Public-private partnerships help raise cancer screening awareness

The doctor shared this perspective regarding the results of the survey "Bridging the Gaps: Public Perceptions of the Cancer Care Continuum in Southeast Asia", which were released on Sept. 10 in Ho Chi Minh City.

The survey was commissioned by Siemens Healthineers and conducted online by YouGov between July 21 and 29 with nearly 6,400 people across six Southeast Asian countries - Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Respondents were selected from YouGov's representative panel to reflect public perceptions in countries with rising cancer incidence.

At the panel discussion, representatives from Siemens Healthineers and invited guests shared and analyzed the survey findings. Photo courtesy of Siemens Healthineers

Results show that 84% of Vietnamese respondents believe early screening improves treatment outcomes, but only 34% have undergone cancer screening. This gap highlights the need for stronger collaboration between public healthcare institutions and private companies to promote awareness and drive action.

Among respondents, 56% believe they are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime—the highest proportion among the six surveyed countries. Despite this, screening rates remain low, with key barriers including perceptions of no need (35%), high costs (22%), and fear of diagnosis (22%).

Assoc. Prof. Huong said the results reflect an urgent need for community education. "Many people still lack understanding of post-treatment care, showing that the medical sector has much work to do to ensure patients not only survive cancer but also live well after treatment," she noted.

With over 130 scientific publications, Huong has coordinated multiple breast and cervical cancer screening programs both in Vietnam and internationally. She emphasized that this survey provides critical data for national cancer control strategies, particularly in training medical staff and raising awareness. Public-private collaboration, she said, is a practical way to reduce time and costs while improving public understanding of early screening.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Huong emphasized that early cancer screening plays a pivotal role in prevention strategies and in improving treatment outcomes. Photo courtesy of Siemens Healthineers

In recent years, Vietnam has established specialized centers for diagnosing and treating specific cancers such as lung, breast, and cervical cancer, alongside general hospitals. These centers receive support from public funding and collaborate with private medical technology companies.

"There should only be specialized centers for cancers with high incidence in Vietnam to avoid fragmented resources that could affect the nationwide treatment and screening network," Huong stressed.

From the business perspective, Fabian Martin Singer, General Manager of Siemens Healthineers Vietnam, said public-private collaboration is key to closing existing gaps in order to increase screening rates and improve outcomes.

"By combining clinical expertise with technological innovation, we can support earlier detection, more precise treatment, and better long-term care," he said.

Fabian Martin Singer, General Manager of Siemens Healthineers Vietnam, emphasized that public–private partnerships are an essential path to improving the quality of cancer care. Photo courtesy of Siemens Healthineers

Public hospitals provide infrastructure, medical staff, and patient access, while private companies like Siemens Healthineers contribute advanced technology, modern equipment, user training, and international expertise, he added.

The survey also pointed to gaps in knowledge of modern therapies across Southeast Asia. While people are familiar with radiotherapy (47%), chemotherapy (44%), and surgery (33%), fewer know about precision therapy (26%), image-guided treatment (17%), or immunotherapy (16%).

Among the surveyed, 74% said they were aware of post-treatment care, but nearly half (48%) did not clearly understand what it involves.

Respondents expect easier access to diagnostic tests (62%) and clear guidance on recurrence symptoms (55%), reflecting the need for more comprehensive support systems.

According to Fabian, turning awareness into action requires a comprehensive strategy that combines public health priorities with private sector innovation. This includes expanding affordable screening programs, applying digital tools and AI to support doctors, enhancing post-treatment care, and making modern therapies more widely accessible.

Siemens Healthineers has launched and collaborated on awareness campaigns on early screening. These activities help bring services closer to patients and communities while aligning with government strategies.

"If stakeholders work closely together, Vietnam can increase screening rates and early detection, improve treatment outcomes, and reduce overall cancer mortality," Fabian added.