Vietnam faces rapid rise in cancer cases

Vietnam is seeing a sharp rise in cancer cases, with new diagnoses nearly doubling over the past decade, underscoring the urgent need for stronger prevention strategies, wider screening programs, and expanded treatment resources

The country currently records some 180,000 cancer cases, and the figure is projected to increase by 45 percent by 2045, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.

Speaking on the sidelines of a seminar on enhancing cancer registration capacity hosted by Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital on Saturday, Dr. Vo Duc Hieu, the hospital’s deputy director, said the surge in cancer cases stems from a combination of factors.

Population aging remains the most significant driver.

As more Vietnamese enter the 50-60 age bracket, an age group at high risk of developing cancer, the overall number of cases inevitably rises.

Lifestyle changes are also contributing to increased rates of common cancers such as breast, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, lung, and esophageal cancer.

High rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, obesity, and diets high in red meat and processed foods but low in vegetables all elevate cancer risk.

Besides, environmental and occupational factors pose major threats.

Air and water pollution, agricultural chemical residues, and workplace exposures in industries involving mechanics, manufacturing, solvents, or metals are closely linked to cancers of the lung, liver, bladder, and blood.

Meanwhile, a pressing challenge is the low rate of cancer screening.

Many patients are only diagnosed at late stages, reducing treatment effectiveness and increasing costs.

The Global Cancer Observatory predicts that by 2045, the number of new cancer cases in Vietnam could rise by roughly 45 percent, with cancer-related deaths increasing by nearly 50 percent.

To confront this looming burden, the healthcare system must prepare as soon as possible.

Priority actions include expanding cancer examinations and screening programs, promoting healthy lifestyles, controlling environmental risks, and scaling up vaccination campaigns such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Broader, more accessible screening initiatives and stronger capacity at primary healthcare facilities are also essential.

Enhancing diagnostic and treatment capabilities across the healthcare network will require comprehensive measures: workforce training, multidisciplinary treatment models, inter-specialty consultations, telemedicine, and investment in medical infrastructure at both provincial and central hospitals.

Palliative care, psychological support, rehabilitation services, and broader insurance coverage for modern treatment regimens and medications must also be strengthened.

The rapid rise in cancer cases highlights Vietnam’s accelerating demographic shift toward an aging population.

Addressing this challenge will require early and sustained efforts in prevention, environmental control, lifestyle education, expanded early detection programs, and long-term planning to build the treatment capacity needed for the next 20 to 30 years.

By Tieu Bac & Thuy Duong – Tuoi Tre News – November 15, 2025