Vietnamese doctors participating in the program in Laos (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Laos)
The program is carried out by K Hospital, Vietnam National Cancer Institute in collaboration with Cancer Centre under the Friendship Hospital, Mother and Child Hospital, and Mahosot Hospital of Laos.
The delegation of Vietnamese doctors has brought modern machines and equipment for medical examination and treatment, such as ultrasound machine, X-ray machine and microscopes.
Doctor Snong Thongsna, Director of Lao Friendship Hospital, said that in recent years, cancer has developed rapidly in the world, in Asia as well as in Laos. Most Lao women have no awareness of the disease and they are often diagnosed only when the disease is advanced, making treatment difficult. Therefore, the program will help Lao women to detect and promptly treat the cancer.
“Vietnamese doctors are very virtuous. They said that I only have mild inflammation and give me free medicines. This program should be maintained because it is very good for women. Every year, women should have health exams one or two times to know how their health is, if the disease is found early, the treatment will be effective," said Ms. Thongkhune Sengcharon from Xaythani district.
Doctor Nguyen Ba Tinh, Deputy Head of Vietnam Young Physicians’ Association, Head of the delegation, said that the doctors sent to Laos this time are all experts, who firmly grasp basic knowledge of cancer screening, as well as have experience in research of breast and cervical cancers.
He said that the program aimed to communicate and mobilize Lao women to carry out periodic health examination, especially free screening for breast and cervical cancers for early detection and timely treatment.
The doctor added that the incidence of breast and cervical cancers in the world, as well as in Vietnam and Laos, is rather large, so early screening is very important. If breast cancer is detected early, they can be cured completely. Participating in the program, each Lao woman is examined and given ultrasound free of charge. For suspected cases, they will take mammogram and have surgery for biopsy on the spot in order to detect cancer early.
If time allows, the Vietnamese doctors can arrange surgeries for some cases in Vientiane or exchange more expertise with the Lao doctors about optimal treatment methods.
In addition, they will also discuss about training for health workers of Laos, as well as support the country with equipment for medical examination and treatment./.