Oncology Center Launches the “Tuk Tao Tao Kan” Initiative
[ Equal Access for Every Breast ]
Increasing Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis for Underprivileged Populations Across Chiang Mai
Good news for women in Chiang Mai! On February 4, 2023, World Cancer Day, the Oncology Center of Excellence at Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai launched the campaign “Tuk Tao Tao Kan” to provide equal access for all breasts to breast cancer diagnosis. This is part of the global campaign World Cancer Day 2023: Close the Care Gap, creating opportunities for women in underserved areas of Chiang Mai to access mammogram screenings by oncology specialists at no cost.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Sumitra Thongprasert, Senior Director of the Oncology Center of Excellence at Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai, stated that “Under the campaign concept of Close the Care Gap, “Tuk Tao Tao Kan”, the Oncology Center has been part of the global effort since 2022. This highlights the importance of continuously educating about breast cancer diagnosis, aiming to significantly support local women in Chiang Mai who still lack access to such screenings.
In 2023, the Oncology Center is working with the Vejdusit Foundation under the Patronage of Princess Galyani Vadhana, Narathiwat Rajanakarin to select 50 underprivileged Thai women, particularly in Chiang Mai, who cannot access breast cancer diagnosis. They will receive a mammogram screening with specialist doctors at Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai free of charge. Selection in collaboration with state hospitals and networks will begin in all areas of Chiang Mai from February onwards. Patients who submit complete documentation can schedule their diagnosis from March 2023.
According to Chiang Mai Province statistics, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, especially between the ages of 40-50, with a tendency to increase yearly. Early detection of abnormalities increases the chances of cure and significantly reduces the mortality rate from breast cancer.
“The multidisciplinary team at the Breast Center and the Oncology Center form a small part of a collective effort ready to join hands in reducing the incidence of breast cancer. We continuously provide knowledge on self-examination for breast cancer through Facebook Live, social media, and health articles on our hospital’s website. By working together, we can make a difference, however big or small, as another step toward a “cancer-free world.”
Furthermore, medical experts recommend that women over the age of 35 undergo regular breast cancer screenings every year. However, women with risk factors, such as family history (mother, grandmother, or relatives who had breast cancer), early onset of menstruation, use of certain hormones, or being overweight, should be vigilant about self-examining their breasts from a young age. If abnormalities are observed, consulting a specialist is advised, as early detection reduces mortality rates significantly.
Best wishes from
Oncology Center|Breast Center|Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai
Call 052 089 888 or 1719
Line Official: @bangkokchiangmai
