FV Pink Ribbon Day: Spreading Hope and Supporting the Fight to Overcome Breast Cancer

On 24 October, FV Hospital was filled with the warm and hopeful colour of pink as hundreds of guests, including patients, family members, doctors and healthcare staff, joined the “Pink Ribbon Day: Caring for Breast Health” event. This annual activity is part of FV’s ongoing commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reinforcing the message: “Prevention and early detection are the keys to defeating breast cancer.”

From early morning, FV Hospital’s corridors were filled with shades of pink. Small ribbons were worn on participants’ chests, bright smiles lit up every corner, and social media began to fill with #FVPinkRibbonDay and #NgayHoiNoHongFV — each post a small expression of optimism and belief in recovery. More than a simple awareness campaign, Pink Ribbon Day at FV is a reminder of the importance of self-care and proactive health screening, because every woman deserves to be healthy and happy.

FV Hospital turned pink as hundreds of patients and staff came together to spread the message of hope.

A highlight of the day was the talk show “Breast Health Care: What Every Woman Should Know”, featuring three leading experts: Dr Phung Ngoc Thu, Specialist Level I and Head of the Breast Care Centre; Dr Basma M’Barek, Head of Hy Vong Cancer Care Centre; and Dr Vo Ngoc Tu, Plastic Surgeon at FV Lifestyle Clinic. In an open and supportive atmosphere, the doctors not only shared valuable medical insights but also real-life stories, offering reassurance and encouragement to women in the audience.

The talk provided practical knowledge to help women better understand how to care for and value their health.

Dr Phung Ngoc Thu opened with the story of a healthy middle-aged woman who, thanks to regular screening, discovered a 4 mm tumour at stage 0. She required only conservative surgery, and no chemotherapy or complex treatment, and was able to return to normal life. “That’s the clearest proof of the power of screening,” Dr Thu said. “Regular check-ups are not about fear, but about caring for yourself so you can live longer with those you love.”

Dr Phung Ngoc Thu shares a real-life story about a patient who detected breast cancer early and underwent a simple, successful treatment.

Next, Dr Basma M’Barek, who has more than 25 years of oncology experience in Europe and Vietnam, emphasised that breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. With personalised treatment, multidisciplinary collaboration and modern technology, patients can manage their disease and continue to live full, healthy lives. “Early detection allows for much lighter treatment,” she said. “Some of my patients complete treatment and continue working, caring for their families and enjoying life – and no one would ever guess they once had cancer.”

Dr Basma M’Barek affirms that breast cancer can be completely cured when it is found early through regular screening.

The most touching moment came when Dr Vo Ngoc Tu shared her personal experience of supporting her mother through a five-year battle with breast cancer. “I’ve treated many patients, but when I received my mother’s diagnosis, my heart stopped. Only then did I truly understand their fear and strength,” she said. “Love the women around you. Get screened early, so you can have more time with them.”

Dr Vo Ngoc Tu shares her five-year journey supporting her mother in the fight against breast cancer.

To close the event, guests took part in a symbolic ceremony, opening pink umbrellas together to form a giant ribbon, representing unity and hope. Seen from above, the bright pink ribbon reflected FV’s message: “Together, we will overcome breast cancer.”

Attendee Ms Thuy Ha, 39, from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “The stories and insights from the doctors really touched my heart. I realised that screening is not just a responsibility to myself, but a gift to my family.”

The pink umbrella display symbolised FV’s commitment to standing with Vietnamese women in breast cancer prevention and treatment.

For more than two decades, FV’s team of experts has been dedicated to supporting women across Vietnam in the fight against breast cancer. Each year, Pink Ribbon Day reinforces a message of compassion, hope, and resilience, and reminds every woman that she is cared for and supported at every stage of her journey.