Phan Thanh Minh (born 1968, Di An, HCMC) has endured a long journey battling liver cancer. Nearly seven years of challenges have taught him many lessons, including the decision not to seek treatment overseas.

Over three decades ago, Minh was diagnosed with hepatitis B but did not take the condition seriously. Without treatment or lifestyle changes, he gradually forgot about the disease, even regularly consuming alcohol.

This negligence continued until May 2018, when he began feeling unusually fatigued and sought medical attention. Doctors found his liver and spleen were swollen and prescribed medication for a month. After finishing the medication, Minh resumed his usual lifestyle.

In September 2018, the fatigue returned, prompting another visit to the doctor. The results were shocking: his hepatitis B viral load was extremely high, liver enzymes were 5-8 times above normal, and his AFP level (a marker for liver cancer) was 35, far exceeding the normal threshold of under 10. Doctors prescribed medication, but follow-up visits showed only slight improvement.

Minh then went to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in HCMC. An elastography scan showed he had reached stage F4 liver fibrosis, the most severe. Just 15 days later, further scans revealed a liver tumor measuring 17mm.

Doctors at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases confirmed “The tumor has not metastasized.” Still, the word “metastasized” cut like a knife as it was a confirmation that Minh had liver cancer. He was referred to Cho Ray Hospital for specialized treatment.

That night, Minh and his family couldn’t sleep, overwhelmed by fear. With end-stage cirrhosis and now liver cancer, he wondered how much time he had left.

In his panic, Minh considered going to Singapore for treatment, even if it meant selling a plot of land worth tens of billions of VND. However, stories from relatives who once sought cancer treatment abroad made him hesitate.

“A cousin shared that her mother-in-law was treated for liver cancer in Singapore, spending a fortune but passing away just after a short time. My sister also told me about her husband, who, despite good financial resources, didn’t achieve the desired outcome abroad. Those stories made me rethink,” Minh said.

The right choice

Minh sought a second opinion from a private hospital in HCMC. The doctor explained that Minh suffered from Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and had three options: surgery, tumor ablation (Radio-Frequency Ablation, or RFA), or chemoembolization. The doctor affirmed that Vietnam has reputable hospitals to treat HCC with significantly lower costs, and that language barriers abroad could complicate communication with doctors.

Ultimately, Minh chose treatment at Cho Ray Hospital, using health insurance to reduce the financial strain.

“There, I met many patients with inspiring stories. One man, much younger than me, had liver cancer but remained optimistic despite having a three-year-old child. Other patients with liver cancer from hepatitis B had lived over five years and were still full of resilience. Those encounters gave me the motivation to keep fighting,” Minh recalled.

He joined a group of cancer patients-singers, where members shared and encouraged each other to overcome challenges. These musical gatherings brought joy and helped him forget his illness, restoring his optimism.

Throughout his treatment, Minh strictly followed his check-up and Western medicine regimen. During moments of fatigue, he would use a slice of ginseng soaked in honey to warm his body.

Looking back, Minh feels grateful for not selling his land to seek treatment abroad.

“Many people ask me if they should go abroad for cancer treatment. I don’t advise them to go or stay, but for me, staying in Vietnam was the right choice. Despite crowded hospitals, occasional long waits, or less-than-ideal attitudes from some medical staff, I’m still happy to be alive and hopeful,” he shared.

Growing demand for high-quality healthcare services

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is seeking feedback on a draft plan to develop high-quality medical examination and treatment services and promote medical tourism, targeting foreigners and Vietnamese with the means to pay, for 2025-2030.

Currently, only a small number of public hospitals in Vietnam currently hold international quality certifications.

“This situation leads to approximately 40,000 high-income Vietnamese seeking treatment abroad each year, resulting in a loss of foreign currency,” the department noted.

In the draft decision, MOH aims to have at least 15 hospitals nationwide achieve international quality standards (JCI or equivalent) by 2030, including at least five public hospitals.

Additionally, at least five key localities (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang, Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa) will implement a medical tourism model integrating hospitals, hotels, resorts, and travel services. MOH selected these locations due to their strong tourism potential.

Phuong Thuy