The incidence of breast and cervical cancer in Vietnam is accelerating beyond previous forecasts, according to Dinh Anh Tuan, Director General of the Department of Maternal and Child Health. He made this statement at a workshop on breast and cervical cancer prevention and control in the northern region, organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNFPA and Roche Vietnam on 30/7 in Hanoi.
Breast cancer rates in Vietnam have shown a distinct upward trend over the past two decades. Data from the Ministry of Health indicates an increase in new cases from 16,2 per 100,000 women in 2002 to 23 in 2012. Based on these figures, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had previously projected Vietnam's rate to reach approximately 29,3 cases per 100,000 women by 2030. However, GLOBOCAN 2022 data reveals 24.563 new breast cancer cases, an incidence rate of 38 per 100,000 women, which is about 30% higher than the 2030 forecast. This disease claims around 10.000 lives annually, with over 60% of patients diagnosed at late stages (III-IV). The 5-year survival rate, approximately 74%, remains lower than in many developed countries.
Cervical cancer also presents a rising trend. Between 2020 and 2024, new cases increased from nearly 2.900 to almost 3.900. Each year, Vietnam records approximately 5.000 new cases and 2.500 deaths from cervical cancer. Although this disease is effectively preventable through vaccine and screening, the national rate of regular screening is only 28%, with significant disparities in access across different regions.
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Patients undergo X-ray breast cancer screening at Bach Mai Hospital. *Photo: Kim Long* |
Dinh Anh Tuan emphasized that both breast and cervical cancer are detectable early, which significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces mortality risk. For cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine can prevent over 99% of HPV virus-related cases. While a vaccine for breast cancer is not yet available, early detection remains crucial for highly effective treatment.
To counter these increasing trends, the Ministry of Health has launched a National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Breast and Cervical Cancer for the 2026-2035 period. This plan aims to reduce the breast cancer mortality rate by an average of 2,5% each year, aligning with the World Health Organization's Global Breast Cancer Initiative.
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Dinh Anh Tuan, Director General of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, at the workshop on 30/7. *Photo: Phuong Nam* |
To secure necessary resources, the Ministry of Health is integrating funding for screening, early detection, and treatment into national health target programs and health insurance funds. It also seeks to mobilize socialized resources and foster public-private partnerships. By 2035, the plan targets: 70% of women aged 40 to 70 to receive regular breast cancer screening; 60% of invasive breast cancer cases to be detected at an early stage. Furthermore, all oncology, obstetrics and gynecology facilities, and units involved in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment will implement updated professional protocols. The goal is for 80% of patients to receive multimodal treatment, comprehensive care, and complete their full course of treatment as guided.
Eliminating cervical cancer requires expanding vaccine coverage and increasing the rate of regular screening among women. Tuan underscored that cancer represents a substantial health burden, often plunging families into financial distress. Therefore, investing in prevention and early detection is the most effective strategy to reduce both mortality and treatment costs.
Le Nga
