Prof. Dr. Tran Van Huy

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Huy, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Gastroenterology and Director of the Gastroenterology–Endoscopy Center at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, shared his thoughts with Hue Today Weekly on this issue.

Prof. Huy stated: Gastric and colorectal cancers - and gastrointestinal cancers in general - when detected early, are tumors confined to the mucosal or submucosal layers of the stomach or colon, without deep invasion or metastasis. At this stage, patients usually have no clear symptoms, so the disease is easily overlooked without proactive screening.

Who should undergo early screening, Professor? What are the benefits of early diagnosis of gastric and colorectal cancer?

People over 40 (for gastric cancer screening) or over 45 (for colorectal cancer screening) who have risk factors such as chronic gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, colon polyps, or a family history of gastrointestinal cancers should undergo periodic screening with endoscopy. In particular, patients with chronic gastritis accompanied by precancerous lesions - such as atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, or dysplasia - should be monitored regularly with closer endoscopic follow-up.

Screening for gastric and colorectal cancers using the latest-generation endoscopy system has just been introduced at the Gastroenterology–Endoscopy Center, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital 

Early diagnosis of gastric and colorectal cancers offers enormous benefits. At this stage, lesions can be completely removed endoscopically using advanced techniques such as Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), without the need for open surgery or chemotherapy, preserving stomach and colon, with recovery time is quick, and the prognosis is excellent. Many patients are completely cured and return to normal life.

What conditions are necessary for the early diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers?

We need a team of gastroenterology endoscopists who are well-trained and continually updated on knowledge and experience in early cancer detection, along with a thorough, standardized endoscopy protocol. In addition, next-generation endoscopy systems with dye-based imaging, magnification, and artificial intelligence integration greatly support early diagnosis. At the Gastroenterology–Endoscopy Center of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, we are fully equipped with systems that integrate all three of these functions.

The Gastroenterology–Endoscopy Center of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital is a pioneer in this field. Professor, could you share more about the modern techniques and equipment currently applied at the center for the diagnosis and treatment of early gastrointestinal cancers?

We were the first unit in Vietnam to successfully treat early-stage gastric cancer using Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) 12 years ago. With modern, synchronized endoscopy equipment and a team of doctors trained both domestically and abroad, the center has contributed to the effective diagnosis and treatment of nearly 100 cases of early gastric and colorectal cancers. In August 2025, the center introduced the latest-generation endoscopy system for early detection of gastric and colorectal cancers, enhancing the quality of screening, diagnosis, and treatment of early gastrointestinal cancers, and providing patients with the best opportunities through early detection and minimally invasive treatment.

What are the standout advantages of the new endoscopy system, Professor?

This system produces images with very high contrast and mucosal detail, helping detect even subtle changes in the mucosal surface and blood vessels. It also integrates BLI (Blue Light Imaging) and LCI (Linked Color Imaging) technologies, which clarify microvascular and mucosal structures and highlight minor differences between lesions and healthy mucosa, thereby aiding in the early detection of dysplastic lesions and very early-stage cancers. The endoscope is also equipped with optical magnification, allowing detailed observation of microvascular and microsurface patterns, which helps doctors accurately target biopsy sites and reduce missed lesions.

Gastric and colorectal cancers are a major health burden in Vietnam. Most patients are diagnosed late, which leads to high mortality rates. To improve this situation, it is necessary to raise public awareness, expand screening programs for at-risk groups, and increase access to early diagnosis at healthcare facilities. Early diagnosis is the “golden key” to reducing the burden of gastrointestinal cancers in the future.

What recommendations do you have for preventing gastric and colorectal cancers, Professor?

A proper diet and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal cancers.

We should eat plenty of green vegetables and fresh fruits to provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. Limit red meat and processed meats (such as sausages, smoked meat, canned meat), as well as reduce salt, salty foods, and fermented dishes. Prioritize whole grains, legumes, and add probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt to help maintain a balanced gut microbiota.

In addition, everyone should adopt a healthy lifestyle: avoid smoking, limit drinking alcohol, and maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

Thank you, Professor!

By Ngoc Ha (Interviewer)