In November 2024, Thuy Dung, from Nghe An province, was preparing to study abroad in South Korea when she experienced unusual numbness, difficulty walking, and varicose veins in her left leg. After weeks of persistent pain, she asked her sister to take her to the hospital for an X-ray and biopsy for peace of mind before traveling.

"I was shocked when the doctor told me I needed to be transferred from Nghe An to K3 Hospital in Hanoi for cancer treatment," Dung said. "I thought I was too young for such a devastating illness. My dreams of studying and supporting my parents turned into a burden on my family."

Thuy Dung, 19, from Nghe An, before and after her bone cancer diagnosis. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Dung's father, who had been battling leukemia for years, became her pillar of strength. Suppressing his own sadness, he comforted her, saying, "With this disease, you must be positive and optimistic to recover quickly."

"My father also overcame death's door with a strong will to live. I want to try, for myself and my family," Dung shared. She put away her packed luggage for her study abroad trip, taking only a few clothes and her Korean textbooks to Hanoi with her mother.

At the end of 2024, Thuy Dung underwent her first chemotherapy session. Despite her mental preparation, her small frame couldn't handle the treatment. She vomited constantly during the first week, only able to eat small pieces of bread. The second week brought drug poisoning, requiring emergency treatment with 13 intravenous drips daily.

For almost a month, Dung was bedridden, regaining strength only to endure more treatment and then collapse from the pain. During the Tet holiday, her condition worsened, forcing her to remain hospitalized. Surrounded by other patients writhing in pain, the 19-year-old felt so isolated and despairing that she wanted to give up.

"I begged my mother to let me die," she recounted. The adverse reactions to the medication sometimes made her forget her dreams and aspirations.

Like Dung, many patients experience psychological distress and negativity after a serious diagnosis. A 9-month study by the 103 Military Hospital (Hanoi) on 264 cancer patients found that nearly 58% suffered from depression.

Patients may feel a loss of control due to physical changes. They experience suffering, fear, and thoughts of death or the unknown future. Therefore, doctors emphasize that a positive mindset, alongside medical treatment, plays a crucial role in recovery.

Vietnam is seeing a rising trend of cancer in younger people. The country records approximately 182,000 new cancer cases annually. Vietnam ranks 91st in cancer incidence but 50th in mortality among 185 countries, with a clear trend toward younger diagnoses. Besides liver and lung cancer, hospitals are seeing more cases of breast, stomach, colon, and ovarian cancers in young adults—cancers previously more common in middle age.

Dr. Ha Van Quoc, from the Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy at Vinmec Times City International Hospital, previously told VnExpress that cancer is a complex disease caused by genetic factors and DNA errors during cell division, affecting even healthy young people.

Ha Chau, 20, from Hoa Binh, diagnosed with pituitary cancer in 2025. Photo: Provided by the subject.

Two years ago, Ha Chau, 20, from Hoa Binh province, received the devastating news of pituitary cancer while preparing for her university entrance exams. Holding the diagnosis, she contemplated suicide at the hospital.

Chau shared that she had dedicated 12 years to her studies, striving to be a class leader, attending specialized schools, and participating in academic competitions to achieve her dream university.

"When I was first diagnosed, I had to interrupt my studies for treatment. Paralyzed in my arms, legs, and neck, I lay motionless in bed, wanting to die because I felt useless," she said.

However, with encouragement from family, teachers, and friends, Chau insisted on returning home after her first treatment at K Hospital in Hanoi, even with unhealed stitches, to take her exams. She was accepted into the Business Administration program at the Foreign Trade University, Hanoi, and received a tuition waiver in recognition of her resilience.

"Now I study and tutor to cover my medical expenses. I just hope the paralysis doesn't return suddenly. As long as I can walk, I will keep trying," she said.

Pituitary cancer has caused Chau several complications: hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, diabetes insipidus, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic disorders. But driven by her dreams, she said, "I'll try my best because we only live once, and we must live each moment to the fullest."

After six months of treatment, Thuy Dung chose resilience over despair. Her illness deepened her appreciation for time with loved ones. She talked with her mother daily, called to reassure her father, siblings, and family, and despite hair loss and scars from burns, she maintained an optimistic "I'm fine" when asked about her health.

Since early 2025, Dung has been sharing videos about her positive journey with cancer, receiving thousands of well wishes from strangers.

"I feel warmed and motivated, knowing that I have the support and love of others on my cancer journey," the 19-year-old said.

Aiming to inspire hope in young cancer patients, the Hope Foundation, in collaboration with the Sunshine program, has launched the Sunshine of Hope initiative. Every contribution from the community is a beacon of light for the nation's future generations.

Readers can find more information about the program here.

Program Name: Your name - Sunshine of Hope

Program ID: 195961

Nga Thanh