Let hER Smile, smile, hope, inner strength, the next step for…breast cancer patients!

“Breast cancer” It is the number 1 type of cancer found in Thai women. According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Health in 2022, it was found that there were sick women.
with more than 38,559 breast cancer cases and the numberNew breast cancer patient diagnosed with cancer Metastatic breast has
increasing trend Even though there have been many innovative advances in breast cancer treatment over the past decade, But sharing information
Knowledge and advancements regarding cancer are widespread. It is still something that must be done. continuously With this trend of increasing the number of patients
Breast Cancer Patients Club of Thailand Art for Cancer by Ireel, Faculty of Communication Arts Bangkok University and Novar Company
Tis (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Therefore, we joined together to organize a campaign to disseminate knowledge through exhibitions under the concept Let hER Smile “Smile, Hope
The power of the heart, the next step for breast cancer patients.” To create awareness Understanding of breast cancer for patients and society to have an attitude
positive for breast cancer treatment Especially during the spread which can increase the chance of survival and make patients have a quality of life
that can be better

Creating smiles, hope, and strength to move forward for breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer exhibition with concept Let hER Smile “Smiles, hope, inner strength, the next step for breast cancer patients” Held at the
River City Si Phraya, Bangkok by Associate Professor Dr. Cherdchai Tantisirin Assistant Minister of Public Health honored
Give a special lecture Highlights in this event highlight the power of creativity.Immersive Digital Art Artwork that reflects the journey
of breast cancer patients From the beginning I was in a dark state, afraid, worried and discouraged when I found out I had cancer. Especially in the distance
spread

which through health communication creates awareness of treatment progress It leads to choices and doors of possibility. There are artworks made by breast cancer patients telling their inspiration in life through the abstract art “Smile and Hope” that will make visitors feel like they are part of the work. got involved Interact with works that are different from the traditional framework, includingInteractive knowledge zone together with the announcement of the intention of academic cooperation inCollaborating in translating the original manual for breast cancer patients from the European Society of Oncology into Thai. Dissemination of knowledge through discussions by medical expertsand patient representative activitiesRecommend breast self-examination Breast prosthetic sewing To create an accurate understanding of metastatic breast cancer. and join in sending encouragement to the patients On the path to healing with smiles, hope, and encouragement from those around you.

Innovative medicines and new treatment approaches Hope for better physical and mental health

Metastatic breast cancer can be divided into 3 types: 1. Hormone Receptor Positive Tumor (ER Positive Tumor) which has
The best prognosis 2. HER2 Positive cancer has the expression of the cancer-causing gene HER2. It is a type of breast cancer that has a good prognosis.
is second and third. Triple negative cancer, which does not attach to any receptors at all, is the type with the worst prognosis. Chemotherapy must be used for treatment.

“When diagnosed with breast cancer Patients should ask their doctor about the type and stage of the disease, appropriate treatment guidelines, and ask questions.
in various doubts Before starting treatment The most important thing in treating metastatic breast cancer is for the doctor and patient to understand the treatment objectives together. Even though it cannot be completely cured But with treatment innovations that are continuously developed
It will help patients have treatment options. The treatment effect is more effective. Control disease for longer The patient’s quality of life will also improve.” Asst. Prof. Dr. Uamkhae Sukprasert, Vice President of Oncology Association Breast cancer specialist Explained that “Treatment
Some types have few side effects. This is different from chemotherapy that has many side effects, such as in hormone receptor-mediated cancers. Antihormonal drugs are used.
Coupled with targeted drugs that help inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. When used together, the disease control period is doubled and even though
Has undergone antihormonal therapy Chemotherapy can still be used to control the disease. which has access to new treatments It will increase the opportunity for patients.
This group has a long lifespan of at least 4-5 years.”

Important factors to know..to fight cancer (malignant) in the metastatic stage.

In addition to innovative treatments Important factors affecting the treatment of metastatic breast cancer that patients should know include:

1. Type of cancer What is the prognosis? 2. Characteristics of the patient If the patient is healthy Can receive treatment
Continued treatment will be effective. Age is not as important a factor as physical strength. But in older patients, it is necessary to be careful of the disease.
Other identification That makes treatment more difficult. Because some medicines may not be available, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease.
3. Access to innovative treatments and medicines If the patient receives medication that is fully suitable for the disease, the disease can be controlled better and has a higher rate.
Survival is higher

“If found to have metastatic breast cancer I don’t want to give up or be discouraged. Because at every stage of treatment, patients still have hope.”
Prof. Dr. Pornchai Ocharoenrat, surgeon, breast and thyroid specialist, Chao Phraya Hospital Tell with a smile and added further, “Today we have the evolution of new drugs and treatments, such as targeted drugs, immunotherapy. Hormone therapy and chemotherapy, which have many formulas and are effective in treating These innovations will help extend the time period. Quality life for patients Even if metastatic breast cancer
There is only a 4% chance of being cured without cancer remaining in the body, but from statistics of patients in this stage, there is a proportion of up to 20% who can live for up to 10 years if they receive proper and complete treatment. Deciding not to treat or choose treatment with other alternative medicine. This may cause the patient to miss out on the best opportunity for treatment. When returning to treatment with modern medicine later It may also be a stage where the cancer has spread and spread further than before. This will reduce the chance of prolonging the quality of life.

Use creative arts to pass on knowledge and create a manual for breast cancer patients.

Ms. Ireel Traisansri, Vice President of the Breast Cancer Patients Club of Thailand and founder of Art for Cancer Bye Ireel said, “Let hER Smile is another activity that aims to create smiles, hope, and inner strength for friends, patients, and visitors.Seeing opportunities and inspiration
In the lives of breast cancer patients Be ready to move forward.With a better quality of life By opening perspectives on breast cancer treatment to
Patients, caregivers, and people in society see opportunities and have a correct understanding about treatment. through creative art media create understanding
in new treatment innovations That will help improve the quality of life throughout the lifespan of the patient under treatment. which we currently find
Thai breast cancer patients still lack access to knowledge. and guidelines for correct treatment and care for breast cancer patients This will increase the patient’s chance of survival. Oncology Association of Thailand The Breast Cancer Patients Club of Thailand and Art for Cancer by Ireal joined together to translate the Thai version of the breast cancer patient manual. It is expected to be completed in early 2024.”

Join forces…send encouragement to breast cancer patients.

“The incidence of breast cancer is increasing worldwide. It shows that we need to work together to raise awareness. Passing on knowledge about cancer
More breast milk Novartis takes your opinions and needs seriously.
of patients We are committed to working with patients and their caregivers. to work together to fill the gaps On the path to treating disease Organizing exhibitions
Breast cancer Let hER Smile is a knowledge transfer Science in the form of an art exhibition Its aim is to inspire, educate and make the metastatic breast cancer treatment journey filled with hope and smiles.” Pharmacist Sumalee Kristhanin, CEO of Novartis (Thailand) Company Limited, gave her concluding remarks.