Bangkok--30 Jan--DC Consultants
ICC International Pcl, the distributor of Wacoal products, has joined forces with the National Cancer Institute, the provincial cancer hospitals, the Bangkok Hospital Group and the Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital in launching the “Wacoal Pink Ribbon 2013: Power of Women” campaign.
In addition to raising women’s awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening, the campaign includes the Balancing Bra Donation activity, providing for free specially designed bras with prosthetic breasts for women who have suffered breast removal as the result of an operation. Applications for the bras are accepted at all Wacoal counters nationwide.
Thamarat Chokwatana, Director and Executive Vice President of ICC International Pcl, said that this 13th edition of the Wacoal Pink Ribbon campaign is aimed at educating the Thai women on the danger of breast cancer and the necessity for regular cancer screening. The campaign has also provided assistance to relevant medical institutions and patients through the cooperation with public and private partners, including the National Cancer Institute, the provincial cancer hospitals, the Bangkok Hospital Group, the Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, leading department stores and shops across the country and members of the public, who take part in Wacoal’s activities.
“As the market leader and expert in women’s lingerie who has served the Thai ladies for more than four decades, Wacoal expects our Balancing Bra Donation activity to provide the women in need with encouragement and confidence in their way of life,” said Thamarat.
Dr Teerawut Khuhaprema, Director of the Nation Cancer Institute, explained that breast cancer was the type of cancer that is most found in women. It killed 2,724 women in 2011 and the number of patients suffering from this disease at the age below average has increased by 50 per cent.
“The cause of breast cancer is still unclear,” he said, “so the best protection is cancer screening. At present, the most effective method is the mammogram and ultrasound examination because it can diagnose cancer at the very early stage. The sooner it is detected and treated, the more opportunity there is that it can be cured. I recommend that women aged 40 and above receive mammogram examinations every year, and women of younger age should do this as well if they are exposed to risk factors.”
The launch event of “Wacoal Pink Ribbon 2013: Power of Women” also included a mime telling how to keep oneself safe from breast cancer, performed by Mute Pantomime from Thailand’s Got Talent, and a special talk with celebrity Pavarisa Phenjati and advertiser and writer Sudrak Suwanchairob, who shared their experience in dealing with the threatening lump in their chests with calm and positive attitude.
Regarding the Balancing Bra Donation activity, Thai Wacoal Pcl’s Manager of Wacoal Body Clinic Saranya Tongaram, said that the activity originated from the fact that breast removal usually leads to women’s loss of confidence in their body shape, making them depressed and afraid to socialise.
Wacoal began its research and development of bras and prosthetic breasts for these women through collaboration with medical professionals and patients in 1981 and it has successfully developed the patented Balancing Bra. The product has been custom-made on demand for customers since then but they will be distributed free as part of this year’s Wacoal Pink Ribbon campaign.
Balancing Bra comprises a bra and one or two prosthetic breasts. The bra’s centre and sides were designed to reach higher than usual to cover operative scars and the missing body part. The bosom part has an opening on one or both sides for putting in the prosthetic breast, available in five cups from A to E and seven sizes from 65 to 95. The fabric is made from cotton and lycra, with an element to maintain the skin’s moisture, and the seam concealing is applied to prevent irritation. The prosthetic breast contains micro plastic and foam beads to resemble natural weight and softness, covered by smooth, seamless fabric made from soft fibre, available in 11 sizes from cup A to E.
“The Balancing Bra will help women to dress up and live their lives with self-confidence. It will also help them regain physical balance, reduce the risk of neck and back pains, and protect surgery wounds from friction and impact,” Saranya said.
Women can register to receive one Balancing Bra per person without any charge at Wacoal counters in leading department stores all over Thailand or at the Wacoal Body Clinic, at telephone 0-2689-8542. Applications are also accepted through the National Cancer Institute, the provincial cancer hospitals, the Bangkok Hospital Group, the Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital and the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.
Throughout this year, the Wacoal Pink Ribbon 2013 roadshow will visit shopping malls and shops in all regions of Thailand to raise awareness about breast cancer. Members of the public can also contribute to helping underprivileged breast cancer patients through every purchase of Wacoal products.
For Further information, please contact
Orapan Panitsuk / PR Wacoal and His & Her plus point, ICC International PCL
DC Consultants and Marketing Communications Ltd
Dr.wit Sittivaekin / Bavornsri Yhungviwat / Phaitoon Sae-Hor Tel. 0-2610-2386 / 2336