The number of new cancer cases is increasing rapidly.

The number of new cancer cases in Vietnam is currently increasing rapidly, at approximately 182,000 cases per year, a nine-rank increase compared to five years ago, leading to a higher number of deaths.

This information was provided by Professor Dr. Le Van Quang, Director of K Hospital ( Hanoi ). The signing ceremony for the cooperation agreement to develop the Oncology specialty between Gia An 115 Hospital and K Hospital took place on June 28th.

Vietnam's incidence and mortality rates have risen significantly on the GLOBOCAN cancer map worldwide . In 2021, the organization ranked Vietnam 90th out of 185 countries in terms of incidence rate, a 9-place increase compared to 2018. Regarding mortality rate, Vietnam ranked 50th out of 185, a 6-place increase compared to 2018.

Each year, Vietnam has over 182,000 new cancer cases and more than 122,000 deaths from cancer. On average, for every 100,000 Vietnamese people, there are 159 new cancer diagnoses and 106 deaths.

Cancer, along with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and mental health issues, is a non-communicable disease that has become an "epidemic," placing a heavy burden on the healthcare system. According to the Ministry of Health , 60-75% of inpatients suffer from non-communicable diseases.

Increased life expectancy, population aging, changing living environments, air and water pollution, and habits such as alcohol consumption, e-cigarette use, and irregular eating and living patterns are all factors contributing to cancer. Furthermore, with advancements in modern medicine and numerous diagnostic tools for early cancer detection, many people are now being diagnosed with the disease.

The three most common types of cancer in Vietnam are lung, liver, and stomach cancer, all of which usually have a very poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Patients are often diagnosed at a late stage, making intervention impossible; only palliative care is available.

"This is the reason why the cancer mortality rate in Vietnam is high," Professor Quang stated.

According to Dr. Quang, early screening, detection, diagnosis, and treatment play a crucial role in preventing cancer mortality. He suggests that expanding oncology specialties at lower-level hospitals, and even private facilities, will help with early detection and screening, thereby increasing the survival rate for patients.

"We are developing a cancer treatment network. Currently, all provincial hospitals have oncology departments. In the future, this network could extend to district-level hospitals, aiming to reduce the burden on higher-level facilities," Mr. Quang said.

In addition, doctors advise people to be mindful of protecting their health even before they get sick, by taking actions such as exercising, walking 10,000 steps a day; quitting smoking, avoiding smoky environments; and maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and appropriate amounts of whole grains and protein.

"People should have regular health checkups, especially after the age of 35. Early detection can completely rule out many diseases," Professor Quang recommended.

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