Globocan 2024 data recorded 25,711 new cases of breast cancer in Vietnam, making it the most diagnosed cancer type in the country. Approximately three-quarters of these patients are now diagnosed in the early stages, reversing a previous trend where most sought treatment only after the disease had advanced. The shift toward early detection has changed how medical professionals approach patient care. According to Assoc. Speaking at the scientific conference “New Trends in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Highlights of GBCC 2026,” Dr. Tu noted that modern advancements in diagnostic imaging, molecular biology, and targeted therapies give physicians more tools to minimize physical impact while extending survival.
Surgical Techniques and Immediate Reconstruction at K Hospital and Hong Ngoc General Hospital
Surgeons are increasingly utilizing minimally invasive techniques to preserve quality of life. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dinh Tung, head of the Breast Surgery Unit at Hong Ngoc General Hospital’s Breast and Gynecology Center, stated that current surgical trends focus on selective lymph node dissection and conservative approaches rather than extensive interventions.
Public institutions like K Hospital and Hanoi Oncology Hospital, alongside private facilities, now perform immediate breast reconstruction during the primary oncological surgery. This technique places breast implants above the muscle with minimal trauma, sparing patients the psychological distress of temporary breast loss. Dr. Tung explained that these methods help women return to work and daily life more quickly while reducing long-term complications such as lymphedema in the arm.
Patient Screening and Early Stage Diagnosis Options
Early detection remains the primary driver behind these expanded treatment options. Medical professionals emphasize that increased public participation in routine screenings allows doctors to catch tumors measuring less than one centimeter. While early diagnosis in stages 1 and 2 opens the door for conservative surgeries and immediate reconstruction, treatment suitability ultimately depends on tumor size, location, and biological markers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Treatment Trends in Vietnam
Which breast cancer treatments are prioritized for early-stage patients in Vietnam?
For patients diagnosed in stages 1 and 2, doctors prioritize conservative breast surgery and immediate breast reconstruction, provided the tumor size, location, and biological characteristics make those approaches suitable.
What are the main benefits of immediate breast reconstruction surgery?
Immediate reconstruction restores the breast during the initial cancer removal operation, preventing a period of breast loss and helping patients reduce body image issues, resume daily routines faster, and preserve family life.
Which medical facilities currently implement these advanced breast cancer techniques?
Several public and private facilities in Vietnam, including K Hospital, Hanoi Oncology Hospital, and Hong Ngoc General Hospital, have integrated immediate breast reconstruction and selective lymph node dissection into their clinical practices.
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