Communicate effectively to raise awareness. This is the call made by hematologists during a webinar organized on the topic of blood cancer.
In the midst of the Covid-19 health crisis, it is important not to forget the other diseases, sometimes more virulent, which affect thousands of citizens and to which we must continue to raise awareness. It is in this same perspective that the association “Together against lymphoma”, in partnership with the Moroccan Society of Hematology (SMH) and with the support of the Janssen Laboratory, organized last Thursday a webinar under the sign ” Blood cancer: an obstacle course ”.
The specialists in blood diseases, who took part in this conference, are unanimous: it is very important to increase awareness actions to contribute to the fight against blood cancer. They therefore called for the strengthening of communication campaigns for the benefit of target populations to encourage people suffering from distinct symptoms such as fever to go see a general practitioner for better guidance.
During this webinar, participants tried to answer the most common questions about the diagnosis, symptoms or the prevalence of the disease in our country. The opportunity also to shed light on the opinion on blood diseases, such as leukemia, myeloma and lymphoma, still little known to citizens. And to ensure that the information is assimilated by the majority, specialists have insisted on the use of simple and vulgarized language to discuss all questions relating to this disease.
Speaking at this conference, Dr Saadia Zafade, professor of hematology and secretary general of the SMH, indicated that blood diseases remain poorly known to the public, stressing that they have recently experienced an improvement in terms of prognosis, because in addition to the chemotherapy there has been the advent of innovative molecules which enter into targeted therapy. She also explained that the role of general practitioners is crucial in terms of diagnosis and guidance, which requires in-depth training in this area. Ms. Zafade also emphasized the role of civil society in terms of monitoring, awareness-raising, financial and psychological support, in addition to social and professional reintegration.
For her part, Amal Gala, member of the patient association “Together against lymphoma”, explained that this structure aims to support patients in the course of care and their daily struggle, while providing the best advice for avoid dropouts and interruptions. She said that the purpose of this meeting is to carry messages of hope, to strengthen awareness and to transmit recommendations to support patients and fight against these diseases.
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