"The program's focus is not only on early detection but also on enhancing treatment quality, expanding access to advanced therapies, and standardizing patient care nationwide", Dr. Dinh Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health (Ministry of Health), stated at a workshop held on 6/8 to launch the National Action Plan. The workshop was organized by the Department of Maternal and Child Health in collaboration with Roche Pharma Vietnam.

According to the Ministry of Health, breast cancer is currently the most common cancer among Vietnamese women, with approximately 24,563 new cases and nearly 10,000 deaths each year. The incidence of this cancer is increasing faster than anticipated; currently, 38 out of every 100,000 women are affected, while the forecast for 2030 was 29.3 cases.

More than 60% of patients are diagnosed in stages III-IV, resulting in a five-year survival rate of only about 74%, which is significantly lower than in many developed countries. Late detection not only diminishes treatment effectiveness but also substantially increases the financial burden on patients and the healthcare system.

In response to this situation, the Ministry of Health issued the National Action Plan for the 2026-2035 period. This plan aims to concretize Resolution 72 of the Politburo and align with the goals of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO). Beyond reducing mortality, the plan sets several specific targets for 2035, including: 70% of women aged 40-70 receiving regular screening, and 60% of invasive breast cancer cases detected at an early stage.

Additionally, 100% of specialized facilities will adopt updated treatment protocols, and 80% of patients will receive multimodal treatment, comprehensive care, and complete their regimens according to professional guidelines. The Ministry of Health will also update diagnostic and treatment guidelines and develop a set of quality standards for services in this field.

"The plan sets specific targets not only for screening but also for the quality of treatment and patient care. A plan is only meaningful when implemented in every locality, every medical facility, and for every woman", Mr. Tuan said, adding that the plan will only be effective when implemented synchronously across all localities and healthcare facilities.

According to Mr. Tuan, collaboration among management agencies, hospitals, and partners will help women nationwide access timely, quality, and equitable screening, diagnosis, and treatment services.

A woman undergoes a breast cancer examination at K Hospital. Photo: Manh Tran

At the workshop, Burak Pekmezci, General Director of Roche Pharma Vietnam, stated that since 2013, the company has collaborated on numerous breast cancer prevention activities in Vietnam, supporting over 80,000 women with free screenings and training more than 600 healthcare professionals.

At K Hospital, for example, the proportion of breast cancer patients detected at an early stage has increased from approximately 30% to over 75%. The focus in the new phase will shift towards improving treatment quality and expanding access to advanced therapies.

"In the coming phase, we will concentrate on strengthening clinical capacity, expanding access to advanced treatment therapies, and contributing to improved treatment outcomes for patients. The ultimate goal is for every early diagnosis to truly become a chance at life", Burak Pekmezci said.

Leaders from the Ministry of Health reported that following two workshops to disseminate the plan in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, provinces and cities will develop implementation plans tailored to their specific conditions. This marks a transition from policy orientation to concrete action, aiming to ensure that all Vietnamese women receive early detection, timely diagnosis, and increasingly high-quality breast cancer treatment.

Le Nga