Beyond Breast Cancer Care: Overcoming Breast Cancer with Innovative Treatments during World Cancer Awareness Month 2025

Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital invites Thai people to understand, especially regarding cancer, in World Cancer Awareness Month 2025 by suggesting ways to overcome and new innovative treatments.

Prof..Dr. Thiravud Khuhaprema, Director of Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital, revealed that cancer statistics for Thais nationwide, according to WHO data in 2022, showed that the number of new cancer patients in Thailand was 183,541 people. This means Thais have a 1 in 6 chance of getting cancer and 118,829 people died, or there is a chance of death of 1 in 10, or 14 people per hour. It was found that breast cancer is the most common cancer in Thai women worldwide and in Thailand, with 37 people per 100,000 population. This is considered the highest incidence rate of cancer in Thailand. On the occasion of World Cancer Awareness Month 2025, Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital is organizing the activity “Beyond Breast Cancer Care” to overcome breast cancer with new treatments and promote innovation for breast reconstruction using abdominal tissue or back muscles.

Currently, breast cancer screening can be done through mammograms and ultrasound to detect early-stage breast cancer for better treatment results. Current breast cancer treatment has various methods, comprising a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

Dr..Satit Sriamotayamas, Director of the Breast Center, stated that from the situation of breast cancer occurring in Thai women, it was found that breast cancer is caused by abnormalities of cells in the breast, specifically ductal cells. The cells begin to divide abnormally and invade nearby tissues. If left untreated, it may spread to other cells in the body.

Asst. Prof..Dr..Sasithorn Sujarittanakarn, breast, head and neck cancer surgeon, stated that breast cancer treatment, whether by surgery or radiation, may cause side effects. One of these is the condition of arm swelling after treatment, which cannot be predicted when or if it will occur. It usually affects the arm on the same side as the breast cancer. If the swelling is minor, the arm can function normally, but if it is severe, the arm may not function. Immediate treatment can help improve the symptoms. Therefore, understanding the situation can help breast cancer patients not panic and manage it appropriately.

Dr. Suphalerk Lohasammakul, breast cancer plastic surgeon, stated that currently, breast cancer patients in Thailand have improved quality of life and mental health due to the innovations of “breast augmentation using artificial silicone implants” and “new breast augmentation with tissue.” These innovations are suitable for early-stage breast cancer patients. “Breast augmentation using artificial silicone implants” is breast reconstruction surgery using artificial silicone implants. Patients recover relatively quickly after surgery compared to breast reconstruction surgery using the patient’s own tissue. “New breast augmentation with tissue” is performed by reconstructing the breast using abdominal tissue. The doctor uses abdominal tissue to replace the removed breast, which is applicable for breasts of all sizes. Additionally, there is breast reconstruction surgery using back muscles for small or slightly drooping breasts. Both techniques make the new breast most similar to a real breast, with natural tissue shape and texture. The new breast is more durable than the artificial silicone implant, increasing confidence in life, with no effect on cancer recurrence.

The Breast Center at Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital is ready to provide lymphedema recovery services Lymphedema Service after breast cancer treatment, which may occur unexpectedly throughout the life of a breast cancer patient. Understanding the situation helps breast cancer patients not panic and manage it appropriately.