Learning about Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths, heavily linked to smoking. It is treated through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy, with early diagnosis improving survival. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. 

There is a rising number of lung cancer cases in non-smoking patients, particularly Asian women. It is frequently an adenocarcinoma, linked to genetic mutations like EGFR.

The third most common type of cancer, often related to lifestyle factors.

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system. It usually grows slowly, and many people don’t need treatment right away. But some types can spread quickly and are harder to treat. Early diagnosis improves the chances of long-term survival.

Liver cancer is a major health issue in Vietnam. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common subtype, is strongly linked to chronic hepatitis B and C infections. Vietnam has among the highest rates globally, with over 24,500 new cases and 25,272 deaths in 2022. Hepatitis B and C screening and treatment are essential to decrease the frequency of this cancer.

Head and neck cancers affect the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, and related areas, including nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, and tongue cancers. The most common risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV).

Thyroid cancer rates seem to be increasing. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Thyroid cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. But as it grows, it can cause signs and symptoms, such as swelling in your neck, voice changes and difficulty swallowing. Several types of thyroid cancer exist. Most types grow slowly, though some types can be very aggressive. Most thyroid cancers can be cured with treatment.

Stomach (gastric) cancer is a major public health issue in Asia, including in Vietnam. The main risk factor is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. 

Cervical cancer, often caused by long-term HPV infection, is a slow-growing cancer of the lower uterus, the cervix, largely preventable through vaccines and early screening (Pap smear and HPV test).

Uterine cancer, known as “endometrial” cancer, is a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the uterus. Endometrial cancer begins in the layer of cells that form the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium.  Endometrial cancer is often found at an early stage because it causes symptoms. Often the first symptom is irregular vaginal bleeding. If endometrial cancer is found early, surgically removing the uterus often cures it. A disease or condition that increases the amount of oestrogen, but not the level of progesterone, in the body can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Endometrial cancer can now be classified by its molecular features, helping doctors match treatment intensity to how aggressive the disease is. This molecular classification needs an in-depth analysis of genes, protein expression etc.

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries, which produce eggs and female hormones. It mostly affects women over the age of 50. Early disease causes minimal, nonspecific, or no symptoms. Therefore, most cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage.

Pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreas, an organ that lies behind the lower part of the stomach. It makes enzymes that help digest food and hormones that help manage blood sugar. Risk factors for pancreatic cancer include tobacco smoking, obesity, diabetes, and certain rare genetic conditions. Pancreatic cancer rarely is found at its early stages when the chance of curing it is greatest. This is because it often doesn’t cause symptoms until after it has spread to other organs.

Oesophageal cancer affects the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. More common in men, it’s heavily related to smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol. 

Skin cancer develops in the skin cells, often due to prolonged sun exposure. The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. While these are the most common, they often can be cured. The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma. It is more likely to spread, making it harder to cure.

“Lymphoma” is the general term for cancer in your lymphatic system – the network of tissues, vessels and organs that help your body fight infection. It’s considered a blood cancer because the condition starts in white blood cells (lymphocytes) in your lymphatic system. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the white blood cells that form part of the immune system that helps fight infections. The main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma (common in young adults who are 15-30 years old and adults over 50) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (more common in older people).