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FREE BREAST CANCER TREATMENT – A JOURNEY OF HOPE THROUGH LOVE AND MEDICINE

FREE BREAST CANCER TREATMENT – A JOURNEY OF HOPE THROUGH LOVE AND MEDICINE

15/07/2025

"At American International Hospital (AIH), we don't just treat cancer. We accompany patients to give hope and new life to cancer patients" shared Dr. Mai Thanh Cuc, Spe-cialist Level II, Oncology Department, after successfully treating a very early-stage breast cancer case for Ms. N.T.M (52 years old, Ho Chi Minh City). 

This special case had the cost of mastecto-my sponsored, as part of the community program: "1,000 free consultations and 12 free surgeries for cancer patients" imple-mented by AIH.

A chance discovery leads to a turning point in life

With a habit of regular self-breast examinations, Ms. N.T.M (52 years old, HCMC) noticed an abnormal lump in her left breast and unexpectedly, it was the first sign of a dangerous disease – breast cancer, the most common type of cancer among Vietnamese women. At a medical facility prior to this, she underwent fine needle aspiration (FNA). The results showed mammary gland carcinoma. With a family history of cancer, she understood she couldn't wait any longer.

With faith in modern medicine, she went to American International Hospital (AIH) for specialized consultation and treatment. Therein, the results of a contrast-enhanced breast MRI showed: three lesions in the left breast, measuring 18 mm x 8 mm; 10 mm; and 10 mm respectively, with irregular margins – one of the characteristic signs of a malignant lesion.

Core biopsy confirmed "Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) grade 3" – a non-invasive form of cancer but predicted to have a rapid growth rate and a risk of spreading if not treated promptly. 

Furthermore, with a family history of colon cancer in her father, prostate cancer in her maternal grandfather, and lung cancer in both her aunt and uncle, Dr. Mai Thanh Cuc, an Oncologist Level II, assessed Ms. N.T.M as belonging to a high-risk genetic group. She was advised to undergo comprehensive genetic mutation testing for hereditary cancer risk (BRCA1; BRCA2; PTEN; STK11; TP53; CDH1; PALB2; MLH1; MSH2; APC) to help the doctor individualize the prognosis and develop a suitable long-term follow-up strategy. 

The results showed no signs of pathogenic variants that increase the risk of hereditary breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer among the 10 genes surveyed. However, these results do not completely rule out the possibility of developing other hereditary cancer syndromes. Additionally, cancer can originate from non-hereditary factors such as age, lifestyle, diet, passive smoking, environment, and random gene mutations contributing to cancer.

The team of doctors at the Oncology - General Surgery Center at AIH conducted a multi-disciplinary consultation (Oncology, Surgery, Pathology, Diagnostic Imaging, Anesthesiology) to comprehensively evaluate, not only based on images and histological nature, but also considering family factors, age, risk of invasive cancer development, along with aesthetic desires and quality of life to provide a personalized and optimal treatment direction for the patient.

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The doctors decided to perform a skin-sparing mastectomy with nipple-areola preservation, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and breast reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi flap, completely removing the in situ cancerous lesion, eliminating the risk of progression to invasive cancer while ensuring breast aesthetics and integrity.

Dr. Cuc stated that not all cases of stage 0 breast cancer require mastectomy. However, for this patient – who has a family history of cancer, a potential risk of hereditary cancer, histopathology belonging to grade 3, and HER2 positive 3+, the risk of the disease progressing to invasive cancer is high, and the risk of recurrence is high, so this choice is appropriate for the patient's condition.

The surgical process went smoothly, and the frozen section result of sentinel lymph node biopsy was negative, with no cancer cells detected. At the same time, the resected specimen was dissected and mapped directly in the operating room. The final histopathology result: Comedo - DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) - high-grade comedo-type ductal carcinoma in situ. P63+.

The surgery was successfully performed, completely removing the cancerous lesion and aesthetically reconstructing the left breast. Thanks to very early diagnosis, Ms. N.T.M was fortunate not to have to undergo aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy – which often cause significant physical and mental effects on patients.

Cancer treatment is no longer a fear

Ms. N.T.M shared that when she heard she had breast cancer, she couldn't help but feel bewildered. Treatment at an international hospital seemed like a distant dream for her and her family. However, a serendipitous opportunity opened a new path when she learned about the free breast cancer consultation and treatment program at American International Hospital (AIH). Without hesitation, she registered to participate and was surprised when the entire treatment and surgical process proceeded more quickly and smoothly than expected.

“My family feels incredibly fortunate and satisfied with the treatment journey at American International Hospital (AIH). From the very first consultations, I regained my spirits thanks to the dedication and professionalism of the medical team. I was directly treated by highly skilled and experienced doctors in the field of breast cancer. Especially, Dr. Cuc and the doctors at the Oncology Center were not only a professional support but also a huge source of spiritual encouragement, helping me firmly overcome the difficult period," shared Ms. N.T.M about her treatment journey at AIH.

What gave her the most strength was the image of her 90-year-old father, who had previously overcome colon cancer and is now still healthy and lucid. "I learned strength from my father. He is an example of resilience, optimism, and never surrenders to illness", Ms. N.T.M emotionally stated.

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Proactive screening – a crucial turning point in the journey against breast cancer

According to Dr. Mai Thanh Cuc, Specialist Level II in Oncology, women are now paying more attention to breast health and have a clearer understanding of breast cancer. The first step in proactive screening is breast self-examination, which helps detect even the smallest abnormal changes early.

In addition, women aged 40 and older should undergo regular mammograms. This is an important method for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. Especially for those with a family history of breast cancer, screening should be done earlier than the recommended age. In some necessary cases, doctors may order a breast MRI for a more in-depth evaluation.

Therefore, raising public awareness about breast cancer, especially the importance of early detection, remains extremely necessary. The case of Ms. N.T.M is a clear illustration. From just a slight, unusual feeling of tightness or pain in her chest, she did not take it lightly, quickly went for an examination, and thanks to that, the disease was detected at a very early stage, when the cancer had not yet gone.

Dr. Cuc also recommends that all women aged 40 and above, or those with risk factors (family history of breast cancer, carrying BRCA1/2 genes, etc.), should undergo annual screening. This proactive approach not only helps with early detection but also opens the door to easier recovery, which is less invasive, and less physically and mentally damaging.

At American International Hospital (AIH), the screening process is enhanced in accuracy through the application of specialized breast MRI, which is one of the most modern techniques currently available for early diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer with high accuracy.

  • Utilizing a dedicated signal receiver (coil) from Siemens – specifically designed for breast tissue, which helps reduce noise, increase resolution, and significantly improve image quality.

  • Absolutely safe – non-invasive, no radiation used, suitable even for people with dense breast tissue or those who have had surgery.

  • Performed by a team of experienced diagnostic imaging doctors and multidisciplinary coordination at AIH. 

FREE CANCER SCREENING WITH A TEAM OF JAPANESE PROFESSORS AT AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL (AIH)

To control and contribute to the fight against cancer in Vietnam, American International Hospital (AIH) officially launched the program "1,000 free consultation and examination sessions and 12 free surgical cases for cancer patients" in 2025, aiming to support patients with cancer or suspected cancer of the breast, thyroid, lung, and digestive system to access high-quality medical services right in Vietnam. Patients will have their health assessed, receive appropriate treatment regimen consultations, and be guided on the next steps in the treatment process. Specifically, the program will support 12 cancer patients with surgical indications to receive free treatment. 

To participate in the "1,000 free consultation and examination sessions and 12 free surgical cases for cancer patients" program in 2025 at AIH, patients can register via the cancer dedicated website: ungthu.aih.com.vn or Hotline (028) 3910 9999.

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☎Hotline: (028) 3910 9999 
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