NTT Medical strengthens partnership with Vietnam for cancer prevention and early detection
Building on trusted partnerships
In September 2025, Nippon Health supported a delegation from NTT East, the parent company of NTT Medical Center Tokyo (Kanto hospital), during its visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The team met six local clinics and medical agents to strengthen cooperation in health check-ups and second-opinion services. Along with building new partnerships with clinics such as T-Matsuoka, Bernard, MedArmor, and BeWell, we also visited long-time partners Makoto and JVHB, who have already supported Vietnamese patients visiting Kanto hospital for check-ups. The visit reaffirmed the hospital’s lasting commitment to Vietnam and opened new opportunities for collaboration.
Understanding share healthcare challenges
During the meetings, both sides discussed cancer screening, early detection and ways to make cross-border patient services smoother. Cancer is a growing concern in both countries. In Vietnam, there were about 180,480 new cases and 120,184 deaths in 2022. With a population of roughly 100 million, that means about 1.2 deaths per 1,000 people【1】. Japan faces a similar challenge. In 2023 alone, the country recorded 382,500 cancer deaths, equivalent to 3.1 deaths per 1,000 people in 2023. Yet it also stands as the world’s symbol of longevity, home to nearly 100,000 centenarians as of September 2025【2】【3】. These shared realities show how important early detection and gentle, effective treatment are for every community.
Japan’s leadership in minimally invasive care
For minimally invasive cancer care, Kanto hospital is among Japan’s most trusted hospitals. It was first designated a regional cancer hospital in 2003. The hospital focuses on methods that shorten recovery and reduce pain. It performs Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) to remove early-stage stomach, intestinal, and colorectal cancers without open surgery【4】【5】. It also uses Radio-Frequency Ablation (RFA) for liver tumors, a needle-based technique that destroys cancer cells with heat. For prostate and other cancers, NTT Medical applies robotic surgery (da Vinci system) to minimize bleeding and discomfort. Gamma Knife radiotherapy is another option, precisely targeting brain tumors without open surgery.
Promoting prevention through Ningen Dock
Beyond treatment, NTT Medical advocates for early detection through its Ningen Dock comprehensive check-up. In 2024 alone, over 17,500 patients underwent Ningen Dock check-up at the hospital. Kanto hospital’s patient-centred philosophy emphasizes prevention and uses advanced imaging equipment normally reserved for full diagnostic settings. Moreover, its Endoscopy Center is one of Japan’s most active and is trusted by Japanese patients: more than 18,000 upper and 9,600 lower endoscopies were performed in 2024, along with over 1,000 ESD procedures for gastrointestinal cancers【5】.
Looking ahead
Japan and Vietnam may seem worlds apart, yet both face the same challenge: cancer affects families in every community. In Vietnam, cancers of the liver, lung, and stomach are increasing, while in Japan, colorectal cancer has become the most common malignancy. Early detection through comprehensive Ningen Dock check-ups and accurate second opinions can turn a crisis into a cure.
With its long history, advanced technology, and patient-centred care, Kanto hospital is ready to support more Vietnamese patients on this journey. We thank our partners in Vietnam for their trust and look forward to deepening our collaboration in the years ahead.
Sources
Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN 2022) – Viet Nam Fact Sheet, IARC/WHO. Available at: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/704-viet-nam-fact-sheet.pdf
Cancer Statistics in Japan 2025 (figures for 2023) – がん情報サービス (National Cancer Center Japan). Available at: https://ganjoho.jp/public/qa_links/report/statistics/pdf/cancer_statistics_2025_fig_E.pdf
“Japan’s Population of Centenarians Nearing 100,000” – Nippon.com, Aug 2024. Available at: https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02074/
NTT Medical Center Tokyo – “Advanced designated regional cancer hospital” section. Available at: https://www.nmct.ntt-east.co.jp/lp/en/
NTT Medical Center Tokyo – Department of International Healthcare. Available at: https://www.nmct.ntt-east.co.jp/en/divisions/international_healthcare/
