Removing barriers to expanding cervical cancer screening for Vietnamese women

Cervical cancer often has a fairly long pre-cancerous stage, on average 10-20 years, so that early diagnosis and timely treatment can be performed. However, the number of people participating in screening is still low.

Despite being one of the most preventable cancers globally, cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge in Vietnam. Every year, thousands of Vietnamese women are diagnosed with the disease at a late stage, leading to ineffective treatment and early death.

Only 28% of women of reproductive age have access to screening

At the seminar: “Reducing technical and psychological barriers to expanding the scope of cervical cancer screening for Vietnamese women,” Professor Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy - Vice President of the Vietnam Obstetrics and Gynecology Association, Rector of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy ( Hue University) said that each year Vietnam has nearly 5,000 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed, the number of deaths from cervical cancer is about 2,400 cases. Among the common cancers in women, cervical cancer ranks second, after breast cancer.

Professor Huy analyzed that cervical cancer often has a fairly long pre-cancerous stage, an average of 10-20 years, so that early screening, diagnosis, and timely treatment can be performed. However, the number of people eligible for cervical cancer screening is still low, reaching only 30% in the past 5 years.

According to the latest statistics, as of 2021, only 28% of Vietnamese women aged 30-49 had access to screening. Barriers such as stigma, limited access to services and logistical difficulties continue to affect screening rates, especially in rural, remote and isolated areas.

To address this important issue, the seminar “Reducing technical and psychological barriers to expanding cervical cancer screening for Vietnamese women” in Hanoi brought together medical experts, representatives of social organizations and international business associations to discuss new screening models to help improve the effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention in Vietnam.

Currently, the HPV DNA testing model combines self-sampling and centralized laboratory testing. This model has been successfully piloted in Hai Phong and shows potential for nationwide expansion to overcome current screening barriers.

Professor Huy emphasized the role of HPV DNA testing in supporting Vietnam's screening system and cited outstanding results from the pilot model in Hai Phong.

“The pilot model in Hai Phong shows that HPV DNA testing can be effectively integrated into the primary health care system, thereby helping with early detection, reducing the burden on the frontline and improving the referral system. If replicated nationwide, this model will help expand access for women and strengthen the capacity of the health system in the effort to eliminate cervical cancer,” the Vice President of the Vietnam Obstetrics and Gynecology Association analyzed.

Need long-term policy, multi-sectoral cooperation

As part of the global effort, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set the 90-70-90 target to promote vaccination, screening and treatment, aiming to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Vietnam has made many important strides such as the HPV vaccine has been integrated into the National Expanded Immunization Program and treatment services have been increasingly expanded. However, the biggest limitation remains in screening and early detection.

From an international perspective, Dr. Heather White - Executive Director of TogetHER for Health shared key findings from the report "Advancing Cervical Cancer Elimination in Vietnam: Lessons and Directions from the Asia-Pacific Region" co-developed with Vietnamese health experts and other health sector partners.

Dr Heather White stressed that eliminating cervical cancer requires more than clinical tools and guidance, but also long-term policy, multi-sectoral collaboration and investment tailored to the country context. This report provides a comprehensive roadmap, with clear timelines, to support Vietnam’s national strategy, from expanding screening coverage, strengthening data systems and infrastructure, to scaling up women-centered models such as the Hai Phong screening pilot.

Dr. Heather White - Executive Director of TogetHER for Health. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

Mr. Chris Humphrey - Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council highlighted the economic value of investing in cervical cancer elimination, saying that health and economic development go hand in hand. When governments invest in prevention, especially in high-impact areas such as cervical cancer screening, the benefits are not only seen in lower treatment costs but also in a healthier and more productive workforce. Mobilizing the participation of multiple stakeholders is essential to scale up these efforts and make cervical cancer elimination a national development priority.

Since 2024, the cervical cancer vaccine (HPV) has been expanded to include people aged 15-45, both men and women, instead of only girls aged 15-26 as before.

According to Resolution No. 104/NQ-CP dated August 15, 2022 and the roadmap for expanding the vaccine list in the 2021-2030 period, it is expected that the cervical cancer vaccine will be included in the expanded immunization program from 2026. The successful implementation of this program will help Vietnam soon eliminate this dangerous disease./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/go-cac-rao-can-de-mo-rong-sang-loc-ung-thu-co-tu-cung-cho-phu-nu-viet-nam-post1058268.vnp