Bangkok, Thailand – 31st January 2025 – In recognition of World Cancer Day on 4 February 2025, under the theme United by Unique, this year’s message emphasises that while everyone affected by cancer has unique needs and experiences, they share a common goal: reducing the cancer burden, improving treatment outcomes, and enhancing quality of life. World Cancer Day 2025 focuses on a people-centric approach that begins before individuals become patients.
This aligns with Roche's mission as a world-leading biotech company dedicated to connecting patients with healthcare providers and communities. Through comprehensive efforts—from screening and treatment to creating broad-scale positive change—Roche collaborates with medical professionals, patients, patient advocacy groups, and relevant government and private agencies. Together, they work toward the shared goal of raising awareness about cancer prevention and treatment, helping Thai people live cancer-free lives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that global cancer cases will increase by more than 77% over the next 25 years.1 Meanwhile, data from the National Cancer Institute of Thailand shows that approximately 140,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed among Thai people each year, with about 83,000 deaths. The five leading causes of cancer deaths in Thailand are liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and leukemia2
Across Thailand, many communities are battling harmful levels of PM2.5 air pollution, making lung cancer screening more critical than ever. The number are alarming: lung cancer claims 40 lives every day in Thailand —even more than road traffic accidents. The situation is particularly worrying as 48 new cases are diagnosed daily, with most patients only becoming aware of their illness when it’s already at an advanced stage, owing to the rather elusive nature of early symptoms. While it's well-documented that smokers are ten times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers, we simply cannot turn a blind eye to air pollution—particularly PM2.5—as a significant risk factor.
Yotsawaj Runglodvatana, M.D., Division of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindhradhiraj University, explains, "Lung cancer can affect both men and women, but when detected early, there's a good chance of complete recovery. Therefore, regular health check-ups and lung cancer screening are crucial. Especially now that we have access to more accurate screening technologies, such as low-dose CT scans, earlier diagnosis is possible, improving treatment prospects. Additionally, advances in Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce chemotherapy side effects, and improve patients' quality of life."
Cancer not only damages the patient's health but also deeply impacts their family and loved ones. Therefore, modern cancer treatment goes beyond simply addressing the disease itself. It also focuses on empowering those closest to the patient with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate long-term care and support, ensuring the patient's quality of life is maintained.
In this regard, low-dose CT scans offer significant hope in reducing mortality rates by up to 20%.6 This advanced technology enables earlier disease detection, often when it's still in the early stages, which significantly improves the likelihood of a full recovery.
Reflecting on her experience as a lung cancer patient, Ms. Tiyarat Tanajiraworaput shared her story:
"No one in my family smokes. Before my diagnosis, as a nurse, I was always caring for others, but I rarely prioritized my own health. The stress from work and my irregular sleep patterns took a toll. My lung cancer diagnosis forced me to refocus on my physical and mental well-being. I began cultivating a more positive mindset, letting go of unnecessary worries, paying closer attention to my diet, and making sure I have enough rest.”
“I want to remind everyone that we now live in an environment that increases our risk of developing lung-related diseases. If you or a family member experience any unusual symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. My hope for Thailand is a robust screening system for individuals at risk of lung cancer—such as those over 50, those with a family history of the disease, or those experiencing symptoms like a persistent cough or unexplained weight loss. These individuals should have access to early screening, because detecting the disease in its early stages significantly reduces treatment costs.”
“Furthermore, with the rapid advancements in medical technology and pharmaceuticals today, patients have a much greater chance of living longer and maintaining a better quality of life."
A Voice from Ms. Supatron Kullayanasute, Traditional Thai Medicine Practitioner and President of the Lung Cancer Patient Club of TCS.
Ms. Supatron, who is currently 56 years old, is living with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. She is currently undergoing targeted therapy after her lung cancer returned and progressed.
Ms. Supatron shared her experience: "I've always taken good care of my health by exercising daily and getting regular check-ups. I am suspicious that air pollution played a role in my cancer since I often worked out outdoors. At that time, no one was talking about PM 2.5, but it has since become a major problem affecting the health of Thai people. Therefore, I strongly recommend that everyone wear protective masks when facing fine dust. In addition, I encourage everyone to get regular health check-ups. For those battling cancer, remember that if treatment options are still on the table, it’s worth pursuing them. Now, there are effective medications available. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, exercise, and most importantly, don't lose hope."
Roche Thailand has been working closely with key stakeholders nationwide to enhance access to appropriate and effective treatments for patients. The company collaborates with leading hospitals, universities, and public health agencies to ensure continuous and sustainable access to innovative medicines and advanced diagnostics.
One notable initiative is its partnership with Mahidol University to advance knowledge in health technology assessment, benefiting more than 20 patient groups. Roche Thailand has also worked with the Phra Pok Klao Hospital Network to establish an efficient patient referral system, which earned the Cancer Branch Award from Service Plan Sharing. This system is now being expanded to 12 hospitals nationwide, with the potential to support over 100,000 patients by 2025.
Additionally, Roche Thailand is actively promoting cancer awareness to encourage working-age Thais to prioritize their health. The Cancer Care Connect: Early Detection, Early Treatment, Away from Cancer project aims to equip individuals with essential knowledge and resources before they encounter cancer.
Aligning with this year’s World Cancer Day theme, United by Unique, Roche remains dedicated to advancing innovative treatments. Matthew Coates, General Manager of Roche Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, stated, “For 129 years, Roche has been committed to developing groundbreaking treatments for patients worldwide. Over the past decade, we have provided treatment to more than 3 million Thai patients, with 13 of our medicines included in the National List of Essential Medicines, expanding patient access to care. We have also conducted clinical trials in Thailand with more than 1,300 patients and invested over 600 million baht in research and development. Importantly, we plan to increase our R&D investment by 5% annually to drive medical innovation and improve patient outcomes.”
Mihai Irimescu, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics Thailand, emphasised: "Early detection of cancer is key to providing patients with a chance for a full recovery. Roche is committed to helping Thai people understand the importance of early screening and take advantage of it. Doing so is not just about preventing disease; it’s an investment in a better quality of life for people and in lowering the disease burden and social & economic cost for Thai society. Each patient has unique needs, and Roche strives to create innovations that address those needs for better lives for all."
The collective efforts of all sectors—government, private organizations, healthcare professionals, patients, and the Thai public—are key to building an equitable and sustainable healthcare system. While our needs and paths may differ, we all share the same goal: creating a future where everyone has access to quality healthcare. United by Unique—together in purpose, diverse in needs.
M-TH-00004404
WHO (https://www.who.int/news/item/01-02-2024-global-cancer-burden-growing--amidst-mounting-need-for-services)
NCI (https://www.nci.go.th/th/File_download/fight_cancer/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B0%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%87.pdf)
National Cancer Institute of Thailand, 25 November 2024
Thai RSC (https://www.thairsc.com/data-compare)
NCI (https://www.nci.go.th/th/Knowledge/downloads/0013.pdf)
Ministry of Public Health, Thailand (MOPH) (http://www.medi.co.th/news_detail41.php?q_id=3863)
This website contains information on products which is targeted to a wide range of audiences and could contain product details or information otherwise not accessible or valid in your country. Please be aware that we do not take any responsibility for accessing such information which may not comply with any legal process, regulation, registration or usage in the country of your origin. which is targeted to a wide range of audiences and could contain product details or information otherwise not accessible or valid