Cancer in Viet Nam

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases characterized by the growth of abnormal cells beyond their usual boundaries that can then invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and is estimated to account for 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Viet Nam has about 165 000 new cancer cases and about 115 000 cancer deaths each year. The age-standardized rate of cancer mortality in Viet Nam is 104 (per 100000 population) rank 57 globally.   

According to recent evidence, between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors, including avoiding tobacco products, reducing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly, and addressing infection-related risk factors.

The key mission of WHO’s work on cancer control is to promote national cancer control policies, plans and programmes that are harmonized with strategies for noncommunicable diseases and other related health concerns.