The event, themed “Cervical cancer screening”, is part of the project Strengthening Provincial Health Systems funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 

At the seminar, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Xuyen said cervical cancer can be prevented and diagnosed early but is still one of the most common diseases among Vietnamese women. 

Statistics in 2010 showed that more than 5,000 women were diagnosed to have cervical cancer in Vietnam. On average, the number of new cases every year is 12,000, with around 2,500-5,600 fatalities. 

Experts focused their discussion on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test, anti-cervical cancer activities in GIZ project’s targeted provinces, different screening methods in Vietnam, as well as Thailand’s experience in the field. 

They said the best way to prevent this disease is early screening. Currently, there are three methods being applied, including Papanicolaou screening (PAP Smer), visual test using acetic acid, and HPV test. 

All the three methods are encouraged in Vietnam, especially the test using acetic acid.