Vietnam Cancer Association and AstraZeneca strengthen partnership to tackle rising cancer burden

Breast, liver, lung, and colorectal cancers remain the most common and deadliest, with both incidence and mortality rates increasing annually. While national clinical guidelines introduced by the Ministry of Health in 2018 and 2020 have improved diagnosis and treatment, demand for advanced expertise and updated standards continues to rise.

To address this need, the Vietnam Cancer Association and AstraZeneca Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 19, 2025. The partnership focuses on updating national guidelines for cancer diagnosis and treatment, strengthening training and research capacity for oncology professionals, and promoting public health awareness. The initiative also aims to align Vietnam’s practices with international standards while tailoring them to local needs.

Under the agreement, the Association will work with leading oncology hospitals across the country to update diagnostic and treatment guidelines for multiple cancer types during 2025–2026. These will be submitted to the Ministry of Health for approval as national standards. The partnership will also prioritize professional training, scientific research, and greater participation in international oncology forums.

Leaders from both sides emphasized the importance of the collaboration. Associate Professor Dr. Bui Dieu, President of the Vietnam Cancer Association, said the initiative would strengthen training, improve treatment quality, and help raise community awareness. 

"With the vision and mission to be the leading oncology association, we aim to alleviate the burden of cancer through collaboration, training, enhancing the quality of healthcare professionals and facilities, advising on policies, and raising community awareness about cancer. We warmly welcome the partnership with AstraZeneca over the next three years. This agreement opens up comprehensive and in-depth development opportunities across critical areas, with the goal of achieving breakthroughs in cancer treatment, improving patients’ quality of life, and elevating the position of Vietnam’s oncology sector on the regional medical map.", said Associate Professor Dr. Bui Dieu, President of the Vietnam Cancer Association.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Atul Tandon, General Director of AstraZeneca Vietnam, remarked, "The signing of this partnership with the Vietnam Cancer Association marks a significant milestone in AstraZeneca’s journey in Vietnam. Our mission is to drive scientific advancements to build a comprehensive cancer care ecosystem, thereby transforming medical practices and the lives of cancer patients. We firmly believe that by combining AstraZeneca’s global expertise with the profound practical knowledge of the Vietnam Cancer Association, we can deliver meaningful changes in cancer treatment. Our shared goal is to ensure that cancer is no longer a leading cause of death in Vietnam, contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system in the country."

The cooperation builds on AstraZeneca’s long-standing partnerships with major hospitals and universities in Vietnam, through which the company has supported medical training, research, and international scientific exchange. Both sides expressed confidence that the new agreement will accelerate progress in cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients nationwide.