Just one week before her wedding, Neth received a diagnosis that turned her world upside down: stage 2 breast cancer. What began as a routine health checkup in preparation for starting a family took a sudden and unexpected turn.
“My first thought was: my fiancé,” she recalled. “I didn’t know how he would react. It was all too sudden. We didn’t know how to take it.” But her fears soon gave way to relief. Her now-husband, along with her family, stood firmly by her side, offering unwavering support.
The ceremony continued, wedding music played, and families united. The honeymoon schedule was soon replaced with doctor appointments, surgery, and ongoing treatment. Together, the couple navigated an incredibly difficult chapter of their lives.
/countries/cambodia/1.jpg?sfvrsn=226baabd_5 "1")
Neth and her husband, Krishan, on their wedding day. © Photo supplied by Neth and Krishan
Finding treatment
In Cambodia, nearly 20,000 new cancer cases were reported in 2022. That means about 55 people are diagnosed every day, or 2 to 3 people every hour.
Given the sheer number of cases, ensuring access to cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment is more critical than ever. Across the country, efforts to improve cancer care are beginning to take shape—often in places where many don’t realize it’s even possible.
“I know many people who think they need to go abroad for cancer treatment because they are concerned about the availability of equipment or medication,” Neth said. “I used to think the same, but after speaking with my doctor, I learned that the services I needed were available here in Cambodia.”
Neth received her treatment at Calmette Hospital, a public health facility. “During the treatment, I received a high level of care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and other support,” she said. “They didn’t just treat the illness. They also provided mental health support. It’s what cancer patients need the most.”
/countries/cambodia/3.png?sfvrsn=984c7c88_5 "3")
From left to right: Neth before surgery, after surgery, and during a chemotherapy session. © Photo supplied by Neth and Krishan
What reassured Neth even more about her decision to receive treatment in her home country was discovering that the cost of her care was supported by her health insurance—the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
The NSSF is a voluntary health insurance scheme that provides coverage for participating workers, self-employed individuals, and their families. As of 2024, NSSF covers around 2.8 million people across Cambodia. As a small café owner who has been regularly contributing to NSSF, Neth was able to significantly reduce the cost of her treatment.
“Almost 90% of everything I had to spend on treatment, such as hospital rooms, surgery, and chemo, was covered or subsidized by NSSF,” she shared.
Neth’s experience made her realize two important things: too many people still don’t know about the availability of cancer care services in the country, and even fewer are aware that the NSSF covers cancer treatment. She knew these conversations needed to happen more often, so she decided to start her own conversations.
/countries/cambodia/carnet-de-sante.jpg?sfvrsn=55cbfeab_5 "carnet-de-sante")
Neth’s hospital book and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) card. © WHO / Monika Mey
Brave enough to be seen
With encouragement from her husband and younger sister, Neth decided to document her journey on social media, from surgery and chemotherapy to hospital bills and health insurance coverage.
Her videos show the logistical and financial realities that come with cancer diagnosis and care in Cambodia, helping people feel prepared and less alone. “I like to think I’m helping people’s mental health, whether they’re going through cancer themselves or taking care of their loved ones.”
With a sunny disposition and unbreakable spirit, her videos have become a source of comfort for others. She now has over 87,000 followers and more than 2 million likes on TikTok alone. Neth’s story has sparked discussion, built a supportive community, and shed light on cancer treatment in Cambodia.
Neth still shares her usual lifestyle and travel content, sometimes with a wig, but most of the time with nothing to hide. “To me, losing hair isn’t defeat,” she said. “It’s a symbol of strength. It tells the world that I’m going through a hard time, battling something incredibly hard, and I’m still here.”
As her chemotherapy came to an end on 30 May, Neth was happy to share her plans to finally take her long-overdue honeymoon.
Cancer control in Cambodia
In Cambodia, WHO has been a longstanding partner of the Ministry of Health in noncommunicable disease prevention and management—including cancer control—through data collection, surveillance, and policy development.
With WHO’s technical guidance and support, Cambodia launched its first-ever National Cancer Control Plan (2025–2030) in May 2025. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to improve the country's cancer response across all stages of care, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and survivorship.
Cancer prevention has now become a national priority, as the 2023 STEPS survey reveals a high prevalence of cancer-related risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. Beyond the health sector, WHO has also been working with various ministries to advance cross-sectoral action by strengthening tobacco and alcohol tax reforms, advocating for healthy diets, and promoting smoke-free environments.
With a strong multisectoral approach and continued investment in cancer prevention and care, Cambodia is working toward a future where access to quality healthcare, like Neth received, is not the exception but the norm.