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THIS may come as a shock: Miss World 2025, Opal Suchata Chuangsri, barely 21, is a breast cancer survivor.

Yet it is precisely because of that experience that she has become a constructive force for thousands of women.

Opal underwent surgery to remove a benign breast tumour when she was only 16. The fear and distress of that ordeal moved her to dedicate herself to breast cancer awareness.

As Miss World Thailand 2025, she launched Opal for HER – a breast cancer awareness and education initiative that has already reached 10,000 women. The campaign, carried out in partnership with the Kanchanabaramee Foundation in Thailand, provides screenings, medical access, mobile mammogram services, and counselling across all four regions of the country. Its focus is on encouraging early detection and breaking the stigma surrounding breast health.

But in Miss World, it is not enough merely to have a project; one must also prove its measurable and verified impact.

Breast Lump at 16 – Breaking the Misconception That Only Older People Get It

In a recent interview, when CNN asked whether her advocacy for awareness and early detection remains a long and difficult journey, Opal explained:

“Yes, there is still a long way to go. I have been doing this for four to five years, since I was 18, though it actually started when I was 16 because I had breast lump surgery. That is why I began a breast cancer project. I realised that I really need to change people’s awareness, not just in Thailand but around the world.

There are many people who still believe breast cancer only happens when you reach a certain age. But I was only 15 when I went through it. I thought it would be better for girls everywhere to know more about it, so they can seek treatment in time, just as I did.”

‘My Voice Is Louder as Miss World’ – And Breast Cancer Can Affect Men Too

In an HMTV Telugu News interview in Hyderabad during Miss World 2025, an Indian reporter asked Opal what one initiative she most wished to advance in her homeland, and why.

Opal answered:

“Of course, it has to be my breast cancer initiative. This is why I am here at Miss World – because I know my voice will be louder, not only in my country but also in India and around the world.

“And I think if I could change one thing, it would be to improve women’s health around the world – and also men’s, because sometimes breast cancer can also be found in the other gender besides women. 

“This is one cause I truly want to champion and bring awareness to, especially among the younger generation, because nothing is more important than health. Without health, they cannot chase their dreams.”

Through personal pain, Opal has transformed her private struggle into public purpose – embodying in the fullest sense the Miss World ideal of beauty not only outside, but within.