer cases are diagnosed?

Most breast cancer cases are diagnosed after the age of 50.

What are the two genes that can increase the risk of breast cancer?

Individuals who carry mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at a higher risk of breast cancer.

What is the impact of early menarche and late menopause on breast cancer risk?

Early menarche (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) can increase the risk of breast cancer due to prolonged exposure to estrogen.

What are the risks associated with taking oral contraceptives?

While taking oral contraceptives can increase the risk of breast cancer, this risk returns to normal within 10 years of stopping use.

Taking Action for Prevention

Understanding the risk factors associated with breast cancer is crucial for individuals to take appropriate preventive measures. While some factors, such as genetics and age, are beyond our control, others can be managed through lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking are essential steps to minimize the risk of breast cancer. Regular self-examinations and mammograms are also recommended for early detection. Individuals with specific risk factors should consult with their doctors to discuss personalized preventative strategies and screening recommendations.