Many mistake blood cancer symptoms for common illnesses, leading to late diagnoses and delayed treatment. Parkway Cancer Centre tackles this awareness gap by providing practical tips for early detection and emphasizing the importance of holistic care.
Jakarta, March 5, 2025 – Blood cancer, or hematologic malignancy, is a type of cancer that can affect individuals of all ages. From children to the elderly, this disease poses a serious threat and is often difficult to detect early. Unlike solid tumors, blood cancer affects the circulatory system and bone marrow, making its symptoms frequently mistaken for common illnesses.
While blood cancer can strike anyone, certain types are more prevalent in specific age groups and sexes. For instance, data from the Indonesian Pediatric Cancer Registry (IPCAR, 2024) shows that Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) accounts for 33.19% of childhood cancers in Indonesia. On the other hand, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is generally more common in adults.
During Parkway Cancer Centre’s media briefing, “Blood Cancer in Every Age & Stage: Understanding the Right Treatments”, Dr. Dawn Mya Hae Tha, Senior Consultant and Haematologist at Parkway Cancer Centre addresses the challenge and emphasizes that early detection is still possible and crucial for improved treatment outcomes. "Many patients come to us in an advanced stage because their symptoms were overlooked or mistaken for minor illnesses," she noted. “It is important to recognize early warning signs such as prolonged fever, persistent fatigue, recurrent flu, pallor, or swollen lymph nodes. A quicker diagnosis can improve treatment effectiveness and significantly increase a patient’s chances of recovery."
Unfortunately, low public awareness of blood cancer and symptoms often leads to delayed diagnosis and impacts treatment initiation. Even after receiving a diagnosis, cancer patients in Indonesia tend to postpone treatment due to a lack of understanding about the urgency of therapy. These delays can range from weeks to months, significantly reducing the chances of successful treatment.
Dr. Dawn also highlighted the continuous advancements in blood cancer treatments. One of the latest breakthroughs is CAR-T Cell therapy, which has shown high success rates, particularly in patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a subtype commonly found in children, and B-Cell Lymphoma. Additionally, bispecific antibody therapy is emerging as a promising option for lymphoma patients. This therapy works similarly to CAR-T Cell therapy but is available as a ready-to-use drug, eliminating the need for specialized cell manufacturing.
“Genetic mutation testing has become an essential part of blood cancer treatment. If a specific mutation is detected, targeted therapies can be administered, increasing treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects,” explained Dr. Dawn.
While medical advancements are critical, cancer treatment is not solely about medical intervention. Emotional support and a conducive environment are also crucial factors in a patient’s recovery journey. This is especially true for pediatric patients, where parents play a vital role as their primary support system. “Parkway Cancer Centre believes in the importance of a holistic approach that goes beyond medical treatment. Through PCC’s non-profit cancer counseling and support service, CanHOPE, we provide patients and caregivers with guidance, counseling, and resources to help them navigate their treatment,” said a CanHOPE Indonesia representative.
Parkway Cancer Centre’s holistic approach involves a multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and nutritionists, to ensure that patients and their families receive the support they need throughout the treatment process. By combining cutting-edge medical innovations with holistic care, more blood cancer patients can access timely treatment and improve their chances of recovery.
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About Parkway Cancer Centre
Parkway Cancer Centre offers comprehensive cancer treatment with a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary team of consultant medical specialists, nurses, counselors and other paramedical professionals to meet the specific needs of cancer patients. The Centre uses the latest technologies in cancer treatment to help patients access proven innovative therapies for the best clinical outcomes. Committed to providing a comprehensive holistic treatment of cancers in a safe and comfortable environment, the Centre ensures that patients are well-attended to by caring and experienced professionals.
About CanHOPE
CanHOPE is a non-profit cancer counseling and support service provided by Parkway Cancer Centre, Singapore. The CanHOPE team is composed of experienced and compassionate professionals collaborating with medical and allied health experts, to help patients and caregivers make effective and informed decisions in the treatment. The services and offerings include counseling, nutritional advice, rehabilitation, education, care coordination, and support group activities.
