A report on the Marrakech International Women’s Cancer Days: dialogs and implications

Abstract

The MarrakechInternational Women’s Cancer Days showcased a first-time international meeting of healthcare professionals worldwide to discuss, over the course of 3 days, aspects of public health, prevention, and treatment of gynecological cancers in the Arabic region. The focus was particularly on promoting globally sustainable research initiatives. The event was a joint initiative organized by the Gynecological Cancer Intergroup and the Pan-Arabian Research Society of Gynecological Oncology. The first conference day focused on the early diagnosis and screening of cervical cancer and the required action to establish equity within screening programs and improve cancer control strategies in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The second day highlighted current screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for ovarian cancer in the Arabic region, with particular discussion on the incidence of germline mutations in Arabic women with ovarian cancer. Centers from the Arabic region such as Jordan, Tunesia, Sudan, and Morocco presented their own data on ovarian cancer patients and local clinical practice, and barriers to treatment. It was highlighted that more support is required in surgical training and medical therapies. On the third day , the focus was on cervical cancer therapies and treatment. Interesting surveys on patient awareness of screening programs and cervical cancer were presented from various centers including Lebanon, Sudan, and the UAE. The conference ended with emphasis on patient education, and quality of life. The meeting provided a first-time platform for sustainable worldwide dialog and exchange on all aspects of gynecological cancers focusing on the Arabic woman and the particular barriers, unchartered territories, and challenges this patient population presents to the global healthcare community.