Throughout the week, the 30-year-old woman's schedule in Ha Noi is packed from 7:30 AM until 9:00 PM. On weekends, she is busy with gym sessions, Chinese language classes, and many new skill development activities. Each year, she undergoes a general health check-up provided by her company, but she does not opt for any additional screenings.

Chi explains that she constantly feels the need to live fast, competing for career opportunities. If she falls ill, she buys a few pills to suppress the symptoms, then immediately returns to her demanding work routine. Regarding HPV prevention and related diseases, Chi believes it is not yet necessary and can be delayed for a few more years, thinking that illness "will surely spare me."

Young women prioritize work and family over healthcare and HPV prevention. Illustration: Vecteezy

Linh Chi is not an isolated case. Data from the Vietnam Women's Union on the status of women and the results of women's movements from 2017-2022 shows that the average marriage age for Vietnamese women was 23,4 years old in 2020. Additionally, 49,4% of female laborers hold university degrees, and 46,9% are self-employed or run personal businesses. These findings indicate that young women prioritize university education, self-employment, and tend to marry later.

A survey conducted by the Central Center for Health Communication and Education, Ministry of Health, involving over 5,000 people and announced in May, revealed a high awareness of cervical cancer. However, knowledge about other HPV-related cancers remains limited. The survey also showed a high consensus on the urgency and priority of HPV prevention. Despite this, a 2021 survey by the General Statistics Office reported that only 12% of women aged 15-29 had received the HPV vaccine, and only 28% of women aged 30-49 had undergone cervical cancer screening at least once.

Dr. Nguyen Ba My Nhi, Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM), noted that the knowledge and understanding of HPV and how to prevent HPV-related diseases among young women visiting the hospital are not high. Many do not fully and correctly understand the transmission routes, the risk of complications, and especially the importance of preventing this virus.

Through practical observations, Dr. Nhi stated that her unit recorded that approximately 30-35% of patients visiting for gynecological examinations were seeking cervical cancer screening. About one-third of these patients were found to be infected with HPV. This virus has been proven to cause most cases of cervical cancer. According to results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US from 2013-2014, among sexually active males and females aged 14-59, the highest HPV infection rate for females was between 20 and 24 years old.

Illustration of an HPV test sample. Illustration: Vecteezy

According to Dr. Nhi, most cases of delayed HPV prevention are due to insufficient knowledge about preventive measures, lack of consultation, and concerns about cost. Specifically, many misunderstand that if they are not sexually active, they do not need prevention, or if they have been sexually active, prevention is no longer necessary. They are also unaware of the need for cervical cancer screening, even in the absence of symptoms.

"However, the encouraging news is that recent communication campaigns have helped improve awareness. More young women are actively seeking hospitals and medical facilities for cervical cancer screening consultations", Dr. Nhi said.

Although most HPV infections clear spontaneously, persistent infection can cause related diseases, pre-cancerous conditions, and cancers in both men and women. To prevent HPV and associated illnesses, doctors advise couples to adopt lifestyle changes, including: not smoking, increasing physical activity, and maintaining proper nutrition. They should also practice safe sexual behavior and receive the HPV vaccine at medical facilities. Women aged 21-65 should undergo regular cervical cancer screenings as recommended. Voluntary male circumcision may help reduce the risk of HPV transmission.

Next week, Linh Chi will participate in her company's annual health check-up. This year's examination list includes screenings for various cancers such as breast, thyroid, and cervical cancer, along with guidance and contact information for medical staff. Chi stated that she is considering registering for these additional services, following advice from her family and colleagues.

Van Ha

Individual action is necessary to raise community prevention awareness for "A Vietnam free from the burden of HPV". Consult medical experts and learn more about HPV at hpv.vn.