Viewpoint from Thailand

The incidence of cholangiocarcinoma is increasing, not only in the UK but throughout the world – it is a global problem.  Following the recent 3-day  international cholangiocarcinoma workshop in Thailand* where perspectives and experiences on CC amongst UK and Thai researchers were shared and opportunities for new and potential research were discussed, AMMF has formed links with researchers and specialists in that country.

We are delighted that Professor Paiboon Sithithaworn from the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, has now contributed an article for AMMF’s occasional series of  ‘Viewpoints’ from cholangiocarcinoma specialists and researchers.

Thailand has the highest incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in the world – the disease is responsible for approximately 20,000 deaths each year, chiefly caused by the liver fluke which is present in the fish eaten by the many of the rural population.

Professor Paiboon describes the situation and the hope that a new health education programme targeting the younger generation, particularly primary school children, will increase the awareness of the problem of liver fluke infection and how to avoid it, which will, in time, help to greatly reduce the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma.

To read Professor Paiboon’s viewpoint from Thailand in full, click here

May 2014