Thyroid cancer is increasing rapidly in Vietnam

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 statistics, Vietnam records more than 6,120 new cases of thyroid cancer each year, with a clear gender gap, the incidence rate in women is three times higher than in men.

It is estimated that by 2025, Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital will record 42,000 new cancer cases.

At Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, the number of patients recorded for examination increased. In 2024, the hospital received 880,000 visits, and is expected to increase by about 200,000 visits in 2025, reaching about 1,080,000 visits. The number of new cancer cases in 2025 is estimated at more than 42,000 cases, of which thyroid cancer accounts for the highest rate of 23%.

Explaining the reason, Dr. Diep Bao Tuan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, said that the most important factor is that detection techniques are getting better and better. Previously, thyroid tumors usually had to be 1 - 2 cm (10 - 20 mm) to be detected. Currently, tumors as small as 3 - 4 mm can be detected by ultrasound, then cytology is done to confirm the cancer diagnosis.

According to GLOBOCAN 2022 statistics, Vietnam records more than 6,120 new cases of thyroid cancer each year, with a clear gender gap, the incidence rate in women is three times higher than in men. Despite the increase in cases, thyroid cancer is considered a cancer with a good prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of over 90% if detected early and treated properly.

“Thyroid cancer is very simple to treat if detected early. Lobectomy can cure the disease and the success rate is up to 98% if detected early. Therefore, if people are unlucky enough to get thyroid cancer, they do not have to worry too much,” said Dr. Diep Bao Tuan.

Regarding concerns that frequent exposure to CT and X-rays increases the risk of thyroid cancer, Dr. Diep Bao Tuan said that one of the causes of thyroid cancer is exposure to ionizing radiation. However, with current X-ray techniques, the dose of radiation is very low. For example, a chest X-ray only lasts about 1/1000 of a second and that dose is not enough to cause any effects.

Dr. Diep Bao Tuan added that there are still special cases such as patients who have to undergo radiation therapy or have multiple scans in a short period of time, which may have certain effects. However, with annual check-ups, a single ultra-low dose chest X-ray is not a cause for concern. People can rest assured when their doctor orders an X-ray.

According to VNA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/ung-thu-tuyen-giap-tang-nhanh-tai-viet-nam-528757.html