Delayed disease detection is still a major challenge
In Vietnam, according to data from the Ministry of Health, it is estimated that there are about 180,000 new cancer cases and 120,000 deaths from cancer each year. Each year, Vietnam records about 24,000 breast cancer cases, 4,600 cervical cancer cases and nearly 1,500 ovarian cancer cases in women.
Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the two leading health burdens for women. Worryingly, the rate of disease detection in the late stage is still high because many women do not pay attention to periodic screening. Over 60% of patients are detected when the disease is in the late stage (III - IV), causing low treatment effectiveness and increased care costs. The 5-year survival rate is only about 74%, significantly lower than many developed countries.
Not only putting great pressure on the health system, cancer also pushes patients and families into a vortex of heavy treatment costs. It is estimated that the cost of cancer treatment ranges from 368 - 11,400 USD (equivalent to more than 290 million VND), depending on the stage of the disease and treatment regimen.
Dr. Pham Tuan Anh, Head of the Department of On-Demand Treatment, K Hospital - said that the increase in cancer is an inevitable consequence of increased life expectancy, environmental pollution and unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer is a global medical burden, but the important thing is that we now have enough tools to control this disease if we proactively prevent, screen and detect early.
Another reason leading to high morbidity and mortality rates lies in the "gap" in prevention work. Currently, the rate of women aged 30 - 49 who have been screened for cervical cancer at least once is only about 28%, far below the target of 60% in 2025. The HPV vaccination rate in 2021 in the 15-29 age group of women also only reached about 12%.
Health insurance - "key" to removing financial barriers
Faced with the above situation, the National Action Plan for the period 2026 - 2035 clearly defines the key role of health insurance in ensuring sustainable financial resources for cancer prevention and control. The overarching goal is to gradually shift from dependence on short-term support projects and programs to a stable financial mechanism from the health insurance fund.
According to the roadmap, the period 2028 - 2030 is identified as the key time to include breast cancer and cervical cancer screening services in the health insurance coverage list. Health insurance will gradually pay for periodic screening services, clinical breast exams, breast X-rays, HPV testing, cervical cytology and other diagnostic support tests, creating conditions for women to access early detection services right from the grassroots level.
Expanding the payment list not only helps reduce the cost burden for people, but also ensures fairness in accessing health services, regardless of region or economic conditions.
International organizations appreciate this approach. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), investment in screening and vaccination brings great health and socio-economic benefits. It is estimated that appropriate interventions can help reduce up to 300,000 deaths from cervical cancer, with socio-economic benefits 8-20 times higher than the initial investment cost.
Reality in many countries shows that health insurance coverage for cancer screening is the "key" to effectively controlling cancer. South Korea implements free cervical cancer screening every 2 years for women aged 20; Taiwan (China) organizes screening for women aged 30 - 65 on a 3-5 year cycle. Thailand has integrated HPV DNA testing into the universal health insurance program, with a 5-year cycle.
