A Journey of Hope and Resilience
Nguyen Dinh Cuong, a 65-year-old man from Khanh Hoa Province, has faced one of the most challenging battles of his life—fighting esophageal cancer. His journey has been marked by a combination of personal strength, medical advancements, and unwavering family support. Through this experience, he has learned that optimism, proper nutrition, light physical activity, trust in modern medicine, and the encouragement of loved ones are essential components in overcoming illness.
Cuong’s story was shared during the Alo Doctor program on June 29, where it was discussed alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vuong Dinh Thy Hao, Deputy Head of the Department of Chemoradiotherapy at Cho Ray Hospital’s Oncology Center in Ho Chi Minh City. Cuong first noticed symptoms of dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, in July 2024. After an initial diagnosis at a local hospital, he was referred to Cho Ray for further treatment.
The diagnosis had a profound impact on his family. As his condition worsened, he became unable to eat normally, leading to significant weight loss. The atmosphere in their home shifted from one filled with laughter during meals to one overshadowed by fear and anxiety.
“Before, our home was filled with laughter during meals. Now, it’s silent, overshadowed by the fear of cancer,” Cuong shared, describing the contrast as a clear blue sky turning gray.
Despite these challenges, Cuong and his wife made the long journey of over 500 kilometers for treatment. After a year, his condition improved dramatically. He went from being unable to swallow even water to consuming soft foods like bananas and thin porridge, and even drinking a full glass of orange juice.
The frequent trips between Khanh Hoa and Ho Chi Minh City, along with the psychological toll of cancer, took a toll on his physical and mental health. He lost weight and felt persistent fatigue. However, he and his family remained committed to evidence-based medicine, avoiding unproven treatments.
“I believe optimism, proper nutrition, gentle physical activity, faith in modern medicine, and family support are the five keywords to overcoming illness,” Cuong said.
Understanding Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is known for its poor prognosis and the challenges it presents in treatment. Common symptoms include dysphagia, odynophagia (painful swallowing), and anorexia. Tumors often block the esophagus, initially causing mild swallowing difficulties and regurgitation, which can progress to complete inability to eat, leading to severe malnutrition.
Due to its rapid progression, esophageal cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, with patients often presenting chronic malnutrition, anemia, and profound fatigue. This complicates treatment and increases costs. High relapse rates require aggressive early intervention.
According to Globocan 2022, esophageal cancer ranks 12th among common cancers in Vietnam. The country lies within a high-incidence belt alongside China and South Korea, which together account for over 50% of global cases. The disease predominantly affects males, with risk factors including heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco use.
Advances in Treatment
To combat esophageal cancer, multiple treatment modalities have emerged: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy (notably immune checkpoint inhibitors), and surgery. New techniques like endoscopic resection for early tumors and robot-assisted surgery have also been introduced.
When diagnosed early, surgery combined with adjuvant therapy offers potential cure and survival extension. Advanced or recurrent cases require systemic therapies.
In Cuong’s case, tumor location prevented surgery. Initial radiotherapy showed limited response, so systemic treatment combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy was initiated. After several cycles, he experienced significant symptom relief and a favorable response as assessed by physicians.
Dr. Hao notes immunotherapy provides new hope. It enables white blood cells to identify and destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. When combined with chemotherapy, the treatments act synergistically to enhance efficacy.
“Patients must understand their diagnosis and trust modern medicine. This improves success rates, allows use of the golden treatment window, and enhances quality of life,” Dr. Hao emphasizes.
Cuong echoes this view, acknowledging no treatment guarantees a cure but stressing trust in science.
“My family and I follow doctors’ advice rigorously, keep appointments, and never miss check-ups. If doctors give their best, we must do the same,” he says.