A Moving Story of Two Sisters and Their Fight Against Breast Cancer

Regular screening helped Ms H. detect breast cancer at stage 0, allowing her to undergo treatment that felt “almost effortless.” Two years later, after missing her screening, her younger sister was diagnosed at stage 3 with metastasis. This heartbreaking contrast has left the entire family with lasting regret: “If only we had done the screening earlier.”

Early Detection Helped the Elder Sister Overcome Breast Cancer, While the Younger Faced a Tough Battle

In 2022, during a routine company health check-up, Ms N.T.H., aged 40, from Ho Chi Minh City, was surprised when a breast ultrasound revealed a very small lump measuring 8 mm in her left breast.

Breast cancer consultation with Dr Phung Ngoc Thu.

After a thorough examination with Dr Phung Ngoc Thu, Specialist Level I – Head of Breast Care Centre at FV Hospital, Ms H. was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer, the earliest stage of the disease.

Ms H.’s lumpectomy procedure went smoothly, and two days later, she was discharged, returning to her active life. She did not require chemotherapy; she only received adjuvant radiotherapy. She told Dr Thu, “I never expected cancer treatment could be… so gentle.”

Dr Thu advised her that, in addition to treatment and ongoing health monitoring, she should encourage her relatives to undergo genetic testing or screening consultations, as breast cancer in young people can sometimes have a hereditary component.

However, Ms H.’s relief at overcoming cancer was short-lived. Two years later, her younger sister was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic breast cancer. She required a full mastectomy, followed by prolonged radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“I regret not following the doctor’s advice. At the time, I was focused only on myself, so I forgot to encourage my sister to get screened early,” Ms H. shared with Dr Thu over the phone.

The story of these two sisters deeply moved Dr Thu. She reflected, “If the younger sister had been screened at the same time the elder sister was diagnosed, her cancer might have been detected earlier and treated much more easily.”

Breast Cancer is Affecting Younger Women: Start Screening from Age 25

In Vietnam, breast cancer is considered the most common cancer among women, accounting for up to 25.8% of cases. According to Dr Phung Ngoc Thu, breast cancer is no longer a disease only affecting middle-aged women.

“In the past, the highest incidence was around age 60, but now many patients are just in their early 30s,” she explained.

With over 20 years in the field, the breast care specialist recommends women begin breast screening from the age of 25. Early screening is not only for detection, but also for education about breast health.

Breast cancer can often be treated very gently if detected early, as in Ms H.’s case. At stages 0 to 1, patients may only need a small lumpectomy, preserving the natural shape of the breast, with optional cosmetic procedures for symmetry.

How breast cancer treatment varies by stage.

When breast cancer is detected at stages 3 or 4, treatment typically involves systemic chemotherapy, which affects the whole body and can cause severe side effects such as hair loss, physical exhaustion, and high treatment costs.

Survival rates vary significantly by stage: stage 0 has a 99% survival rate, stage 1 is over 90%, whereas stages 3 to 4 may be below 50%.

Regular Breast Screening: A Gift Women Give Themselves

Dr Thu emphasises, “When treating breast cancer patients, my concern is not only their physical health but also the emotional impact when a woman loses her breasts, a symbol of beauty and femininity.”

However busy life is, women should make time for their health. Regular breast screening is a practical act of self-care.

“Going for breast checks and screening is not about fear or anxiety but about adopting a proactive and empowered approach to life,” Dr Thu shares.

FV Hospital is among the few hospitals in Vietnam with a dedicated Breast Care Centre. The centre delivers comprehensive breast care services from screening and accurate diagnosis to advanced multimodal treatment. With a team of doctors each with over 20 years of experience in breast care and treatment, combined with modern medical equipment, FV provides precise diagnostic tools that help detect abnormalities at the earliest stages.

Patient attending a regular breast check-up at FV Hospital.

The FV Breast Care Centre is fully equipped with modern screening technology:

• The most advanced ultrasound system: detects lesions as small as 3 mm.
• 3D mammography (latest-generation): increases breast cancer detection rates by up to 40%.
• Breast MRI: one of the most sensitive current screening methods, it also detects cosmetic issues such as ruptured implants or abnormalities from breast filler injections.
• Multiple biopsy methods: if an abnormality is detected, the appropriate biopsy method, such as fine-needle, core-needle, vacuum-assisted, or marker-guided biopsy, is used to determine the exact nature of the lesion.

The FV Breast Care Centre is equipped with the most advanced technology for breast disease screening.

“Through screening, the FV Breast Care Centre has been able to detect numerous cases of breast cancer at extremely early stages, with lesions as small as 3 mm. With modern medicine, we can turn this once-dreaded disease into a manageable condition, allowing patients to maintain their health, life, career and passions without interruption,” concluded Dr Thu.

Book a consultation with Dr Phung Ngoc Thu at FV Hospital, 06 Nguyen Luong Bang, Tan My Ward (formerly District 7), Ho Chi Minh City, or call (028) 35 11 33 33. FV currently offers combined payment options for state health insurance and private insurance, FV priority member benefits, and 0% instalment plans to help reduce treatment costs.