Thai Women Delay Cancer Screenings Due to Family Responsibilities—2nd Highest in Asia Pacific, Increasing Cancer Risk

[Bangkok, 25 March 2025]: In honor of International Women's Day this March, celebrated globally under the theme "Accelerate Action" to promote positive change, women's rights, and social equality, Roche Diagnostics (Thailand) and Roche Thailand hosted a seminar titled "Lifting Women's Voices to Accelerate Action in Women’s Health." The event emphasized the crucial role of women in driving Thai society while highlighting the importance of women taking control of their own health.

The seminar was honored by the presence of Professor Siriwan Tangjitgamol, M.D., President of the Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society (TGCS), and Sirisopa Techawattananwong, M.D., Instructor in the Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University. Both experts shared insights on the cancer situation among Thai women, discussed the health challenges they face, and exchanged perspectives on women’s roles in today’s society.

Women in Thailand play an essential role across all sectors of society, from education and economy to politics and public health. In particular, women are primarily responsible for family caregiving, which directly influences health-related decisions. According to the recent Roche Diagnostics APAC Women Health Survey 2025, conducted among 300 women aged 25-50 from the Asia-Pacific region, 28%1 of Thai women reported postponing or avoiding medical care due to family obligations, placing Thailand second only to India in this respect among eight countries in the region. Furthermore, over 80%2 of women in both Western and Southeast Asia are responsible for family health decisions. Women are also the main caregivers in families, with 66%2 of caregivers and 71%3 of healthcare professionals worldwide being women. Moreover, women bear 70%4 of family healthcare expenses. However, these responsibilities often lead to neglect of their own health, contributing to a steady rise in cancer rates among Thai women. Recent data from Economist Impact5 indicates that mortality rates for breast cancer patients in Asia are projected to increase by 27.8%, and cervical cancer patients are expected to see a mortality increase of approximately 24.9% by 2030.

Currently, cervical and breast cancer are among the top five leading causes of death in Thai women.6 While screenings can significantly reduce risks and increase treatment success rates, many women still hesitate or struggle to access these services. Recent statistics show that one-third1 of Thai women consider screenings non-urgent, missing the opportunity for early prevention and treatment.

Expert Insights on Cancer RisksProfessor Siriwan Tangjitgamol, M.D., President of the Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society (TGCS), emphasized, “Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Thai women, with 13 deaths occurring daily from this disease. Alarmingly, approximately 85% of sexually active women have been infected with HPV, and over 99% of cervical cancer cases are linked to this infection.7 Regular cervical cancer screenings are essential to detect cancer early and reduce the risk of death."

In Thailand, the survey8 revealed that about 55% of women have undergone cervical cancer screening. However, 33% of women avoid screening due to pain or embarrassment. That's where self-sampling HPV tests can make a difference, helping to break down those barriers. Survey showed that around 65% of women see self-sampling HPV testing as a valuable tool for prevention.

Studies from international organizations and the Thai Gynecologic Cancer Society have shown that self-collected HPV samples are just as effective as those collected by physicians. These findings encourage women to feel more empowered in managing their health by enabling them to perform cervical cancer screenings through self-collection of samples for HPV testing.

Raising Awareness for Early DetectionSirisopa Techawattananwong, M.D., Instructor in Medical Oncology at Siriraj Hospital, stated, “Women’s health screenings are vital. The National Cancer Institute recommends that women aged 20+ perform monthly breast self-examinations. For women aged 40-69, in addition to regular self-exams, annual exams by a doctor or trained medical professional are crucial.”9

Thai women face significant health challenges, with projections indicating a 15.9%10 increase in breast cancer cases and a 25.9% rise in the mortality rate by 2030 compared to 2020. These trends align with global projections, which predict a 21.1% increase in breast cancer cases and a 25.2% rise in mortality globally by 2030.10

A Call for Action and EducationRoche’s survey found that 52% of Thai women seek health information online, while 48%11   turn to hospitals. This highlights the importance of using digital platforms and social media to effectively communicate the benefits of screenings and raise awareness about cancer prevention.

Roche’s Commitment to Women’s HealthMr. Mihai Irimescu, General Manager of Roche Diagnostics (Thailand), explained, “The main reasons Thai women avoid cancer screenings include the belief that nothing is wrong (34%), fear of pain (28%), and anxiety about test results (26%).12 Raising awareness about these screenings is essential to changing these attitudes and encouraging women to take preventive action.”

Roche is committed to promoting women’s health initiatives aimed at elevating health rights and equality in Thai society. The company’s ongoing efforts include the Thai Women's Health Assistance Project, which provides cervical cancer screenings, educates factory workers, and promotes HPV self-sampling kits through digital channels. Roche also organizes National Women's Health Check Week, in collaboration with over 60 partner organizations, offering roadshows for cervical cancer screenings and education. Additionally, the Cancer Care Connect project partners with healthcare providers to increase access to cancer screenings for all, regardless of gender, ensuring that busy modern women can prioritize their health.

Looking AheadRoche has set a goal for this year to increase early-stage cancer diagnoses by 10%, with new diagnostic methods and treatment guidelines implemented in Centers of Excellence at various hospitals.

Mr. Mihai Irimescu concluded, “International Women's Month is the perfect time to reinforce the importance of women’s health screenings. By increasing awareness and encouraging preventive action, we can strengthen Thai society and improve the quality of life for all.”