Breast and cervical cancer rates in Vietnam ‘increase far beyond predictions’

Breast cancer rates in Vietnam are increasing faster than predicted, with 38 cases per 100,000 women, compared to a projected 29.3 cases by 2030.

“The rate of increase in breast and cervical cancer in Vietnam is faster than previously predicted,” said Mr. Dinh Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, at the workshop on breast and cervical cancer prevention and control in the Northern region, organized by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNFPA and Roche Vietnam on July 30 in Hanoi.

According to the Ministry of Health, breast cancer in Vietnam has shown a clear upward trend over the past two decades. Data shows that the incidence rate increased from 16.2 cases per 100,000 women in 2002 to 23 cases in 2012. Based on this, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) predicted that by 2030, this rate in Vietnam would be approximately 29.3 cases per 100,000 women.

However, GLOBOCAN 2022 data recorded 24,563 new breast cancer cases in Vietnam, equivalent to an incidence rate of 38 cases per 100,000 women, about 30% higher than the forecast for 2030. Each year, this disease claims approximately 10,000 lives. Over 60% of patients are detected at a late stage (III-IV), with a 5-year survival rate of about 74%, lower than in many developed countries.

Cervical cancer is also on the rise. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of new cases increased from nearly 2,900 to nearly 3,900. Each year, Vietnam records approximately 5,000 new cases and 2,500 deaths from cervical cancer. This disease is effectively preventable through vaccination and screening, but the rate of routine screening in Vietnam is only 28%, and there are significant disparities in access between regions.

[Image caption: A patient undergoing breast cancer screening at Bach Mai Hospital. Photo: Kim Long]

Mr. Dinh Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, stated that both breast and cervical cancer can be detected early, increasing the chances of successful treatment and significantly reducing the risk of death. For cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine can prevent over 99% of cases related to the HPV virus. There is no vaccine for breast cancer, but early detection still leads to highly effective treatment.

To address the increasing trend of the disease, the Ministry of Health has issued the National Action Plan on Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control for the period 2026-2035. The plan aims to reduce the average annual breast cancer mortality rate by 2.5%, corresponding to the goal of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative launched by the World Health Organization.

To ensure resources, the Ministry of Health integrates funding for screening, early detection, and treatment into targeted health programs and health insurance funds, while also mobilizing social resources and public-private partnerships.

Mr. Dinh Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, at the workshop on July 30th. Photo: Phuong Nam

According to the plan, by 2035, 70% of women aged 40 to 70 will undergo regular breast cancer screening. Sixty percent of invasive breast cancer cases are detected at an early stage. All specialized oncology, obstetrics and gynecology centers, and units involved in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment will adopt updated professional protocols. Eighty percent of patients will receive multimodal treatment, comprehensive care, and complete the full treatment course as instructed.

To eliminate cervical cancer, it is necessary to expand vaccination programs and increase the rate of women undergoing regular screening. Mr. Tuan believes that cancer is a significant health burden, causing many families to face financial difficulties. Therefore, investing in prevention and early detection is the most effective solution to reduce mortality and treatment costs.