(February 5, 2023) at The Nine Center Tiwanon Shopping Center, Pathum Thani Province, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Health presided over the event “World Cancer Day” with Dr. Narong Apiculwanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health. Dr. Thongchai Keerati Handicraft Director General of the Medical Department Dr. Skan Bunnag, Director of the National Cancer Institute, executives, public and private networks Public health personnel, village health volunteers and the public attended the event.
Mr. Anutin said that cancer is the number one cause of death for Thai people. And is the leading cause of death of people around the world. Thailand finds about 140,000 new cancer patients per year, about 80,000 deaths. The top 5 most common cancers are liver and bile duct cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. colon and rectum cancer and cervical cancer Ministry of Public Health has always focused on the problem of cancer
by pushing cancer care into the benefits package of the National Health Security Office and putting it into practice increased in several ways, including screening for colon and rectal cancer with a stool test; If abnormalities are found, they can continue screening with a colonoscopy without charge. Breast cancer screening by detecting abnormal genes in those with a family history of breast cancer and screening for cancer risk lesions and oral cancer It also supports the replacement of cervical cancer screening from PAP smear to screening by HPV test, which increases the sensitivity and accuracy of screening for the disease. And when screening it was found that it was cancer. can enter the treatment quickly Able to shorten the referral process in the normal system without having to use a referral slip according to the “Cancer Anywhere” policy, where early diagnosis and early treatment are important factors that will increase the patient’s chances of survival. Since the start of the project on January 1, 2021, until now, more than 325,000 patients have used cancer treatment anywhere, or more than 2,900,000 times. ongoing cancer To keep up with rapidly evolving medical technologies such as PET scan diagnosis, new cancer drugs cannabis extract to reduce the side effects that occur during treatment And the support of expensive equipment such as phototherapy machines to hospitals with many patients waiting for treatment across the country. The International Union for the Control of Cancer (UICC) has designated February 4 of every year as “Day World Cancer” this year was organized under the concept of “Uniting our voices and taking action, joining our voices and taking action”, focusing on stopping the spread of fake cancer news (Fake Cancer News). Cancer patients to get through difficult times quickly.
“In addition to the operations of the government sector. The important thing is cooperation from all sectors. in social responsibility Does not create pollution or toxic environment Reduce risky behaviors that cause cancer. Especially the easy thing to do is to stop sharing fake news, false information about cancer. And check the information clearly before sharing every time, ”said Anutin.
Dr. Thongchai said that the Ministry of Public Health is committed to supporting both knowledge and facts along with the development of cancer service systems. for all citizens to have good health safe from cancer And cancer patients have equal access to quality, standardized services. The widespread use of social media has resulted in a large number of false information about cancer being shared. As a result, patients who believe such false information will make erroneous decisions. delayed receiving appropriate treatment lack of opportunity to be cured and may aggravate the existing cancer more severely
In the past, despite the establishment of a cancer fake news center by the National Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, to investigate and provide factual information But the sharing of false information on this side continues to happen. Therefore, cooperation from all sectors of society and people is required to raise awareness and stop the sharing of false information.
Dr. Skan Bunnag, director of the National Cancer Institute, said that for activities On this “World Cancer Day”, the Ministry of Public Health has cooperated with 20 government agencies, the private sector and civil society, such as the Department of Medical Services, the National Cancer Institute. and regional cancer hospitals, the National Cancer Institute Foundation, the Thai Cancer Society under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, hospitals in Pathum Thani Province and private sectors such as MBK Public Company Limited, The Nine Center Tiwanon Shopping Center, Ro Thailand Co., Ltd., Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited, as well as the civil society, namely the Cancer Network Foundation, organizes activities in 2 parts, consisting of providing services to the public, namely the cervical cancer self-screening kit (HPV Self Sampling) and the knowledge exhibitions such as the exhibition “ANTI FAKE CANCER NEWS”: Stop sharing fake news = do it, demonstration of breast self-examination, sewing hats and artificial breasts for cancer patients, consulting for health checkups, HPV Vaccine, Food demonstration exhibition and Thai Cancer Society exhibition, etc.
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