Hanoi Launches Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: A breast cancer awareness campaign titled “Joining Hands for the Woman I Love” was officially launched in Hanoi on Wednesday, marking a significant initiative in the ongoing fight against breast cancer in Vietnam. The campaign is organized by the Cancer Patients Support Fund – Bright Tomorrow, in partnership with Roche Pharma Vietnam Co. Ltd and other key collaborators. This timely initiative coincides with both World Breast Cancer Prevention Month and the 94th anniversary of the Vietnam Women’s Union Foundation (October 20, 1930 – October 20, 2024).

With the lighthearted message, “Despite grapefruit or lemon, being healthy, fresh, and green are both beautiful,” the campaign aims to encourage more women to undergo early screenings. Medical experts emphasize that early detection simplifies treatment, increases effectiveness, and significantly improves cure rates. Speaking at the launch, Professor Trần Văn Thuấn, Deputy Minister of Health, highlighted the campaign’s longstanding positive impact: “This is an annual health campaign dedicated to Vietnamese women that has created a positive impact over the years.”

Collaborating with hospitals and media agencies, the campaign seeks to raise awareness, encourage women to prioritize their health, and promote proactive breast cancer screenings. Professor Thuấn urged women not to delay: “Love yourself, care for your health, and regularly screen for breast cancer.”

In addition to awareness efforts, the campaign includes several initiatives for patients already battling breast cancer. These initiatives feature patient forums in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “Modern beautiful women, not afraid of difficulties,” offering updates on the latest advances in breast cancer treatment. The Bright Tomorrow Fund has also launched a gift-giving program for breast cancer patients, particularly those who are underprivileged, as well as members of the Resilient Women’s Club Network, providing both material and emotional support to patients during their treatment.

A standout event of the campaign was a hair donation festival, during which 500 wigs were donated to patients across nine hospitals in northern and central Vietnam. Professor Lê Văn Quảng, Director of K Hospital and Deputy Chairman of the Cancer Patients Support Fund, emphasized the long-standing efforts: “Since 2012, under the Ministry of Health’s direction, the fund has continuously conducted communication programmes and nationwide breast cancer screenings.” He added that over 72,000 high-risk women have benefited from free breast cancer screenings.

As part of the awareness drive, a pink cyclo parade traversed key streets in Hanoi, including Quán Sứ, Hai Bà Trưng, and Hàng Bài, to spread the message of breast cancer prevention. On November 1, a fundraising race will be held at Thống Nhất Park to support cancer patients. The event, organized by the Bright Tomorrow Fund and K Hospital, will allow the community to make donations via the VietQR platform, in collaboration with the National Humanitarian Information Portal 1400.

The campaign also includes educational initiatives, such as the Doctors’ Advice series, which will be held at universities and industrial zones to provide essential information about breast cancer. Specialists will offer guidance on self-examinations, early detection, and preventative measures.

Lennor Carrillo, General Director of Roche Pharma Vietnam, expressed pride in supporting the campaign: “We hope the campaign will achieve significant progress in controlling breast cancer and protecting Vietnamese women’s health.”

The Cancer Patients Support Fund – Bright Tomorrow, established in 2011, has provided treatment support and gifts to more than 33,000 cancer patients, amounting to nearly VNĐ54 billion (US$2.1 million). The fund has also facilitated early cancer screenings for over 79,000 people, contributing to the ongoing national fight against breast cancer.

According to the 2022 Cancer Registry, Vietnam records 24,563 new cases of breast cancer annually, representing 28.9% of all cancer cases in women.