Yogyakarta, (27/09) – Raboan Discussion Forum: Raboan Research and Perspective Sharing, initiated by the Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (CBMH FK-KMK UGM) was held again. The event that took place on Wednesday (27/09) raised the topic “Cancer Care Society”. CBMH FK-KMK UGM invited keynote speaker Dr. Dra. I. M. Sunarsih Sutaryo, SU, Apt. while the moderator was Ns. Wahyu Dewi Sulistiarini M.SN. The event, which was held online through Zoom, attracted bioethics enthusiasts from all over Indonesia.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Sunarsih, said that in Indonesia there are various barriers for cancer patients to get adequate medical treatment. Factors such as fear of cancer diagnosis, lack of knowledge about cancer signs, patriarchal culture, limited facilities and infrastructure, and communication between doctors and patients, are some of the obstacles faced.
“The solution to all of these, needs counseling to the community, needs early detection, professionalism of health services needs to be improved, needs a mediator between doctors-patients, and needs assistance” said Dr. Sunarsih.
The speaker also highlighted the strategic role of the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) as a non-profit social organization that contributes to cancer prevention. Dr. Sunarsih emphasized YKI’s vision which is encompassed in the concept of “PeDuLi Kanker”. PeDuLi according to YKI includes Pe: giving attention (Perhatian) that cancer is not only the problem of patients & their families but the problem of all of us, Du: need to be given moral & material support (Dukungan) by all parties, and Li: need to be protected (Lindungan) so that those affected by cancer feel protected, arise enthusiasm to get treatment & increase the strength of life.