Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital Expands Proactive Cancer Screening Services

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital is bolstering its proactive cancer screening initiatives under the National Health Insurance System, offering significant benefits for health promotion and disease prevention, particularly for colon, rectal, and cervical cancers. These services aim to identify at-risk individuals and detect cancers at earlier, more treatable stages.

Increased Screening Capacity and Early Detection

Dr. Duangporn Asawarachan, Director of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to proactive disease screening. Currently, over 20,000 individuals have received cancer screening services at the hospital. This proactive approach has led to a substantial increase in the identification of at-risk patients and those with early-stage cancer, rising from over 800 cases in 2023 to more than 1,000 cases currently.

Cancer Incidence Rates in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Data from the hospital’s screening services reveals specific cancer trends among men and women. Among males, colon and rectal cancer are most prevalent, followed by prostate cancer. This aligns with national data indicating an incidence rate of 32 cases of colon and rectal cancer per 100,000 population in men, with risk factors including a diet high in spicy and fatty foods, and a lack of exercise. Prostate cancer has an incidence rate of 11.2 per 100,000 population and is often detected at a later stage.

For women, breast and cervical cancers are the most commonly detected, mirroring national rates of 31.4 and 14.7 cases per 100,000 population, respectively. These cancers frequently affect individuals of working age, impacting their quality of life and creating economic burdens.

Comprehensive Cancer Care and Treatment

Patients identified with potential cancer indicators through screening are immediately eligible for treatment based on their healthcare rights. Those covered by the gold card benefit can receive treatment free of charge within the system. The hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach to care, including surgery, chemotherapy, and referrals to network hospitals for radiotherapy.

Expanding Access Through Community Networks

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital’s cancer services are fully operational, supported by a robust service network connecting with communities through Village Health Volunteers (VHVs), Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospitals, and primary care units. This ensures broader access to vital screening services. The hospital reports that this approach has contributed to a decrease in the mortality rate from colon cancer, which has fallen from being the leading cause of cancer deaths at the hospital to fifth place.

Palliative Care for Advanced Cancer

In addition to screening and treatment, the hospital offers palliative care services for patients in the final stages of cancer, focusing on improving their quality of life and ensuring peaceful conclude-of-life care.

Focus on Prevention and Early Intervention

Dr. Duangporn emphasized the importance of a “build and repair” approach, prioritizing screening and diagnosis at the pre-disease stage to increase the chances of a cure and reduce long-term severity. The hospital will continue to proactively expand its cancer screening and treatment programs.