Banh chung, a traditional and nutritious dish, is essential during Tet Nguyen Dan. Made from sticky rice, mung beans, and pork, then tightly wrapped in banana or dong leaves, it is susceptible to spoilage and mold growth if not stored properly, especially in the humid spring weather.

Identifying mold on banh chung is straightforward: white, green, or black spots appear on the wrapping leaves and the cake itself. This mold can be confined to one corner or spread across the entire banh chung.

Many people, out of reluctance to waste food, cut off the moldy parts and consume the seemingly unaffected portions. This practice, however, can lead to stomach pain, digestive issues, food poisoning, and an increased risk of liver cancer. Moldy foods can produce aflatoxin, a potent liver carcinogen. Aflatoxin can cause p53 gene mutations and is not destroyed by common cooking temperatures, such as those used for frying, steaming, or boiling. Once absorbed into the body, aflatoxin attacks the liver, damaging its epithelial cells. Even if the visible mold is removed, the fungus can still penetrate deeper into the banh chung. Therefore, it is strongly advised not to consume moldy banh chung or any other food that shows signs of mold or has an unusual odor.

Moldy banh chung often contains aflatoxin, which attacks and damages liver epithelial cells. Photo: Dieu Thuan

According to Globocan 2022 data, liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Vietnam. Annually, the country records over 24,500 new cases and more than 23,300 deaths, accounting for 19.4% of all cancer-related fatalities.

Beyond consuming moldy food, hepatitis B causes up to 80% of liver cancer cases. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) spreads easily through sexual contact, from mother to child, and via blood. Vietnam is among the countries with the highest rates of hepatitis B infection globally. The disease often progresses silently, with infected individuals showing no initial symptoms, which increases the risk of community transmission.

To reduce the risk of liver cancer, individuals should undergo regular cancer screenings, maintain a healthy diet, practice safe sex, avoid late nights and stress, and refrain from alcohol consumption and smoking.

Hepatitis B is preventable with single-component vaccines or combined vaccines that also protect against hepatitis A, offering up to 95% protection. For a 28-year-old, the vaccination schedule typically involves three doses over six months. A quantitative hepatitis B antibody test is required before vaccination.

If you have already contracted hepatitis B, vaccination is not necessary; instead, you must adhere to your doctor’s prescribed treatment regimen. If you lack antibodies or your antibody levels are below the protective threshold, vaccination is crucial to prevent hepatitis B infection, thereby helping to prevent liver cancer.

Dr. Le Thi Minh Nguyet

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

Readers can submit questions for vaccine advice to the doctor here.