By Annie Do
I remember going with my mom to one of her yearly mammogram appointments to translate for her. It had been four years since her last mammogram screening, not because she didn’t want one, but because the bills were expensive and she didn’t feel it was necessary since she didn’t know the reasoning behind it.
When the doctor came into the room, she emphasized the importance of scheduling her yearly exams because my mom was at an age considered to be at higher risk. My mom smiled and agreed, but I knew there were different thoughts behind that smile. She is an immigrant from Vietnam, and there weren’t many resources that informed her about the importance of yearly screenings and the risks of breast cancer. She was also in a low-income household, which created a large barrier to educating herself, as she wanted to prioritize making a living for herself and her family. My mom’s story is not uncommon. This is a universal issue that is prevalent to this day. It reveals a prominent issue that involves a growing population of breast cancer rates that are rising due to socioeconomic barriers that prevent women from having access to life-saving screenings. They deserve the right to have universal access to these resources, which involves providing information about the effects of breast cancer. They should not have to worry about the costs of screenings, and a healthcare program would be best in providing access.
Breast cancer risk increases for women who are 40 and older. Because the disease affects such a large population, women in higher- income countries are also at risk, but have much greater access to early detection services. Procedures like routine mammograms and early detection resources are normalized and promoted. This population is generally more aware and educated when it comes to the risk of breast cancer and the benefits of early detection. In contrast, there is a major difference in access to these screening programs in a lower- income country like Vietnam.
In Vietnam, this form of care is seen as a luxury rather than a necessity.
Studies show the rate of breast cancer has increased over the past 30 years in Vietnam from 1990 to 2020. Even with the technological advancements throughout the years, resources have not been able to be allocated to Vietnam to increase its ability for early detection. I found myself starting to worry about how the needs of these women will be met, or if it’s going to happen at all. This is an issue that requires greater awareness and attention. With the lack of improvement, we risk falling further behind, and this lack of progress is costing lives.
The current systems that are implemented make it difficult for women in Vietnam to take a stance on their health. One of the main barriers that come into play is cost. Due to the unclear frameworks of insurance in Vietnam, like the different forms of insurance plans, this can affect how hospital billing may occur, making out-of-pocket expenses a main issue. Despite having insurance, there are still financial concerns that can prevent women from wanting to take action and schedule their routine screenings.
These women deserve full access to routine screenings, whether through free screening programs or actively expanding affordable care. To accommodate the women living in more rural areas, implementing mobile screening programs could greatly improve access. Using vans or other forms of mammogram transportation would bring screening directly to communities, workplaces, and underserved rural areas. With easier access, women may be more inclined to take action.
The process will be slow and it will take time, but it is needed to ensure healthier lives for all.
Annie Do is a third-year student at the University of Washington in Seattle, studying Public Health-Global Health.
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