Professor Fran Boyle presents at the Women in Vietnam conference

To celebrate Vietnamese Women’s Day on 20 October, leaders of international groups, researchers and social activists from across Vietnam and Australia came together for the Women in Vietnam conference.

Held in Ho Chi Minh city on 16 October, the conference discussed women’s issues in modern society, including gender equality, healthcare, leadership, human trafficking, and domestic violence.

Organised by the Australian Consulate General, the aim of the conference is to enhance participants’ understanding of the importance of women’s representation in leadership, of women’s critical role in the economy, and highlight health and wellbeing challenges facing women. Conference speakers shared their experience and expertise on two main themes:

• women in leadership and mentoring women
• women’s health and wellbeing 

At the conference, Professor Fran Boyle spoke on a panel discussion about breast cancer and maternal health. She was joined by Dr To Mai Xuan Hong from University of Medicine and Pharmacy Ho Chi Minh City, Dr Phuong Viet The Tran from Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital, and Dr Dinh Thi Nhuan from Marie Stopes Vietnam.

Attendees who contributed to the discussion included Dr Phan Thi Hang, Vice Director Hung Vuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dr Nguyen Van Cau, Vice Head of Department of Oncology of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

While in Vietnam, Professor Boyle also spoke at a workshop on breast cancer management organised by the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital. Before 60 doctors at the hospital, Fran provided an overview of endocrine treatment in HR (+) breast cancer.

Fran also had a discussion on HER2 treatment in breast cancer patients in (neo)adjuvant setting. HCMC Oncology Hospital staff, Dr Tran Nguyen Ha also presented an update on the hospital’s chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer.