Cancer diagnoses are increasingly being made in patients under the age of 50 and one cancer seeing a marked rise is colorectal cancer, also known as cancer of the large intestine.
According to Dr. Dr. Albertus Ari, Sp.B, Subsp.BD(K), a digestive surgeon at Primaya Hospital Semarang, the age of patients diagnosed with digestive cancers is shifting from older adults to younger individuals. He recently treated a 19-year-classic woman with colorectal cancer, illustrating this trend. This shift in demographics highlights the importance of increased awareness and early detection efforts.
“In the past, we commonly associated cervical cancer with younger women, but incidence rates are now declining thanks to the availability of the HPV vaccine, human papillomavirus,” Dr. Ari explained to reporters at National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. “We’re also seeing a decrease in breast cancer diagnoses in Indonesia due to early screening programs like self-breast exams, known as SADARI.”
However, he emphasized that colorectal cancer remains a concern and that increased early screening is crucial. Screening allows for the detection of cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.
Dr. Ari noted that the majority of his patients are diagnosed at a late stage. He expressed optimism that colorectal cancer screening could be expanded, particularly through fecal testing available at public health centers.
While not all public health centers currently offer screening services, Dr. Ari observed that more people are becoming aware and seeking testing. He hopes to spot increased participation in screening, leading to diagnoses at stage 1 or 2.
“At stage two, the survival rate is very high, around 80-90 percent. But if it’s already stage four, the life expectancy drops to 45-50 percent,” Dr. Ari stated.
Symptoms to watch for, Dr. Ari advised, include abdominal pain, recurrent constipation, and recurrent diarrhea. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a high-fiber diet, limiting processed foods, and regular exercise are important steps in reducing risk.
“If you haven’t had a bowel movement for more than two days, that’s something you should investigate. Why? Given that the acceptable frequency is every other day. If it’s been three, four, or five days, that’s a sign something is wrong,” Dr. Ari said.
For patients with colorectal cancer, a colonoscopy is used to assess the extent of the cancer. During a colonoscopy, surgeons can also remove polyps or tumors within the intestine. This procedure is accessible to patients using national health insurance.
In cases where the cancer has spread or affected the lining of the abdomen, a treatment called HIPEC, or Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, may be considered.
“Continued collaboration between us in Indonesia and NCCS, whether it’s transfer of patients or transfer of knowledge, is what I want to see,” Dr. Ari concluded.
