The health ministry yesterday asked health departments nationwide to inspect business units that sell and advertise test sticks for quick detection of cancer.

A sample of the "cancer test stick" available in the market. The health ministry has asked departments to supply accurate information to help people clearly understand the true worth of these products. — Photo dantri.com.vn

The action is aimed at preventing false advertisements of the effect of test sticks that are now available in the market, which claim 99 per cent correct detection of cancer such as of the breast, lung, liver or pancreas.

Nguyen Minh Tuan, director of health equipment-building department under the health ministry, said only two medical sticks were allowed to be sold in the market with the department's permission.

The two licensed products -- Bioline AFP and SD Bioline CEA -- are used for quick detection of some substances related to cancer, Tuan said.

They are not used for diagnosing cancer, he said.

The ministry would coordinate with the inspection unit to review the advertisements and product information, Tuan said.

Dr Tran Van Thuan, deputy director of K (cancer) Hospital, said a person has to go hospital for examination and essential tests to confirm whether he has cancer or not.

The ministry has also asked health departments to supply accurate information to help people understand the true worth of these products.

VNS