Hope Foundation, Long Chau launch cancer treatment support program

Hope Foundation, Long Chau pharmacy and vaccination network, and pharmaceutical partners launched the "Sharing the Burden for Cancer Patients" program on Sept. 16. Under the message "Share the burden, Bring hope to cancer patients," the initiative aims to mobilize social resources, help cover essential treatment costs and support patients facing financial difficulties during cancer treatment. Representatives of Long Chau and Hope Foundation signed an agreement to support treatment for cancer patients on Sept. 16, 2026. Photo by Hope Foundation Cancer patients often face significant financial pressure throughout treatment. Medical advances now enable cures or longer survival depending on the type and stage of cancer. Some cancers, including thyroid, breast, prostate and colorectal cancer, have five-year survival rates exceeding 90% when detected early and treated promptly. Many patients remain stable for 10, 20 or even 30 years.Beyond hospital fees, patients must also cover travel, accommodation and caregiver expenses while potentially losing workdays and income, creating additional financial strain.A 2024 study of 634 patients at two oncology hospitals in Vietnam found that 91.8% experienced financial burden from cancer, with 51.7% facing severe financial burden. Nearly half had to borrow money from relatives or friends, while 34.1% used their savings.Another study of 309 breast cancer patients at two tertiary hospitals found that 41% faced financial hardship. Average out-of-pocket costs beyond their means reached about VND153 million (US$5,900), with some cases reaching VND1.36 billion.Hope Foundation, established by VnExpress and FPT Corporation, Long Chau and their partners aim to connect social resources with patients in need of timely support.Under the collaboration, Long Chau connects pharmaceutical companies and partners while providing a platform for joint support. Hope Foundation reviews applications from patients in urgent need, verifies cases with hospitals and provides treatment-cost assistance based on set criteria. Supporting partners contribute resources and help spread the program's humanitarian message.Long Chau customers can participate by converting accumulated reward points into contributions for cancer patients. Program information and donation amounts are updated in real time to ensure transparency.Speaking at the launch, Truong Thanh Thanh, chairwoman of Hope Foundation's management board, said the foundation seeks to drive social progress through education, infrastructure and health. Partnering with Long Chau marks a concrete step toward that mission."I hope the combined efforts of many sources will strengthen the confidence of patients and their families on the treatment journey," she said. A photo exhibition of community health activities. Photo by Hope Foundation Nguyen Do Quyen, deputy CEO of FPT Retail and CEO of the Long Chau pharmacy and vaccination network, said the company hopes to connect partners and the community more closely with patients who need support."Every contribution, no matter the scale, brings real value and eases pressure in the hardest moments. Sometimes a timely share is enough to make patients feel they are not alone," she said.The "Sharing the Burden for Cancer Patients" campaign continues humanitarian efforts that Long Chau and Hope Foundation have carried out for years. Since 2021, Long Chau has expanded its Long Chau Shares program, providing thousands of medical check-ups, hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses and millions of free medicine days nationwide.In 2024, Long Chau worked with Hope Foundation on the "Long Chau Shares – Standing with Little Warriors" project, raising more than VND1 billion from partners and customers to support treatment costs for 48 children with cancer or congenital heart disease from disadvantaged backgrounds.These efforts are part of the Sun of Hope program run by Hope Foundation since 2021. To date, the program has supported treatment for more than 3,300 pediatric patients nationwide and organized activities to lift the spirits of thousands of vulnerable children. With the goal of rekindling faith in cancer patients, Hope Foundation, in collaboration with Mr. Sun, launched The Sun of Hope program. Each contribution from the community means another ray of light sent to the future generations of the country. Click here for further information on the program .