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At the 2023 APHA Annual Meeting and Expo this week, doctoral student Thinh Vu was presented with the Cancer Public Health Student Award by the APHA Cancer Forum. Vu was honored for his dedication to improving the health of marginalized communities and his growing involvement in cancer public health research and leadership.
“I am humbled and grateful for this recognition,” says Vu. “My cancer public health research started when witnessing my sister’s struggles with colon cancer. Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in both cancer patients and their caregivers. However, mental health-related resources are scarce in my home country of Vietnam, and the unmet need for depression treatment is unacceptably large. I came to the U.S. to learn more about health interventions at the community level and how to improve mental health accessibility by implementing mental health task sharing. I am honored to receive this award and hope to continue my research and make a difference in our communities both here and back home in Vietnam.”
Thinh Vu’s 2022 CEESP-funded study, published in the prestigious Psycho-Oncology journal, examined the intricate factors influencing the quality of cancer care and services in Vietnam. The study shed light on the mental health challenges faced by cancer patients, highlighting the urgent need for integrated mental health services in oncology treatment approaches. The insights gathered from this research can guide public health officials in offering effective and accessible mental health care to cancer patients, particularly in low-resource areas, both in Vietnam and globally. Additionally, the study highlighted the critical role of family caregivers in Asian cultures, who provide emotional, physical, and financial support and make important healthcare decisions for cancer patients.
Building on his 2022 research, Thinh Vu continued his investigations in the summer of 2023, focusing on mental health aspects such as depression, anxiety, and resilience, as well as the preparedness, readiness, and burden experienced by family caregivers. His commitment to advocating for cancer patients and their families is commendable, and he tirelessly seeks opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.
