The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), in collaboration with the Indonesian Cancer Foundation, held an early awareness program for cancer prevention on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The event, conducted at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Hall, FMIPA UI, was attended by 40 FMIPA UI educational staff and aimed to provide early information about cancer, its initial symptoms, and effective preventive measures.

Cancer is the transformation of normal cells into abnormal ones, often starting from a tumor. Tumors are classified into two types: benign tumors, which grow slowly but have the potential to develop into malignant tumors, and malignant tumors, commonly known as cancer.

According to Joshua Cahyo Mentari, S.K.M., “Cancer does not appear out of nowhere. It often starts from a benign tumor, which, if left untreated, can develop into a malignant tumor. That is what we call cancer.” The triggers for cancer are quite diverse, ranging from genetics or heredity, exposure to chemical and physical agents such as radiation, to unhealthy dietary habits or consumption of carcinogenic substances. Improper food preparation and handling can also increase the risk of cancer.

Joshua outlined the early symptoms of prostate cancer, including difficulty urinating, frequent urination accompanied by pain, a sensation of incomplete emptying or dribbling after urination, lower abdominal pain, pain in the lower back or groin, and the presence of blood in the urine, known as hematuria.

“Early detection is very important. PSA testing and Digital Rectal Examination can help assess the risk of prostate cancer from the start,” he explained, adding that a PSA level ≤ 4.0 ng/mL indicates low risk, 4–10 ng/mL corresponds to a 25% probability, and >10 ng/mL indicates a 67% probability.

For cancers affecting women, the speaker detailed the risks and symptoms. Women at high risk of cervical cancer include those with multiple sexual partners, those who engage in sexual activity before the age of 16 or marry early, and those who do not maintain proper genital hygiene. High risk for endometrial cancer is found in women who have never given birth or who have had frequent childbirths. Early symptoms of uterine cancer can include persistent vaginal discharge, brownish discharge mixed with blood after sexual intercourse, and irritation around the genital area.

“I recommend that every adult woman undergo a Pap smear at least once a year,” Joshua added.

For breast cancer, women who do not breastfeed after giving birth, breastfeed only one breast, or are obese have a higher risk. Early symptoms of breast cancer include the appearance of lumps, spots or warts on the breast skin, and intense itching on the outer or inner parts of the breast. Early detection can be carried out through mammography and SADARI (Self Breast Examination).

Joshua reminded, “Breast cancer is not experienced only by women; men can also be affected, although the percentage is only around 9%. Early awareness is still necessary for everyone.”

In addition to understanding symptoms and early detection, the speaker emphasized the importance of preventive measures to avoid cancer, both externally and internally. External prevention includes maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, consuming high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, avoiding high-fat foods like fried and fast foods, steering clear of foods and drinks containing carcinogenic substances, and engaging in regular physical exercise.

Internal prevention includes immunization to boost the body’s immunity, administered three times over three months, as well as the consumption of natural plants containing anti-cancer compounds known as RIP (Ribosome Inactivating Protein). Recommended plants include: Soursop fruit, containing 35% RIP, with the juice extracted and consumed as one glass daily for one year. Tea mistletoe, also containing 35% RIP, dried, boiled until the water begins to boil, and consumed daily for six months. White turmeric, a rhizome plant containing 95% RIP, used from the tuber once the plant has produced red flowers; the tuber is dried, ground into powder, and brewed with one glass of warm water daily for three months.

“Regular consumption of white turmeric for three months can boost immunity and help prevent cancer for up to 3–4 years,” explained Joshua.

For the treatment of cancer or tumors, consumption is done three times a day until laboratory tests confirm recovery, followed by a preventive regimen for three months.

At the end of the event, the Indonesian Cancer Foundation symbolically handed over white turmeric seedlings to FMIPA UI for cultivation on campus. The seedlings were received by Dr. Lukmanda Evan Lubis, M.Si., F.Med., Manager of Collaboration, Ventures, and Alumni Relations at FMIPA UI. Evan stated, “We will carefully plant these white turmeric seedlings at FMIPA UI. Hopefully, they will grow well and benefit public health.”

This awareness event emphasized that understanding the theory of cancer alone is not enough. Awareness and consistency in maintaining health through a healthy lifestyle, early detection, and the consumption of natural substances containing anti-cancer compounds are key to effective prevention.

FMIPA UI and the Indonesian Cancer Foundation hope that this activity can raise awareness among educational staff and the wider community to consistently implement preventive measures, thereby minimizing the risk of cancer.