Breast and Cervical Cancers in Vietnam Surge Far Beyond Projections

Breast cancer incidence in Vietnam is increasing faster than previously forecast, with 38 out of every 100,000 women diagnosed, a figure that surpasses the projected 29.3 cases per 100,000 by 2030. "The rate of increase for breast and cervical cancers in Vietnam is faster than previously predicted," stated Mr. Dinh Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, at a conference on breast and cervical cancer prevention for the Northern region held on July 30 in Hanoi. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Health, UNFPA, and Roche Vietnam. According to the Ministry of Health, breast cancer in Vietnam has shown a marked increase over the past two decades. Data indicates that the incidence rate rose from 16.2 cases per 100,000 women in 2002 to 23 cases per 100,000 in 2012. Based on these trends, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had projected the rate to be around 29.3 cases per 100,000 women by 2030. However, GLOBOCAN 2022 data recorded 24,563 new breast cancer cases in Vietnam, equating to an incidence rate of 38 cases per 100,000 women—approximately 30% higher than the forecast for 2030. Annually, the disease claims about 10,000 lives. More than 60% of patients are diagnosed at late stages (III-IV), and the 5-year survival rate is around 74%, which is lower compared to many developed countries. Cervical cancer also shows an increasing trend. From 2020 to 2024, the number of new cases rose from nearly 2,900 to approximately 3,900. Vietnam records about 5,000 new cases and 2,500 deaths from cervical cancer each year. This is a disease that can be effectively prevented through vaccination and screening, yet the rate of regular screening in Vietnam is only 28%, with significant disparities in access between regions. Mr. Dinh Anh Tuan highlighted that both breast and cervical cancers can be detected early, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and substantially reduces the risk of mortality. For cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine can prevent over 99% of HPV-related cases. While there is no vaccine for breast cancer, early detection remains highly effective for treatment outcomes. To address the rising trend of these diseases, the Ministry of Health has issued a National Action Plan for Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control for the 2026-2035 period. The plan aims to reduce the mortality rate from breast cancer by an average of 2.5% annually, aligning with the objectives of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative launched by the World Health Organization. To ensure adequate resources, the Ministry of Health will integrate funding for screening, early detection, and treatment into targeted health programs and the health insurance fund. It will also mobilize resources through social contributions and public-private partnerships. According to the plan, by 2035, 70% of women aged 40 to 70 will undergo regular breast cancer screening, and 60% of invasive breast cancer cases will be detected at an early stage. All specialized oncology and obstetrics/gynecology facilities, as well as units performing breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, will adopt updated professional protocols. Eighty percent of patients will receive multimodal treatment, comprehensive care, and complete their treatment regimens as per guidelines. To eliminate cervical cancer, it is necessary to expand vaccination and increase the rate of regular screening among women. Mr. Tuan stated that cancer is a significant health burden, often leading to severe financial difficulties for many families. Therefore, investing in prevention and early detection is considered the most effective solution to reduce mortality and treatment costs. Information Source: VnExpress