Facing Cancer: The Unique Challenges of Young Patients”.

Last year, Thuy Linh, 32, was devastated when she was diagnosed with thyroid papillary carcinoma on the day her son turned one year old. The mother from Dong Da discovered unusual signs during a routine health check and was rushed to Hanoi Medical University Hospital for a biopsy. The result was metastatic cancer, which had spread to the lymph nodes.

The news came as a shock to Linh, who believed that cancer was a disease of the elderly. However, recent studies show an increase in cancer diagnosis among young people. As someone with a healthy lifestyle, regularly exercising, eating lots of fiber, and limiting sugar and fast food, Linh struggled to accept her diagnosis.

When she received the same results from three other hospitals, the financial burden of cancer treatment became even more daunting. The targeted medicine recommended by the doctor came with a cost of up to hundreds of millions of dong or even billions, not covered by health insurance. Linh worried about how she would support her aging parents in the countryside while undergoing treatment.

Similarly, Hai Anh, a marketing employee in his early thirties, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. His dream of finding a suitable partner and starting a family were shattered when he received the news. Despite undergoing treatment and surgery, he struggled with the physical and emotional toll of cancer.

Young cancer patients face unique challenges in their studies, careers and mental health. They are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety due to their diagnosis and treatment side effects. They also face financial burdens due to high cost treatments and medications not covered by health insurance. Health professionals emphasize the importance of mental health support and education on treatment side effects for young cancer patients to navigate their journey towards recovery and healing.

In conclusion, young cancer patients need comprehensive support to overcome their challenges related to mental health struggles and financial burdens. By raising awareness about this issue and improving access to care for young cancer patients