In Vietnam, cervical cancer causes 4,612 new cases and 2,571 deaths annually, accounting for 2.1% of total cancer-related fatalities, said Deputy Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan.
Mr. Thuan, chairman of the National Medical Council, shared this information during a roundtable discussion themed “Cervical Cancer: Impact and Elimination Opportunity” on December 4.
Dr. Thuan highlighted that while Vietnam has a cervical cancer screening system at the primary healthcare level, there are many challenges. Screening programs are fragmented, mainly in pilot stages, and lack nationwide consistency. Public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors around cervical cancer prevention and early detection remain limited.
Additionally, the cost of screenings, such as cytology tests and HPV genetic tests, is primarily borne by individuals, as these modern screening methods are expensive and not covered by health insurance.
The Ministry of Health’s National Action Plan for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control for 2016-2025 aims to vaccinate 25% of women and girls with the HPV vaccine, screen 60% of women aged 30-54, and treat 90% of women with cervical lesions. (Suc Khoe Doi Song)
Post date: 2024-12-09