Revista Salud collaborates with MSD and FOCP, leading the protection of women’s well-being for the prevention of cervical cancer through an informative dialogue
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In an attempt to prioritize long-term well-being, it is imperative to recognize that precautionary measures outweigh the need for a cure. Health Magazine, leading biopharmaceutical company MSD GCC, Pink Caravan and FOCP (Friends of Cancer Patients) joined forces to lead a pioneering initiative to raise awareness about cervical cancer. Hosted at The Conrad Dubai, this collaborative effort, marked by a shared commitment to women’s health, not only provided in-depth insights but also learnings on preventive measures to safeguard women’s health and well-being.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with 604,000 new cases reported in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Alarmingly, 90 percent of the 342,000 deaths related to cervical cancer occurred in low- and middle-income countries. This recent event highlighted the joint commitment of Health Magazine, MSD, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) and Pink Caravan to address this pressing issue.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Ahmed Yosry, Senior Medical Director of MSD GCC, says: “We are here to reaffirm our commitment to cervical cancer awareness and prevention. We are dedicated to directing our efforts to advance knowledge “Through our comprehensive research portfolio of a preventive HPV treatment and vaccine, we are committed to protecting women from cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.”
He adds: “We actively support and collaborate with our partners in the healthcare ecosystem, including health authorities and patient organizations, to increase public awareness about cervical cancer prevention. Together, we strive to empower society to be well-informed and take charge of their health, in line with MSD’s mission to save and improve lives.”
A recent study suggested that around 80 percent of women are exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV) throughout their lives, making it a common health problem. However, the good news is that proactive screening plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer. Regular examinations allow early detection of abnormal cellular changes, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Meanwhile, Majed Mohammed Ibrahim, Advocacy and Scientific Affairs Manager at Friends of Cancer Patients, adds: “Screening serves as a vital tool to identify potential problems at an early stage, paving the way for effective preventive measures. It not only improves individual well-being but also contributes to the broader effort to reduce the overall burden of cervical cancer on health systems.
“Regular screening, particularly through the recommended Pap test every three years, is a crucial step in promoting women’s health and preventing unnecessary suffering caused by cervical cancer.”
The event delved into various risk factors associated with cervical cancer, particularly addressing sexual transmission and its role in the development of not only cervical cancer but also certain types of head and neck cancer, while also placed a strong emphasis on feasible prevention measures. The discussions shed light on the social stigma surrounding the disease and aimed to increase awareness and understanding.
A highlight was the recognition of early administration of the HPV vaccine starting at age 9 as a crucial preventive measure, providing essential protection against cervical cancer for children, whether female or male. . It was highlighted that lifestyle factors, particularly the impact of smoking, contribute to the risk of cervical cancer.
The panel discussions, featuring esteemed experts, were led by Marianne Ignacio, cervical cancer survivor, Dr. Ahmed Yosry (Senior Medical Director, MSD, GCC), Dr. Arun Karanwal (Medical Oncologist, Prime Hospital), Dr. Shital Vaidya (Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Lifeline Clinic, Karama) and Majed Mohammad Ibrahim (Manager Defense and Scientific Affairs, FOCP).
Furthermore, Vignesh Unadkat, COO, Thumbay Media, concludes, “As a powerful tool for disseminating crucial health information, Health magazine is at the forefront of promoting women’s well-being. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to create a lasting impact on overall health and well-being, providing a platform where diverse perspectives and knowledge converge for the greater good.”
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