 initiative from Siloam Hospitals has become a beacon of hope for women's health in Indonesia. Designed to promote early detection of breast cancer, SELANGKAH has already transformed the lives of thousands by offering free mammography and breast ultrasound services to women with limited healthcare access. With an ever-growing reach, SELANGKAH has now touched over 150 villages and communities across Indonesia—from Jakarta to Bali and beyond. The program is powered by the collaboration of dedicated radiology specialists, residents, health workers, and supporting staff at 29 Siloam Hospitals, making it a true nationwide effort.){kind=link}
Stepping proudly into its third year, the SELANGKAH (Semangat Lawan Kanker – Spirit Against Cancer) initiative from Siloam Hospitals has become a beacon of hope for women’s health in Indonesia. Designed to promote early detection of breast cancer, SELANGKAH has already transformed the lives of thousands by offering free mammography and breast ultrasound services to women with limited healthcare access. With an ever-growing reach, SELANGKAH has now touched over 150 villages and communities across Indonesia—from Jakarta to Bali and beyond. The program is powered by the collaboration of dedicated radiology specialists, residents, health workers, and supporting staff at 29 Siloam Hospitals, making it a true nationwide effort.
In a talk show dubbed “Selangkah Rayakan Harapan: Perjalanan 32.000 Skrining Kanker Payudara” attended by media personnel and limited guests, the CEO of Siloam Hospitals Group, Ms. Caroline Riady, expressed the institution’s ambitions to grow even larger in 2025, with plans to expand to Siloam’s 41 hospitals and introduce more comprehensive care, the program now expands beyond screenings and includes personalized counseling, results reviews, and follow-up monitoring to ensure those in need get timely and effective medical attention. President Director of Siloam Hospitals Group, Mr. David Utama also explained that SELANGKAH program is open for partnerships with any community or other medical institutions, emphasizing the importance of the aforementioned early detection and humbly implored anyone to abandon any feelings of shame, fear or doubt as he also lost someone very dear to him to the disease.
dr. Ruth Vonky Rebecca, SpPD, K-HOM, a specialist in internal medicine, highlighted that early detection plays a crucial role in improving recovery rates and maintaining a good quality of life for breast cancer patients. dr. Vera Nevyta Tarigan, Sp.Rad, Subsp. PRP(K), a radiologist actively involved in the SELANGKAH program across various regions, noted the significant impact the initiative has had in reaching women in remote areas and providing them with much-needed health services and education. From the screenings conducted through SELANGKAH, 0.9% of participants were identified with BIRADS 4 findings, which suggest the presence of a suspicious mass and the need for further medical evaluation. The program underscores the importance of swift medical follow-ups for participants with such results.
For women like Mrs. Melda Hutagalung, SELANGKAH has been a lifesaver. As a school teacher who participates in the program, early detection changed her life and gave her the chance to take control of her health journey. Stories like hers underscore the program’s mission—not just to detect illness, but to empower women with knowledge, support, and hope. SELANGKAH embodies more than medical intervention; it reflects a commitment to bringing care and education to women across Indonesia, no matter where they live. With its growing reach, this inspiring program is proof that even one step can lead to giant leaps in improving lives.
