The 16th International Conference on Breast Cancer, Women’s Diseases, and Immune Diseases, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and Population and in cooperation with MSD, has commenced with the theme “Innovation and Enlightenment.” The conference, held in collaboration with the Regional Office of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean, aims to support women’s health and raise awareness about the risks associated with breast cancer. Taking place on January 18 and 19, the event is led by the Ministry of Health and Population, with MSD as the main partner.
The primary objectives of the conference are to enhance awareness of breast cancer, its symptoms, and the significance of early detection in achieving high cure rates. Additionally, the conference aims to equip the healthcare system with the latest drugs and therapeutic protocols, thereby reducing the suffering of Egyptian women affected by breast cancer and facilitating their integration into all aspects of life.
The conference has garnered significant attention, with the attendance and support of notable figures such as Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, the Minister of Health and Population, and Dr. Muhammad Loutfi, Chairman of the Egyptian Health Council. Distinguished leaders from international and local associations, as well as specialized research bodies that focus on cancer treatment, including Dr. Elizabeth Wideroff, Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), affiliated with the World Health Organization, are also participating.
Throughout the conference sessions, emphasis is placed on the importance of raising awareness among Egyptian women about breast cancer and promoting early detection methods. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent types of tumors affecting women in Egypt and worldwide. The Ministry of Health and Population has shared its targeted plans to offer comprehensive support for women’s health, highlighting the achievements made in this domain. The conference program features scientific sessions in which expert doctors discuss breast cancer symptoms, early detection methods, the significance of self-examination, nutrition, and psychological support for patients.
Addressing the conference, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, the Minister of Health and Population, underscores the significance of establishing partnerships and enhancing cooperation with various entities to drive progress and innovation in diagnostic and therapeutic systems related to breast cancer, women’s diseases, and immune diseases. He envisions a future free of cancer and immune diseases and emphasizes the exchange of experiences among specialists from around the world to develop effective strategies for cancer and immune disease treatment.
Dr. Hazem Abdel-Samea, General Manager of MSD Egypt Cluster, expresses delight in participating in one of the most largest and prestigious medical oncology conferences in the Middle East. MSD Egypt’s involvement is aligned with the conference’s vision and the country focus on prioritizing women’s health. While MSD is known for providing innovated breast cancer and women’s cancer treatments worldwide, the company’s role extends beyond that to encompass scientific support for the entire healthcare system and raising patient awareness about the dangers of malignant tumors and preventive measures.
Professor Dr. Hesham El-Ghazaly, Professor of Oncology at the Faculty of Medicine at Ain Shams University, Chairman of the Higher Committee of the Presidential Women’s Health Initiative, and President of the International Oncology Association and the Conference, concludes by stating that the conference reflects the global commitment to combating cancer. He highlights Egypt’s achievements in developing early detection and treatment systems for cancer patients, particularly breast cancer and other cancers affecting women, through presidential initiatives aimed at supporting public health. The recommendations resulting from these initiatives have become crucial cornerstones for effective strategies in the fight against cancer.
