Vietnam and Japan experts address care gaps for young cancer patients

Experts from Vietnam and Japan recently held a workshop to address the lack of specialized care for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients, aged 15 to 39. While Vietnam records approximately 180,480 new cancer cases and over 120,000 deaths annually, the AYA demographic remains largely invisible within the healthcare system.

Currently, Vietnam lacks a dedicated data system for AYA patients, often grouping them with pediatric or adult statistics. This leads to inadequate recognition of their specific needs, which include challenges related to education, fertility, mental health, finances, and social reintegration. Experts emphasized the need for a specialized five-step care process: identification, screening, need stratification, specialist connection, and long-term treatment planning.