October of every year is the month of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2022, considered the number 1 deadliest cancer among women worldwide. This year, Bangkok Hospital Group 1, consisting of Bangkok Cancer Hospital Watthanasoth, Bangkok Hospital Samyan, Bangkok Hospital Muang Ratch, Bangkok Hospital Phetchaburi, and Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, collaborates with the Dusit Medical Services Foundation under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, and Huai Khwang District Office to launch the project “Increase Opportunities, Reduce Risks with Breast Cancer Screening.” Closing the care gap.. ensuring comprehensive care for breast cancer patients and Mobile Breast Cancer Screening
Providing high-efficiency mobile digital mammogram and ultrasound (Mobile Digital Mammogram and Ultrasound) units for Thai women at no cost, at various service points throughout Bangkok and the western provinces, including Huai Khwang District Office, Bangkok, on October 11, 2022; Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin on October 18 – 19, 2022; Bangkok Hospital Phetchaburi, Phetchaburi province on October 20-22, 2022; Bangkok Hospital Muang Ratch, Ratchaburi province on October 23-25, 2022; and Bangkok Hospital Samyan, Nakhon Pathom province on October 26-28, 2022, catering to 50 individuals per service point.
Dr..Thirawut Kuakarun , the Director of Bangkok Cancer Hospital Watthanasoth, said that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, ranking number 1 both in Thailand and globally. Statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) revealed that in 2020, approximately 22,000 Thai women were diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer annually, equivalent to 60 cases per day, and about 8,270 deaths, or 23 deaths per day. The trend of the disease’s incidence continues to rise, and it is projected that by the year 2040, there will be approximately 27,600 new breast cancer patients per year. Hence, Bangkok Hospital Group 1 initiated the Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Project using this digital mammogram truck to assist Thais who lack access to breast cancer screening in Bangkok and the western regions, with support from the Dusit Medical Services Foundation, government sector, Huai Khwang District Office, and Provincial Public Health Offices to help select eligible women for breast cancer screening in each province. The criteria include women aged over 35 years who are financially underserved and have not undergone mammogram screening before, or who haven’t had it in at least 1 year, have never had breast cancer or are not currently undergoing treatment, or have a family history of the disease.
Chatchaya Kamjun, the Director of Huai Khwang District, Bangkok, expressed gratitude to Bangkok Cancer Hospital Watthanasoth, Dusit Medical Services Foundation, for organizing the “Breast Cancer Screening for the Needy” project in Huai Khwang area for 50 cases. The collaboration has formed a network with local agencies in the area to select citizens for screening on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at the Huai Khwang District office, Bangkok. This aligns with the policy of the Bangkok Governor concerning: good health, through the breast screening project for vulnerable and underprivileged women groups, allowing them to access breast cancer screening, which is one of the most common diseases in Thai women. Promoting health and disease prevention is crucial for improving citizens’ quality of life, reducing the financial burden of caring for cancer patients. If abnormalities are detected, proper and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the rates of illness and death.
Breast cancer is not a fearsome disease if detected early, it can be fully cured. By being aware and taking preventive measures for early treatment, let’s together “Close the care gap, ensure comprehensive care for breast cancer patients” by regularly screening for breast cancer every year and performing self-breast exams every month If any abnormalities are found , see a doctor To help reduce the mortality rate from breast cancer
