Lung cancer is currently one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Vietnam, with approximately 25,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Despite the availability of advanced treatments, a critical gap remains: over 70% of patients are only diagnosed at an advanced stage. This delay not only complicates treatment and increases costs but significantly reduces the chances of survival.
Early detection is the most powerful tool in changing this trajectory. When caught early, lung cancer is often treatable and, in many cases, curable. However, the current landscape in Vietnam shows a worrying trend where the majority of patients only seek medical attention after severe symptoms appear.
The Danger of Late Diagnosis
According to Privatdozent Dr. Do Hung Kien, Deputy Director of the K-Hospital, only about 20% of lung cancer patients visit medical facilities during the early stages of the disease. The remaining 80% are already in advanced stages by the time they are seen by a professional.
Among those diagnosed late, the distribution is stark:
- Stage 4: 40–50% of late-stage patients.
- Stage 3: 25–30% of late-stage patients.
Patients typically arrive at clinics only after experiencing alarming symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and persistent coughing. In the most advanced cases, they may already be suffering from metastases, manifesting as bone pain or severe headaches.
Survival Rates: The Critical Difference Between Stages
The timing of a diagnosis is the single most important factor in determining a patient’s prognosis. The difference in five-year survival (cure) rates between Stage 1 and Stage 4 is profound.
| Cancer Stage | 5-Year Survival Rate |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 70–90% |
| Stage 2 | 50–60% |
| Stage 3 | 10–36% |
| Stage 4 | Approximately 10% |
For patients in Stages 1 and 2, the primary goal is a cure. Treatment typically involves surgery combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and adjuvant targeted therapy. This approach not only increases the likelihood of survival but also shortens the overall treatment duration.
Conversely, treatment for Stage 4 cancer is long-term, and arduous. At this stage, the goal shifts from curing the disease to controlling it, which places a heavy burden on the patient’s family and the national healthcare system.
Modernizing Detection with AI and Screening
Currently, early detection in Vietnam relies heavily on individual awareness, routine organizational health checks, or accidental discoveries during other doctor visits. To move beyond this fragmented approach, medical experts are calling for a comprehensive national screening program.
Dr. Le Thai Ha, Deputy Director of the Department of Disease Prevention at the Ministry of Health, emphasizes that a national strategy is essential to reduce new cases and increase early detection rates. One of the most promising solutions is the implementation of community-based screening using chest X-rays enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI can assist doctors in diagnosing diseases faster and more efficiently, allowing for a higher volume of patients to be screened without replacing the essential expertise of medical professionals. This technology is already being utilized in various countries to lower the burden on healthcare systems.
Who Should Be Screened?
While general health checks are important, targeted screening is vital for high-risk groups. You should prioritize regular screenings if you fall into the following categories:
- Age: Individuals over 50 years old.
- Lifestyle: Current or former smokers.
- Occupational Hazards: People frequently exposed to chemicals, toxic gases, asbestos, or high levels of environmental pollution.
A National Shift Toward Prevention
Vietnam is currently pivoting its healthcare philosophy. Under Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW of the Politburo (dated September 9, 2025), the government is shifting its focus from purely treating illnesses to proactive disease prevention. The Law on Disease Prevention now stipulates that every citizen should undergo a regular health examination or screening at least once a year.
The ultimate goal is clear: prevention reduces the incidence of the disease, while early detection reduces mortality. By prioritizing high-risk groups and building a structured national screening program, Vietnam aims to improve the quality of life and survival rates for its population.
Key Takeaways for Patients
- Don’t wait for symptoms: By the time shortness of breath or chest pain appears, the cancer is often in an advanced stage.
- Know your risk: If you’re over 50, a smoker, or work with hazardous chemicals, regular screening is non-negotiable.
- Early detection saves lives: Survival rates drop from up to 90% in Stage 1 to roughly 10% in Stage 4.
- Annual checks: Utilize national health guidelines to get screened at least once a year.