HANOI (VNExpress): Non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases are responsible for 80% of deaths and are the leading burden on Vietnam’s healthcare system, authorities said.
The common features of these diseases include silent onset, long progression and severe consequences.
"Vietnam is facing a significant burden of disease and a high mortality rate due to the rise of these conditions," former Deputy Minister of Health Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuyen said at a scientific conference held to discuss new advances in their diagnosis and treatment by the Vietnam Medical Association and Roche Diagnostics in Hanoi on Saturday.
Major contributing factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, diets low in fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, and high salt intake.
People who are overweight or obese and those with lipid disorders are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, particularly males, she said.
Professor Dr. Nguyen Viet Tien, standing vice chairman of the National Medical Council, described these diseases as "underlying waves" threatening public health.
He cited alarming statistics that show cardiovascular diseases claim around 200,000 lives annually while there are nearly 183,000 new cancer cases and 122,000 cancer deaths each year.
Chronic respiratory diseases affect 4.2% of people over 40, and the diabetes prevalence among adults is 5.4%.
A particularly concerning issue is that most patients are diagnosed only in late stages, according to official data from the health ministry.
For example, 65% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at stages 3 or 4, which dramatically reduces the chances of successful treatment.
Around 50% of people with hypertension are unaware of their condition, and only around a third receive treatment, but many do not follow prescribed therapies.
This underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis, which not only increases survival chances but also enables timely interventions through lifestyle changes and preventive therapies.
In terms of diagnostics, experts believe that high-value, personalized medical testing solutions are key to shifting healthcare from a disease-treatment model to a proactive care approach.
Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kinh, vice president of the Vietnam Medical Association, likened diagnostics to a "compass" for all treatment decisions, paving the way for personalized medicine.
"Thanks to advanced biomarkers, doctors can tailor treatment plans for individual patients based on genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method."
For instance, just a blood sample can be used to analyze tumor-derived DNA, allowing for cancer monitoring and early relapse detection without invasive surgery.
Despite their severity, these diseases are largely preventable. Experts urge the public to be proactive in monitoring their health, build a balanced diet, increase physical activity, and avoid risk factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse and chronic stress. - VNExpress
