Current statistics have shown that breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Thailand.  It has, therefore, resulted in an ever increasing number of patients who need treatment in the form of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  As a result of these figures, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in conjunction with the Thai Red Cross Society developed a plan to build a Centre for Breast Cancer, which in the words of Her Majesty The Queen should be “a sanctuary for women in need.” 

Her Majesty’s keen interest and support as Patron of this project was clearly illustrated in the gracious personal donation of 2 million baht and the bestowal of the centre’s name, “The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer.” 

The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer was opened officially on June 11, 2005, by Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand, and accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn.

Dr. Kris Chatamra--M.B.B.S. (London); L.R.C.P.(London); M.R.C.S.[England], F.R.C.S.(England), M.D.(London)--a consultant surgeon and oncologist at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, is the founder and instigator of the centre.  He returned to Thailand after 30 years in the United Kingdom.  His experience as a senior clinician and an internal examiner of the Royal College of Surgeons of England provided a strong basis for a plan to be pursued, which would combine the right philosophy, approach and team.

The Centre’s remit was to provide a state-of-the-art service for women with breast cancer that would ensure a fast, efficient and cohesive diagnostic and treatment service.  The unit would need to deal with large numbers of patients to the best of its capabilities, with a highly motivated team who are experienced and fully up-to-date in their specialties.  The unit would need the most sophisticated and technologically advanced equipment located in a suitable location.  The aim of Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer would be to develop into a unit of excellence, on par with any international breast cancer facility abroad, and comparable in patient management and clinical research programme. 

To achieve this goal requires a large budget, and the Fund Raising Bureau of the Thai Red Cross Society has actively sought individual donations and sponsorship to purchase the necessary equipment, in addition to the funds raised by Dr. Kris Chatamra, founder of the Centre.  The Centre has grown in strength and it was a huge encouragement to the work of the Centre when Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand graciously agreed to open the facility on June 11, 2005, to celebrate her 72nd birthday. 

The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer has truly grown into the unit Her Majesty envisaged.  Firstly, it has developed a strong unified team which is on the forefront of new research in breast cancer treatment and embodies the same caring cohesive approach to patient management.  Secondly, in conjunction with its philosophy, the unit has built up the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technology.  The Centre is also active in teaching doctors from all over the country and internationally at regular seminars and lectures on the subject of breast cancer.  The team is also carrying out clinical research, including international collaboration. 

The Centre is housed in a newly renovated building.  It consists of: in-patient wards; outpatient clinics; operating theatre facilities; a chemotherapy day-care unit; and the most modern diagnostic and therapeutic facilities available anywhere in the world. 

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