Early cancer detection widely valued, yet screening rates stay low in Vietnam: survey

The survey, titled ‘Bridging the Gaps: Public Perceptions of the Cancer Care Continuum in Southeast Asia,' conducted by YouGov involving more than 6,000 people across six Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, shows widespread belief in the importance of early detection.

However, it exposes poor screening rates, gaps in access, and limited understanding of treatment options and post-treatment care.

Among the 34 percent of the Vietnamese surveyed undergoing cancer screening, just 13 percent had taken specific cancer screening tests.

When asked about reasons for not undergoing cancer screening, over one-third of the respondents (35 percent) said they do not feel a need for it, a sentiment echoed across the rest of the region.

Others cited the cost of screening being too expensive (22 percent) and fear of being diagnosed with cancer (22 percent).

This disconnect between belief and behavior is further amplified by risk perception.

More than half of the respondents (56 percent) think they are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, the highest level in Southeast Asia, yet this heightened awareness is not translating into preventive action.

Most people recognize traditional therapies, including radiotherapy (47 percent), chemotherapy (44 percent), and surgery (33 percent).

However, few are familiar with newer therapies such as precision therapy, image-guided approaches, and immunotherapy.

These levels are in line with awareness across other Southeast Asian markets.

Many view treatment as accessible and effective if detected and diagnosed early, but several others fear the high cost of treatment.

While 47 percent of the respondents voice concerns about side effects.

Across Southeast Asia, treatment cost is a leading barrier, but Vietnam reports the second-lowest concern (48 percent), in sharp contrast to 67 percent in Singapore.

Post-treatment care poorly understood

The story does not end with treatment. The majority (74 percent) know that post-treatment cancer care exists, but almost half of those do not understand what it involves.

As in many neighboring countries, people expect their healthcare systems to provide easy access to diagnostic tests and give clear guidance on signs and symptoms of recurrence.

Vietnam stands out for its expectation of advanced technology such as AI, genetic testing, and real-time monitoring, cited by 54 percent of the respondents.

Confidence in ‘one-stop’ cancer care services, openness to digital innovation

Almost half (44 percent) said they would feel more confident in the care journey if cancer services were delivered through a ‘one-stop’ model.

The findings reflect a clear expectation that more integrated care could improve the patient experience.

Digital innovation is also viewed as an opportunity to strengthen cancer care.

Some 37 percent of the Vietnamese respondents are open to the use of artificial intelligence while 46 percent see it as promising, provided it is transparent, clinician-led, and supported by strong data privacy safeguards.

Importantly, people want digital tools to complement, not replace healthcare professionals.

The survey was carried out online between July 21 and 29, with the participation of 6,379 respondents in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.