OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper is to describe the epidemiology of cancer in Vietnamese Americans and reviews some of the successful intervention strategies that have been accomplished in Northern California. FINDINGS: Preventable cancers are among the leading causes of death in Vietnamese Americans, who have higher than average rates of smoking and lower than average rates for breast and cervical cancer screening, and lower rates of hepatitis B vaccination. Community­based intervention trials have shown good success in reducing these risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Despite successes, more work needs to be done. Continuing research and dissemination of successful intervention strategies will help improve the health of Vietnamese Americans, one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S.