Cancer Wellness Program for Vietnam

Cancer patients after surgical interventions not only endure physical pain caused by treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy but also face severe mental stress. They are often anxious, even depressed, due to the pressure of recovery and the fear of relapse. Providing large-scale mental health care for cancer patients remains an unsolved issue in Vietnam.

Three years ago, the “Cancer Wellness Program” was established, led by Dr. Huyen Nguyen, an Assistant Professor at the College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, with professional support from the Australian Women’s Wellness Research Program and the VinUni-Illinois Smart Health Center (VISHC). This program was developed to offer comprehensive healthcare for cancer patients in Vietnam through digital medical interventions. In brief, the patients’ health and psychological data are collected via a mobile digital platform and smart wearable devices. This data is then analyzed, and personalized practices are recommended to modify behaviors and lifestyles, optimizing the treatment and recovery process after cancer (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. The user interface of the application, developed by the team under the name IcanManage, offers the ability to connect with smart wearable devices to collect and display key health metrics. It then helps alert users when certain indicators are abnormal or exceed thresholds. The app also provides personalized exercises tailored to the patient’s condition and facilitates communication between patients and doctors. Additionally, the app offers a reliable medical knowledge system for patients to consult when necessary.

By joining the program, participants undergo a 12-week course that incorporates various methods to improve their mood, reduce anxiety, enhance sleep quality, and boost mental health. Additionally, they receive direct support and counseling from healthcare professionals and psychologists. Cancer patients interested in participating in the program can reach out to us.

• Eligibility: Women currently undergoing or who have completed cancer treatment
• Registration period: September 1, 2024 – December 30, 2024
• Scan the QR code or register via this link.

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