Liver cancer is the leading type of cancer in Vietnam.

The data was compiled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IACR) in its 2020 global cancer report. This report provides cancer data for 185 countries and territories, updated every two years.

Over the past two years, Vietnam has recorded 182,563new cancer casesCompared to 2018, the number of liver cancer cases in Vietnam increased by 1,083, continuing to lead among common types of cancer. The five most common types of cancer in 2020 were liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer in women, stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer. In 2018, the five most common types of cancer were liver cancer, accounting for 15.4% with 25,335 cases, followed by lung, stomach, breast, and colorectal cancer.

Thus, in 2020, the top 5 cancers remained the same, the only difference being that breast cancer moved up one place, surpassing stomach cancer to take third position.

Incidence rates of new cancer cases in Vietnam, according to updated data from 2020. Source: IARC

Dr. Diep Bao Tuan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, stated that the reason the number of liver cancer cases in Vietnam continues to increase and remains high is due to the fact that hepatitis B and C vaccination coverage is not yet adequate. Many people have not received all the necessary hepatitis vaccines or have not received booster shots after their expiration date.

"In addition, cirrhosis and liver cancer are often caused by excessive alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, and aflatoxin poisoning from peanuts or moldy dried foods," Dr. Tuan shared.

In addition, population growth and an aging population are also reasons for the overall increase in cancer cases in Vietnam, including liver cancer. Improved cancer prevention awareness campaigns and better transportation have encouraged people to pay more attention to health check-ups and visit higher-level hospitals for early cancer screening.

To reduce the risk of liver cancer, Dr. Diep Minh Tuan advises people to get vaccinated against hepatitis B and C, limit alcohol consumption, eat plenty of vegetables, increase physical activity, and avoid consuming moldy dried foods and pickled or salted foods.

Number of new cancer cases in Vietnam in 2018 and 2020.

Analyzing the increase in breast cancer rates in 2020, Dr. Tuan pointed out several reasons. Among them, women tend to have fewer children, give birth after age 35, and breastfeed less, all of which increase the risk of breast cancer.

Thanks to advancements in science and technology, breast cancer screening can detect tumors under 10 mm, enabling timely diagnosis, which is why the number of cases has increased. "The increase is not entirely a bad sign, but rather shows proactiveness in cancer prevention and treatment, allowing for early intervention," Dr. Tuan commented.