To drive greater awareness around breast cancer and the impact of infectious diseases on breast cancer patients, Pfizer and Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) held a media roundtable on Wednesday October 26, highlighting breast cancer management once suspecting or being impacted by an infectious virus – understanding the challenges, signs and symptoms posed on both cancer patients & survivors.

Pfizer has been partnering with FOCP since 2017. The roundtable also included highlights of a battle and journey from one cancer survivor and another cancer patient in the UAE, shedding light on how other patients can get the correct information and take the necessary steps to act fast if they develop symptoms and fight the disease better. 

Nadine Tarcha, Gulf Medical Director, Pfizer, commented: 'At Pfizer, we remain committed to improving patients' lives and supporting them at each step of their breast cancer journey. There is a distinct need for more awareness campaigns to regularly encourage patients to check themselves for breast cancer and better understand the disease. Moreover, patients should be able to understand their symptoms and manage to act fast and consult their doctor immediately to protect themselves.”

Majed Mohamed, Executive Beneficiary Support Services of Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP), added: 'We are proud to collaborate again with Pfizer to help empower and support patients in the ongoing battle against breast cancer in the UAE, highlighting the need to act fast to protect themselves if they get diagnosed with an infectious diseases resulting from a virus.'

Majed added 'With better awareness, prevention, treatment, and access to diagnostics, early detection could save between 2.4 and 3.7 million lives each year globally.  '