From overcoming cancer to winning Miss World: Opal Suchata Chuangsri's journey

Hyderabad: At just 16 years old, Suchata “Opal” Chuangrsi, Miss World Thailand, who has now been crowned as 72nd Miss World faced a life-changing diagnosis: a benign breast tumor.

Though not life-threatening, the emotional weight of fear and uncertainty left a deep and lasting impact, said Miss World organisers.

Today, that experience has become the driving force behind her Beauty with a Purpose project, Opal For HER — a nationwide breast cancer awareness initiative aimed at education, early detection, and empowerment.

Understanding how many women suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, or financial barriers, Opal has made it her mission to break the silence and make women’s health a national conversation.

She passionately advocates for early education, particularly among young women, stressing that breast health issues aren’t distant possibilities — they’re real, immediate, and can affect anyone, even teenagers.

According to Miss World organisers Opal For HER focuses on raising awareness from an early age, encouraging routine examinations for early detection, and improving access to vital breast health information. Through educational outreach, fundraising, and medical partnerships, the project has already made a significant impact.

Her efforts include launching podcasts to spread knowledge, organizing free breast screening events in collaboration with hospitals, and meeting with high-level health officials — including Thailand’s Minister of Public Health and the National Cancer Institute — to elevate the conversation and influence policy. She has also been able to raise a considerable amount of money for the cause.

Looking ahead, Opal plans to expand her outreach by offering scholarships for medical students and launching new community initiatives. Her goal is clear: to ensure no woman is left behind because of fear or lack of access to care.