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Life Tips 10/07/2025 00:28

A 33-year-old woman with metastatic canc3r is healthy 3 years later thanks to consistently doing one thing: "If I'd waited longer, things would be different."

Stunned after receiving the health check results, the 33-year-old woman still felt fortunate because she had detected the dangerous disease in time and still had a chance for treatment.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure — A Life-Saving Reminder
The age-old wisdom “prevention is better than cure” still holds true today. Yet, many people fail to act on it until it's nearly too late. In Vietnam, routine health check-ups are often overlooked, especially by those juggling demanding jobs and family responsibilities. The story of Nguyen Thi Nga, a 33-year-old office worker in Ho Chi Minh City, is a powerful example of why proactive health care is essential.
When Early Symptoms Go Ignored
Back in 2022, just six months after giving birth to her first child, Nga began experiencing subtle changes in her health. Her voice turned hoarse, her throat felt irritated, and she occasionally struggled to swallow — as if something was stuck. Caught in the whirlwind of raising a baby, working full-time, and managing household tasks, she dismissed these symptoms as typical postnatal fatigue, hormonal shifts, or simply stress.

“At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I figured I’d wait a few months to see if it improved. I was exhausted and overwhelmed — visiting a doctor was the last thing on my mind,” she recalled.

This tendency to ignore health signals is common. Experts warn that many people in Vietnam only seek medical help when symptoms become severe, which can make treatment more complicated and costly. Fortunately, Nga’s company had an annual health check policy — and that routine screening ended up changing her life.
A Shocking Discovery During a Routine Check-Up
During a company-organized medical exam in December 2022, an ultrasound of Nga’s thyroid revealed an unusual hypoechoic nodule. The doctor recommended a follow-up with an endocrinologist for a more detailed assessment. But preoccupied and still assuming the issue was minor, Nga hesitated.
Life continued as usual — caring for her child, maintaining a regular routine, and going to bed early. Since she wasn’t experiencing any acute discomfort, she disregarded the doctor’s advice.
It wasn’t until her next annual check-up — half a year later — that things took a serious turn. A new ultrasound revealed a suspicious nodule on the left thyroid lobe, classified as TIRADS 4 (Korean 2021 criteria), along with swollen lymph nodes on both sides of level VI — signs of potential metastasis. The endocrinologist quickly realized the urgency and advised immediate surgery.

“When the doctor broke the news, I was in complete shock. I never imagined those minor symptoms could be the early signs of something so serious. The cancer had already started to spread. I couldn’t help but blame myself for not acting sooner,” Nga said.

Facing the Disease Head-On
Fortunately, doctors confirmed that Nga’s condition was still treatable.
Thyroid cancer occurs when cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow uncontrollably. If left unchecked, the tumor can expand and press on nearby organs. Among the various types of thyroid cancer, papillary and follicular carcinoma — which together make up over 70% of cases — are typically curable. However, medullary thyroid cancer tends to spread quickly and is much harder to treat. The cancer commonly metastasizes to lymph nodes, the shoulder blades, and pelvic bones.
Nga was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer, which has a high treatment success rate. She underwent surgery to remove her entire thyroid. Two weeks post-operation, she was on the mend and recovering well.

“The doctors said I was lucky it hadn’t spread further. If I had waited longer, the outcome might’ve been very different,” she reflected.

Following her surgery, Nga adhered strictly to medical instructions — from diet to follow-up visits. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, her health remained stable. Today, she leads a normal life, and to most people, she looks like someone who has never battled a serious illness.

“I’m incredibly grateful for that health screening. Without it, I might not have caught the disease early. It saved my life,” she said.

The Importance of Proactive Health Care
Nga’s experience is a crucial reminder that our health is our most valuable asset, and yet it's often neglected in the rush of daily life. According to healthcare professionals, undergoing routine check-ups once or twice a year is the best way to detect issues early — especially silent conditions like thyroid cancer, which often show no clear symptoms at first.
Far too many patients only go to the hospital when their illness has progressed significantly, making treatment more challenging and expensive. Preventive screenings not only enable early diagnosis but also save time, money, and preserve quality of life.
Now, Nga encourages her entire family to get checked regularly.

“I want my loved ones to realize how important their health is. Just taking a small amount of time each year for a check-up can help avoid serious health issues later on,” she emphasized.

Her story is a call to action for all of us: don’t wait for your body to cry out before you listen. Prioritize regular medical screenings — not just for yourself, but also for those you care about. What seems like a small habit today could pave the way for a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life tomorrow.

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