• YouGov survey finds strong belief in value of early detection (78%) but low screening uptake (26%)
• 80% of respondents aware post-treatment care exists, 55% lack understanding of what it involves

• Findings show confidence in “one-stop” cancer services and openness to digital innovation 

Public perceptions of cancer care in Southeast Asia show critical gaps across the pathway from screening and diagnosis through to treatment and survivorship, according to new research commissioned by Siemens Healthineers. 

Bridging the Gaps: Public Perceptions of the Cancer Care Continuum in Southeast Asia, a survey conducted by YouGov of more than 6,000 people across six Southeast Asian countries, shows widespread belief in the importance of early detection. However it exposes poor screening rates, gaps in access, and limited understanding of treatment options and post-treatment care. The survey points to optimism around more coordinated care and the role of digital innovation.

“This survey underlines the importance of understanding the full cancer journey, not just the beginning and the end,” said Fabrice Leguet, Managing Director and President, Southeast Asia, Siemens Healthineers. “How people approach screening, navigate treatment choices, and think about life after treatment are all critical to improving outcomes.”

Awareness is high, but action is low.

While a strong majority (78%) believe early detection improves treatment outcomes, only 26% of respondents across the region had ever undergone cancer screening. However, among the 26%, just 8% had taken specific cancer screening tests. Differences between markets are stark: screening is highest in Thailand (40%) and Singapore (36%), but much lower in the Philippines (13%) and Indonesia (8%). 

When asked about reasons for not undergoing cancer screening, over one-third of respondents (36%) said they “do not feel a need” for it, 23% did not know which test was suitable, and 22% considered screening too expensive. This sentiment of “not feeling a need” was most pronounced in the Philippines (46%) and Singapore (43%), followed by Vietnam (35%). 

Risk perception also varies. Overall, 37% of respondents across the region think they are likely to get cancer. This was highest in Vietnam, where more than half (56%) believe they are likely to get cancer in their lifetime and lowest in the Philippines, at only 23%.

Treatment awareness and access: knowledge of modern therapies lags

Most people recognise traditional therapies like chemotherapy (66%), surgery (44%) and radiotherapy (43%). Far fewer are familiar with newer therapies such as precision therapy (14%), immunotherapy (13%) and image-guided approaches (12%). 

Many view treatment as accessible (44%) but unaffordable (53%), and concerns about side effects also remain high (53%). In Singapore, two in three people (67%) cite treatment costs as a major barrier–the highest in the region–followed by 62% in the Philippines. By contrast, only 38% in Indonesia express this concern. 

Survivorship: post-treatment care poorly understood

The story does not end with treatment. The majority of respondents (80%) know that post-treatment cancer care exists, but more than half of those (55%) do not understand what it involves. This lack of understanding is particularly evident in Singapore (57%) and Indonesia (58%). Across all markets, people expect their healthcare systems to provide easy access to diagnostic tests (63%) and regular follow-up after treatment (61%).

Signs of optimism: confidence in ‘one-stop’ cancer care services and openness to digital innovation

The findings are not without optimism. Almost half (45%) said they would feel more confident in the care journey if cancer services were delivered through a ‘one-stop’ model, with confidence highest in Singapore (58%) and Thailand (57%). The findings reflect a strong expectation that more integrated care could improve the patient experience. 

Digital innovation is also viewed as an opportunity to strengthen cancer care. Many are open to the use of artificial intelligence (40%) and see it as promising (38%), provided it is transparent, clinician-led and supported by strong data privacy safeguards. Importantly, people want digital tools to complement–not replace–healthcare professionals (56% in Singapore, 53% in Malaysia, 52% in the Philippines).

Siemens Healthineers: committed to closing the gaps

This survey reflects Siemens Healthineers’ commitment to pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare not only through technology, but by building understanding and confidence across the cancer care continuum. The research highlights challenges, but also clear opportunities to improve patient pathways: more coordinated care, affordable access, and digital tools that are grounded in transparency and human interaction. 

“We are determined to help bridge the gaps highlighted by enabling earlier and more accurate detection, supporting clinicians with digital innovation and advancing precision treatments and long-term care. By aligning technological innovation with clinical knowledge and healthcare consulting expertise, Siemens Healthineers seeks to deliver real impact for millions of patients across Southeast Asia,” said Leguet.