According to the National Cancer Institute's Population-based Cancer Registry 2022*, Thailand has more than 140,000 new cancer patients per year, or around 400 individuals each day. This demonstrates that cancer is a significant public health issue in Thailand. The incidence of illness continues to rise, and breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women.
Busaba Chirathivat, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications and Relationships, Central Group, stated, “Central Group and its affiliates are well aware that "cancer" is a devastating disease that claims the lives of loved ones in Thai society and throughout the world. As a result, we are dedicated to consistently demonstrating our determination to help people who are disadvantaged in getting cancer treatment and screening. The goal is to improve survival rates by early identification and treatment.”
For more than 18 years, Central Group has prioritized helping women cancer patients who lack funds for treatment or are underprivileged through the "Central Group Women Cancer" initiative, which asks individuals to do good deeds by helping women cancer patients. The campaign is part of the "Central Tham" project, Do Together, Do with Hearts, which is a Central Group sustainability effort.
As part of the Central Group Women Cancer, several actions have been carried out, including raising funds to purchase a digital mammogram and renovating a recovery ward for women's cancer patients for the National Cancer Institute, constructing the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation's Pink Park Village, Thailand's first comprehensive treatment and care center for impoverished breast cancer patients, raising funds to purchase 10 portable ultrasound machines worth $5 million for hospitals under the Thanyarak Foundation, and inviting people to donate their hair to make wigs for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, etc.
“In 2023, we will continue the 18th Central Group Women Cancer campaign by inviting customers, the general public, affiliated companies, and partners to raise funds to purchase "medical tools and equipment" for three organizations: Thanyarak Foundation, Siriraj Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani Cancer Hospital, and Lampang Cancer Hospital. We believe that prompt access to treatment will aid in cancer treatment, increase the likelihood of a cure, and reduce the progression of the disease.” Busaba said
Clinical Professor Dr.Visit Vamvanij, Director of Siriraj Hospital and President of Thanyarak Center, said, “The most frequent type of cancer among women is breast cancer. But nowadays, medical evolution has progressed greatly, allowing patients to access and receive timely and accurate treatment with mammograms and ultrasound scanners. The machines aid in the diagnosis of breast cancer before it is palpable. This facilitates early discovery and initiation into the therapy procedure. To prevent breast cancer, women should obtain a yearly health check and perform a regular breast self-exam every month using three fingers and three touches. If you see anything out of the ordinary, such as a lump in your breast or bleeding from a nipple, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to get a diagnosis using a mammography and ultrasound. However, if you are diagnosed with cancer, you should be aware and act quickly to begin treatment as prescribed by your doctor because early treatment has a better chance of curing breast cancer.”
Within the opening event, Central Group has also organized special fundraising activities at the Eden area, 3rd floor, Central World, such as Changing Your Hairstyle by The Lounge Hair Salon and Smile Club, sewing breast cancer simulator pads by the women's lingerie department of Central Department Store, an elephant doll hand squeezer workshop that allows patients to exercise their muscles by From Angel Foundation, and shopping chic bags from FitFlop.
Those interested can contribute to the project's funding through the following from now until December 31, 2023:
- Donate online through Thamdee's website at www.tham-dee.com/projects/women-cancer-2023
- Scan the QR code of e-mobile banking seen in various Central Group media or transfer through the Tiang Chirathivat Foundation's account at Bangkok Bank, account number 118-0-58203-1.
- Donation boxes at purchase points, public relations points, or payment points in over 491 Central Group stores around the country (starting today and ending October 31, 2023).
- Change The 1 points to donations to support the fund.
- Donate hair for the weaving of actual wigs for the Siriraj Hospital chemotherapy unit. You can send your hair to the Angels to From Angel Foundation.
Central Group and its affiliates genuinely believe that the Central Group Women Cancer Project will be another essential voice in embracing and encouraging all women battling cancer to be courageous and stand up to fight for a bright smile once again.
