Liver Cancer Tops Cancer Deaths in Vietnam, Affecting Over 25,000 Annually
Liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Vietnam, with more than 25,000 new cases and deaths reported annually, said Prof. Dr. Le Trung Hai, president of the Vietnam Liver Association and the Vietnam Association for Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Surgery.
Mr. Hai announced the figure at an annual seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on July 28 to mark World Hepatitis Day with the theme "Joining Hands to Prevent and Treat Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, and Liver Cancer in Vietnam."
The primary cause of liver cancer is high rates of HBV and hepatitis C infection, along with excessive alcohol consumption and other factors, Mr. Hai noted.
Regarding chronic hepatitis B, Associate Prof. Dr. Bui Huu Hoang, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Liver Association, pointed out that chronic hepatitis B remains a global health burden, with up to 296 million people infected, mainly in the Western Pacific region, including Vietnam. The number of people diagnosed and treated for hepatitis B is still low, leading to high rates of cirrhosis, liver cancer, and related mortality.
Mr. Hoang proposed several measures to optimize the management of chronic hepatitis B, including public education to avoid exposure, the identification of patients through national screening programs, the expansion of treatment criteria for those in need, and the provision of support costs through health insurance policies.