Having breast cancer but not going to the hospital for treatment, instead opting for honeybee stings at home, the woman in Ho Chi Minh City has to bear the heavy consequences as the tumor complicates and metastasizes to many places.
Recently, P.N.T. (42 years old, from Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City) visited the hospital for an examination in a critical condition, with her right breast severely ulcerated, penetrating the chest wall, and filled with infected abscesses that caused excruciating pain.

According to her mother's account, two years ago, T. discovered a hard lump in her breast. She sought medical attention and was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer that had metastasized. The doctors recommended hospitalization for treatment, but due to some psychological disorders, she fled from the hospital.
Despite the family's continuous encouragement, T. refused to undergo any treatment at the hospital. With all their efforts unsuccessful, the family turned to online sources for home remedies, where they came across information suggesting that bee venom could help eliminate cancer cells within 24 hours by stinging the breasts.
Hopeful for a cure, the family bought dozens of honeybees and applied them to both of T.'s breasts. However, instead of improving, the condition worsened, with the right breast swelling, oozing pus, and causing increasing pain.
T. resorted to using a razor blade to drain the pus from her breast. Unfortunately, the wound deepened, and the infection spread to the chest wall, causing bleeding. It wasn't until the pain became unbearable that T. and her family sought help from the hospital.
After thorough examination and tests, the oncologists confirmed that T. had advanced bilateral breast cancer with metastasis to the lymph nodes in the armpit and neck.
The surgical team decided to perform an operation to address the infected breast tumor, which posed a risk of sepsis, significant blood loss, and could threaten her life.
Dr. Pham Anh Tu, a specialist and member of the surgical team, stated that the patient's breast tumor was at a severe stage, with deep ulceration and infection. The surgery lasted five hours, during which the team not only removed the two breasts but also tried to stretch the skin to cover the chest wall due to the extensive invasion of the tumor.
"This was a complicated surgery. While performing the procedure, we had to be cautious to prevent excessive blood loss. We did our utmost to save her life and extend her survival," said Dr. Tu.
After the surgery, T. began to recover, with her condition stabilizing, no longer feeling pain in her breasts, and returning to her regular eating and daily activities. Once her health is sufficiently stable, the medical team plans to proceed with a chemotherapy regimen to help relieve her condition and prolong her life.
From this case, doctors advise the public not to attempt self-treatment with bee stings or herbal remedies for cancer at home. These folk methods not only fail to shrink tumors but also lead to infections, ulceration, and even cause the blood vessels supplying the tumor to proliferate and rupture, leading to continuous bleeding, which could be life-threatening.
Instead, individuals who experience abnormal symptoms suggesting the presence of a tumor should visit specialized oncology hospitals for proper diagnosis and timely treatment.