Thai actress Chermarn “Ploy” Boonyasak has spoken publicly for the first time about her battle with stage 2 breast cancer and subsequent mental health crisis, describing the past year as the most difficult of her life.
In an interview on the Sisterhood podcast on Mirror Thailand’s YouTube channel, Ploy revealed she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes after delaying a follow-up appointment for 18 months due to a fear of needles.
The diagnosis coincided with severe personal and financial difficulties. Combined stress and oestrogen-suppressing medication triggered a mental health breakdown. Ploy lost 13 kilogrammes in three months, experienced memory loss, severe depression, and panic attacks. At her lowest, she engaged in self-harm and required psychiatric hospitalisation.
She underwent breast-preserving surgery followed by 25 radiation sessions. Doctors opted against chemotherapy, prescribing hormone-blocking medication instead, which she continues to take. She kept her diagnosis private, only telling close friends after surgery.
Now recovering, Ploy has regained 8kg and exercises four days weekly. Recent health checks show no abnormalities. She has eliminated processed foods from her diet and adopted healthier lifestyle habits.
Speaking during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Ploy encouraged others to prioritise self-love, reflecting that her goal now is to love herself as much as she once loved others. She attributes her cancer partly to irregular eating, excessive red meat consumption, late nights and high stress, acknowledging she is still healing but has regained her sense of self.