In October we support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know breast cancer is the most common cancer in women? At MSD, we show solidarity with those facing breast cancer and do everything we can to support further advances to help fighting the disease. Especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month October we support various activities to educate about the importance of prevention and early detection. Learn more about our commitment.
18.10.2023
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In Switzerland, around 6,500 women and 50 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Although new therapies have improved the prognosis of patients with breast cancer, around 1400 people still die from the disease in Switzerland every year.
“We stand united for the mothers, sisters, daughters and loved ones impacted by breast cancer and do everything we can to drive further innovation to help save and improve lives.”
As with many other cancers, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of a cure. That’s why we support various initiatives to raise awareness!
Awareness campaign in the Pink Cube
In October, we support the awareness campaign “Sag Nein zu Brustkrebs, sag Ja zur Früherkennung! ” (Say no to breast cancer, say yes to early detection) in partnership with EUROPA DONNA Switzerland and the sponsors GILEAD and AstraZeneca.
On 8 days in October, the pink container “Pink Cube” will be located in Liestal, Chur, Baden and Zurich, where gynecologists will offer interested visitors free consultations and breast examinations. Everyone is invited to visit the Pink Cube.
Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month October, we have expanded our patient portal MSD Gesundheit with information about breast cancer. The website provides detailed information about the disease including risks and options for prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
In addition, the website offers answers to the most frequently asked questions about breast cancer and information on where affected people can get advice and support.
A feelgood moment for our colleagues with more than 50 MSD Switzerland team members taking part in the Pink Ribbon Charity Walk.
The solidarity walk celebrates survivors, remembers those that we have lost, raises awareness, and much-needed funds to work towards the vision of zero deaths from breast cancer.
Our collective total distance was 208 km! It wasn’t just the Oncology team members, we were there as a cross-functional MSD team showing our joint commitment to fight breast cancer together.
Facts about breast cancer you should know
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for nearly one-third of all cancer diagnoses. In Switzerland, about 6,500 women and 50 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and around 1,410 people die from it each year. The rate of disease increases with age. Nevertheless, a quarter of all patients are younger than 50 at the time of diagnosis. Breast self-examination is one of the easiest breast cancer detection methods that every person should do. For women over 50, mammography is recommended to detect breast cancer at an early stage. The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances of cure. That’s the message we want to get across to everyone!
About our clinical research in Oncology
Did you know that MSD operates one of the world’s largest and fastest growing clinical research programs in oncology? It currently includes more than 1,600 clinical trials. Switzerland is part of this research program. Our team currently coordinates 34 clinical trials in different tumor types (as of 10/2023). MSD is also one of the leading companies in the research of vaccines against preventable diseases, such as cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. In Switzerland, we collaborate with various partners to advance innovative solutions in cancer treatment. In recent years, we have made an important contribution to improving treatment options for cancer patients.
Did you know that MSD employees can use 40 hours of paid working time each year to volunteer in various projects? Here you can find out how this can look like.
13 October 2023
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Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne und Zurich
Every year, our employees support voluntary activities for their communities. The Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich, organized together with the IG Sauber Umwelt (IGSU), are an example of such a volunteering opportunity.
Employees from all five MSD Switzerland locations were invited to roll up their sleeves on two days and help to rid the cities of Lucerne and Zurich of waste. A team of over 50 employees gathered to work together for this good cause.
«We have collected over 68 kg of waste and disposed of it correctly!»
Anabel D., MSD employee at the Citybay location, Lucerne
MSD employees in action
2.5 kg of cigarette butts collected
Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich
Why volunteering is important to us at MSD
Volunteering at MSD means get involved for worthy charitable organizations on a voluntary basis during paid working hours. Another possibility is to contribute your professional skills to international projects within the MSD Fellowship for Global Health Programs.
Our volunteer commitment is a sign of solidarity. It aims to promote a culture of social interaction, improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people and benefit the community. Simply put, with our commitment we want to help and give something back to society and our environment. Those who volunteer also take advantage of the opportunity to network with other MSD colleagues and learn or improve skills that are not part of their everyday work routine.
«The Clean-Up-Days were a great experience and an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from other locations.»
Rafael F., MSD employee at The Circle location, Zurich
Skin cancer prevention: Lunch & Learn about «Melanoma»
05.09.2023
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More than 100 colleagues took the opportunity to participate in today’s Lunch & Learn, either in person or online. The following is an excerpt of what they learned.
We are committed to the fight against cancer
Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest melanoma incidence rate in the world. Although the average age at diagnosis is 65, melanoma is also one of the most common cancers in young adults under 30, especially women.
«As one of the world’s leading companies in the field of oncology, we consider our responsibility to educate people about cancer and how to prevent it.»
Panos Neofytos, AVP, International Oncology Marketing
Facts about melanoma
There are different forms of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most severe form.
Melanoma can develop not only on the skin, but also, for example, in the eye or in the mucosal membranes.
The main risk factor for melanoma is UV radiation with sunburn, especially during childhood and adolescence.
Other risk factors include among others a large number of moles, family history, genetic susceptibility and a weakened immune system.
«The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis. It’s important to check the skin regularly.»
Lynda Benmahammed Bellagha, MD, Regional Director Medical Affairs Oncology
Melanoma patient Werner
Werner has a so-called “hidden” melanoma. In his case, the tumor grew inward without any external signs. When he was diagnosed with melanoma, it was twelve, not five to twelve. At the Lunch & Learn, he spoke with Nadia Pellanda, Director EUCAN Oncology Policy. His story is told here (in German, French and Italian).
«Before my illness, I didn’t really know anything about melanoma.»
Melanoma patient Werner and Nadia Pellanda, Director EUCAN Oncology Policy
The ABCD rule
We can actively contribute to reducing the risk of melanoma by ourselves. The most effective measure is sun protection. It is also important to check the skin regularly and to have conspicuous changes examined by a doctor. The so-called ABCD rule is a helpful support to recognize a conspicuous mole
Prevention starts with us! To mark International HPV Awareness Day, we met with gynecologist Dr. Alina Staikov for a Lunch & Learn. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to learn about the impact human papillomavirus (HPV) can have on our health and how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the viruses and certain cancers it causes.
31 March 2023
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In celebration of International HPV Awareness Day on March 4, our Leadership Team invited all MSD employees to a Lunch & Learn with Dr. Alina Staikov. She is a gynecologist committed to the fight against cancer and is dedicated to education, treatment, prevention and early detection of the disease.
What does cancer have to do with HPV? Human papillomaviruses can cause cancer in some cases. The good thing is, if you are informed, you can protect yourself from HPV, prevent HPV-related cancers or get early treatment for them!
At MSD, we are committed to the prevention and early detection of cancer
As one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in oncology, we don’t just focus on educating the public – we live by what we say. This is why we regularly organize internal events to educate ourselves further on pertinent subjects – in this case about HPV and how it impacts health. More than 50 colleagues from all Swiss subsidiaries took the opportunity to learn from Dr. Staikov and ask their questions.
HPV can cause certain cancers
Dr. Staikov presented key facts about HPV. Among the other information she provided, she explained that these viruses are common and even teenagers should know about them, because even they can become infected. She explained that almost everyone will come into contact with HPV during their lifetime and what can happen if the virus does not go away on its own. This is the specific reason why Dr. Staikov focused on the options of early prevention and detection. After her lecture, we were afforded the opportunity to ask questions, making the event interactive and vibrant. What is the message we took away? Read the next section!
Five facts about HPV that everyone should know
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is common and can occur in teenagers and adults.
People are infected with HP viruses through person-to-person contact involving the skin and mucous membranes.
HP viruses can cause certain cancers and precancerous tissue abnormalities.
The most common HPV-related cancers include cervical cancer, anal cancer, and oral and pharyngeal cancers.
Safer sex and vaccination can help prevent certain HPV-related diseases.
“Getting the information to the people is the most important thing. If they are not informed, they can’t make decisions and they don’t have choices.“
Dr. Alina Staikov
At the event
Applause for Dr. Staikov
The event was a great opportunity for us to learn as a team and live by MSD culture.
