Cancer trends in Vietnam show gender-specific patterns

According to GLOBOCAN 2024 data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with liver cancer accounting for nearly 850,000 new cases and over 730,000 deaths worldwide in 2024. Projections suggest that without effective intervention, these figures could increase by more than 55% by 2040.

In Vietnam, cancer incidence rates vary significantly by gender. For men, lung cancer is the most prevalent, followed by colorectal, liver, stomach, and esophageal cancers. For women, breast cancer is the most common, followed by thyroid, colorectal, cervical, and lung cancers. Experts note that Vietnam is experiencing a “transitional cancer model,” facing both infection-related cancers and those linked to lifestyle changes and an aging population.

Medical professionals emphasize that many cancers are preventable through lifestyle adjustments and controlling risk factors such as Hepatitis B and C, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet. Nutritional interventions, such as consuming spinach for its antioxidant properties and broccoli sprouts for their high sulforaphane content, are highlighted as ways to support liver health and detoxification.