Breast cancer cases in Ho Chi Minh City rise by 70% over 2 decades, most detected late

The symposium was organized by South Saigon International General Hospital in the city, focusing on advances in cancer treatment and care.

Associate Professor Wendy Y. Chen of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School in the U.S. said breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Although Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, have lower breast cancer incidence rates than many other regions, mortality rates remain higher, mainly due to late detection.

Data from Ho Chi Minh City show that recorded breast cancer cases in the city increased by about 70 percent between 1996 and 2015, while early detection remained limited, Chen warned.

In Vietnam, only about 26 percent of patients are diagnosed at stage I, compared to around 50–60 percent in the U.S..

Chen said the gap is partly due to the lack of regular cancer screening programs in many Asian countries.

According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) statistics released in 2022, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Vietnam, with more than 24,500 new cases and over 10,000 deaths each year, accounting for 28.9 percent of female cancers.

Lifestyle factors also contribute to breast cancer risk, including overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, and alcohol consumption.

Studies show that women with a body mass index above 30 face a 20–30 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer, partly because fat tissue can increase estrogen levels in the body.

Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk, while long-term alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.

People with a family history of breast cancer are at higher risk of developing the disease and may consider genetic testing.

Advances in medical treatment have improved survival rates for patients with metastatic breast cancer, with more than one-third now living for over five years.

Vuong Dinh Thy Hao, deputy head of the Chemotherapy Department at Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said the hospital performs around 1,000 breast cancer surgeries each year.

About 30 percent of patients now undergo breast-conserving surgery, supported by treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy that are widely available at many healthcare facilities.

Nguyen Truong Khuong, director of South Saigon International General Hospital, said continuously updating scientific advances and personalizing treatment regimens are key to improving patients’ quality of life.

He noted that more than one-third of patients with metastatic breast cancer can now live for over five years.

Women are advised to perform monthly breast self-examinations five to seven days after their menstrual period.

According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, women aged 40 and above should undergo clinical breast exams and mammography once a year, while those at high risk or with a family history should begin screening from the age of 25.