US oncologist Hsieh Wenson visiting Vinmec Hospital Times City (Hanoi)

US oncologist Dr. Hsieh Wenson, a part time Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University, a Principal Associate at the Cancer Sciences Institute of Singapore at the National University of Singapore, and a medical oncologist at Singapore Oncology Consultants will visit Ha Noi to see Vietnam based cancer patients on July 6 and 7, 2016.

Patients can meet him at Vinmec International Hospital – Times City in Ha Noi

With more than 25 years of experience in cancer diagnostics and treatment, Dr. Wenson is a pioneer in applying advanced cancer treatment therapies, such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy and molecular biology-based treatments. In previous visits this year, Dr. Wenson provided consultations through the Vinmec network in Ha Noi and HCM City. He said, in many cases, cancer patients learned of their condition and sought treatment only at the later stages, making treatment much more expensive and less effective.

Dr. Wenson said, “The most effective way to improve outcomes in cancer is to perform regular check-ups and to treat cancer as early as possible."

According to Vinmec Hospital, its doctors screen for cancer using diagnostic imaging, blood tests including biochemical tests and cancer markers as well as endoscopy. The doctor will perform an in-depth examination according to the age, gender, family history and medical history of the patients.

Dr. Wenson (center) said: “The most effective way to improve outcomes in cancer is to perform regular check-ups and to treat cancer as early as possible."

Common cancers affecting women

The specific cancers affecting women are breast, cervical and ovarian cancers. Women are encouraged to perform a monthly breast self-examination, an annual breast ultrasound, a Pap-smear test and human papillomavirus (HPV) test every one to two years.

Vinmec doctors also advise sexually active women to have an additional annual ultrasound probe to examine their uterus and ovaries for abnormalities. Starting at the age of 40, in addition to the other examinations, women should have a mammography done every one or two years to screen for breast cancer.

Common cancers affecting men

The most common cancers in men are lung and prostate cancer. Men above the age of 50 are encouraged to check for prostate cancer with a PSA test, which is a blood test that can detect the early signs of prostate cancer. Those who smoked more than 30 packs years of cigarettes use should have a computerised tomography scan for lung cancer screening.

Common cancers affecting both genders

Gastrointestinal cancers are common to both men and women. These are cancers affecting the stomach, liver, esophagus and colon and rectum.

For stomach cancer, doctors advise patients to have an annual Pepsinogens exam, which is an indirect indicator used to assess the stomach. For colorectal cancer, doctors suggest patients 50 years old and above, especially those with a family history of the disease; to go for colonoscopy once every five years. In addition, they should have an annual stool test to check for blood in the stool. If the stool test is positive, patients will require an immediate colonoscopy.

"Age, medical history and occupation are some factors that can determine whether people are at higher risk of developing cancer than others,” Dr. Wenson said.

“Listen to your body and learn to recognise the symptoms of cancer, such as a prolonged cough, blood in the phlegm, non-menstrual bleeding and trouble with swallowing, as well as difficulty urinating, breast lumps, enlarged body glands and abnormal weight loss," he said.

Dr. Wenson tells people to get a consultation and check-up if they notice any of these signs. People with a family history of certain cancers such as breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancers are at a higher risk of developing these cancer, so they may need earlier and more intensive clinical examinations.

“When patients get a check-up, doctors will recommend specific tests as well as the frequency of the tests on a case by case basis," Dr. Wenson said.