Vietnam Has 180K New Cancer Cases Annually amid Rising Global Burden
Vietnam is estimated to record over 183,000 new cancer cases annually, resulting in more than 122,000 deaths, amid the rising global cancer burden, said Deputy Minister of Health Associate Professor Tran Van Thuan.
Mr. Thuan announced these figures on World Cancer Day (February 4).
Currently, approximately 354,000 individuals are living with cancer in Vietnam, he added, noting that lung cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among men in the country, accounting for a quarter of all annual cancer cases in males.
He also warned about the increasing trend of tobacco use among the younger generation, including the rising popularity of electronic cigarettes. He emphasized that the primary cause of lung cancer is the escalating rate of tobacco consumption.
He highlighted the need to strengthen cancer prevention activities at all healthcare levels, with a particular emphasis on community-based initiatives to promote early detection through screening and provide community-based care for cancer patients.
While Vietnam's diagnostic and treatment equipment for cancer is comparable to that of other countries in the region and globally, the major challenge lies in the overwhelming number of cancer patients, and the inadequacy of infrastructure to meet the demand for cancer care, experts said.