AstraZeneca and Siriraj Genomics join forces for the third annual Rethink Pink We Care Event: Empowering Thai women against breast cancer

The initiative operates under the theme “Caring for Thai Women, Steering from Breast Cancer”, aiming to enhance awareness and monitoring of this condition. This encompasses the entire process from screening to self-care post-diagnosis, with the goal of reducing both the number of patients and the severity of the disease in Thailand. The event took place at SCBX NEXT STAGE @ NEXT TECH at Siam Paragon shopping mall, attracting numerous members of the public through informative talks. 

AstraZeneca, a global leader in pharmaceutical research and development, continues to drive the “Rethink Pink We Care” initiative in partnership with both public and private sectors, following a positive response from attendees over the past two years. This initiative was established to raise awareness about the gravity of breast cancer, which is prevalent among women and remains the leading cause of death for Thai women, with objectives to promote accurate knowledge and understanding within the community, addressing everything from basic physical examinations and the importance of early disease screening to current treatment options and self-care practices for maintaining good health.

Mr. Roman Ramos, President of AstraZeneca Thailand and Frontier Markets reveals, “According to the Ministry of Public Health, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Thai women, and its incidence continues to rise. Statistics from 2022 indicate that there were 38,559 breast cancer patients across the nation. The causes of the disease can be attributed to both genetic factors and high-risk behaviours. AstraZeneca acknowledges the importance of enhancing patients’ quality of life; hence, the company is dedicated to researching and developing innovative technologies aimed at providing precise treatments and reducing the disease’s severity in the future. In Thailand, AstraZeneca has partnered with the Siriraj Genomics via the ‘Rethink Pink We Care’ initiative to disseminate knowledge on prevention, provide diagnostic guidelines, and promote early screening for timely treatment. These efforts are designed to effectively and sustainably improve patients’ quality of life, aligning with the company’s overarching mission.”

Prof. Dr. Manop Pithukpakorn, Medical Genetics Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Siriraj Genomics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital states, “Genomic testing has become an increasingly vital component of medical practice in Thailand, encompassing disease prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment across a range of conditions. Cancer, being a heritable disease, can be effectively diagnosed through this technology, which enables the identification of familial risk factors. Breast cancer, for instance, is often linked to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Statistics indicate that more than 80% individuals with these mutated genes face a significantly heightened risk of developing breast cancer. The advantages of genetic testing are notable, as it provides a high level of accuracy. Early detection of cancer allows for the swift development of tailored treatment plans, enhancing survival rates and minimising disease severity, thereby supporting patients in reclaiming their health. Presently, numerous treatment options are available, including surgical interventions, which have long been a cornerstone of patient care. With advancements in modern medical diagnostics, early detection of a lump can lead to minimally invasive surgeries, resulting in smaller incisions that facilitate quicker recovery for patients. Additionally, treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted medications are also employed. The selection of an appropriate treatment method ultimately rests with the treating physician, made in agreement with the patient to ensure the best possible outcomes.”

Siriraj Genomics at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, has garnered support from numerous leading companies, projects, and institutions dedicated to assisting breast cancer patients. Collaborating partners include AstraZeneca (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the Siriraj Cancer Institute (SiCA), the Art for Cancer Project, the Thailand Breast Cancer Community, Anita (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and TISCO Bank Public Company Limited. In addition to the activities on stage and the exhibition booths, the centre has also partnered with La Roche-Posay, part of L'Oréal (Thailand) Co., Ltd. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families through the "La Roche-Posay Alongside Cancer Patients" initiative, in partnership with the Cancer Network Foundation. The primary objective is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families by raising awareness about the disease, offering consultations with dermatologists regarding treatment effects, and donating Lipikar Baume AP+M products for gentle care of cancer patients.