Vietnam aims for 50% of women to undergo breast cancer screening by 2030

Vietnam aims to provide regular breast cancer screening for 50% of women aged 40 to 70 by 2030, increasing this rate to 70% by 2035 to enable early detection and reduce mortality.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen announced this roadmap on the afternoon of 19/10 at the launch of the "Joining Hands for the Woman I Love 2026" campaign. The Cancer Patient Support Fund – Bright Future and Roche Pharma Vietnam co-organized the event in Hanoi. This goal is part of the National Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Breast and Cervical Cancer for the 2026–2035 period, issued by the Ministry of Health.

Women participate in the campaign launch supporting breast cancer patients. *Photo: Thanh Tran*

Breast cancer presents a significant health challenge in Vietnam. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced GLOBOCAN 2024 data in July, recording approximately 25,700 new breast cancer cases in Vietnam. Tragically, the disease claimed the lives of over 10,600 people. This disease accounts for 28% of all cancer cases in women, topping the list of the most common malignant tumors in Vietnam.

Early detection can increase the cure rate to up to 90%. Recognizing this importance, the Ministry of Health has integrated breast cancer screening techniques into commune and ward-level health networks, making services more accessible to residents near their homes. This strategic move is vital for improving public health outcomes.

Dr. Pham Thi Cam Phuong, Director of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Bach Mai Hospital, noted a significant change in women's healthcare habits over the past 10 years. Previously, most patients arrived at the hospital when cancer cells had deeply invaded axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes, even metastasizing to bones, lungs, and brain. Currently, corporate health check-ups and free screening programs help doctors detect the disease in its nascent stages; many cases are only visible through ultrasound or mammograms and not yet palpable.

When detected early, if the tumor is localized, doctors can surgically remove it and preserve the breast, rather than performing a complete mastectomy as was common before. This approach helps patients maintain their body image and psychological well-being. Depending on the extent of the damage, doctors combine surgery with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to destroy malignant cells.

Over 13 years of operation, the Bright Future Fund has provided free screening for over 80,000 high-risk women, with nearly 13,000 screened during the 2020–2025 period alone. Mr. Burak Pekmezci, General Director of Roche Pharma Vietnam, affirmed that this year's campaign focuses on two key areas: popularizing community knowledge and expanding screening coverage nationwide.