Dr. Nguyen Ba My Nhi, director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, stated this, adding that according to the 2023 report of the HPV Information Center, around 39.1 million Vietnamese women aged 15 and above are at risk of developing cervical cancer. The report also estimates that in 2020, there were 11 new cases and 6 deaths due to cervical cancer in Vietnam daily. "This is an alarming figure," she said.
According to Dr. Nhi, infection with one or more high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types is considered the primary cause of cervical cancer. HPV can be cleared from the body in most cases. In persistent infections, HPV can cause cancer and related diseases.
HPV is mainly transmitted sexually. Eight common cancer-causing types (16, 18, 45, 33, 51, 58, 31, 52, and 35) are responsible for about 96.1% of cervical cancer cases.
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Dr. Nguyen Ba My Nhi, director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM. Photo: Van Ha |
Dr. Nguyen Ba My Nhi, director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM. Photo: Van Ha
Dr. My Nhi explained that cervical cancer is curable if detected and treated early. However, the disease often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, progressing silently. Therefore, regular screening is essential for early detection and effective treatment.
Currently, a three-tiered cervical cancer screening and prevention program for women has been implemented. Primary prevention includes behavioral and lifestyle changes related to increased risk of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. Secondary prevention, for women aged 21-65, involves screening to detect precancerous lesions in the cervical epithelium and appropriate treatment. Tertiary prevention includes detecting early-stage invasive cancer and providing radical treatment at qualified facilities to reduce mortality.
The Ministry of Health's goal for cervical cancer prevention, screening, and control in Vietnam by 2025 is: 60% of women aged 30-54 screened for cervical cancer; and at least 25% of girls and women vaccinated against HPV.
"We hope that these national programs will become more widespread so that everyone has the opportunity to prevent this disease," Dr. Nhi shared.
Dr. My Nhi noted that many people are reluctant to share their diagnosis with family or friends. She encourages open discussion to receive the necessary support and encouragement from loved ones.
She advises women to have regular checkups and seek medical attention immediately if they notice any unusual symptoms. Early detection facilitates effective prevention and treatment.
"We must remember that prevention is always better than cure," she emphasized.
Yen Chi
Individual action is needed to raise awareness of prevention in the community "For a Vietnam free from the burden of HPV". Consult with a healthcare professional and learn more about HPV at http://hpv.vn.
