DUBAI, 7 February 2007 — Recently up to 30 mothers and daughters teamed up to paint with an aim of raising awareness about the threat of cervical cancer in an event held at the Jam Jar, a self-expression art studio in Dubai.

The aim of the event was to strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters through fun filled activity and to educate them on a number of vital ways to prevent cervical cancer. Each mother and daughter was given a sheet of canvas to draw portraits symbolizing their special relationship and need for each other.

The event was organized by Jam Jar, the General Medical Center Branch known as the French Medical Center and pharmaceutical company Merck, Sharp and Dohme, which manufactures Gardasil, the first and only vaccine against cervical cancer.

“We are always very keen to support educational initiatives, especially in the case of cervical cancer. Awareness of the disease is substantially low in the region,” said Hetal Palwani, owner of the Jam Jar. “It’s never too early to start educating children. These girls are the mothers of the future and we are glad to be doing our part in ensuring that they grow up enlightened and educated on cervical cancer.”

Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among women and accounts for 240,000 deaths annually worldwide.

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection. Approximately 2.3 million women are currently diagnosed with the deadly disease across the world.

Dr. Carole Chidiac, family medicine specialist at the General Medical Center Branch, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative. “I am glad that so many women have eagerly attended to learn how to protect themselves and their daughters against such disease,” she said.

According to statistics taken from the International Journal of Cancer, the incidence of cervical cancer in the Middle East and other developing countries have been markedly low due to active screening and effective methods of treatment.

However, because national prevention programs and laboratory testing in the past have been deemed expensive and laborious with laboratory testing being such a delicate procedure, the rate in the Middle East has doubled in the last decade compared to developed countries that have national prevention programs.

The Jam Jar has agreed to display the artwork until Feb. 13, 2007. The studio offers various other painting session for adults and children.