What’s Missing in Indonesia’s Colorectal Cancer Approach and Why Young Patients Are Paying the Price
A study at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital revealed that 21.65% of Indonesian colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are under 50 years old—nearly triple Western rates—alongside a remarkably high 13.85% prevalence of probable Lynch Syndrome. Because young-onset CRC is particularly aggressive and frequently linked to inherited syndromes, the authors urge Indonesia to update national guidelines to mandate universal, affordable PCR-based MSI/MMR testing for patients under 70, preventing ineffective chemotherapy and ensuring access to targeted immunotherapies.