Under the patronage of Professor Dr. Ameen Abdul Hassan Mani’ Al-Alwani, Dean of the College of Medicine – University of Baghdad, and in collaboration with the Gynecologic Oncology Team at Baghdad Teaching Hospital, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology organized an extensive awareness initiative that included both a ceremony and a scientific symposium under the theme:
“Together We Protect Ourselves from Cancer”
This event was held in observance of Gynecologic Oncology Awareness Month, with the participation of faculty members, students, physicians, and those concerned with public health.
A Message in Purple: Launching a Sustainable Campaign
In his opening remarks, Dean Al-Alwani emphasized:
> “Today we begin with the color purple, the color of hope, strength, and courage. Our mission is both academic and humanitarian—supporting women’s mental and physical health. Awareness must not be a seasonal action, but rather a sustained approach and an institutional culture in which we must take the lead.”
He also announced the launch of the “Purple Ribbon Campaign” at the College of Medicine – University of Baghdad, designed to continue throughout the year through awareness posters and digital screens within the college, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and oncology centers, to promote early detection and prevention.
Furthermore, he called for the establishment of a specialized research unit on gynecologic oncology within the college to advance scientific knowledge, foster academic and clinical collaboration, and contribute to national health policy.
Key Symposium Highlights
Dr. Noufel Azzo discussed the social stigma associated with cancer, the importance of trust in healthcare systems, empathy and active listening among senior medical students, psychological support for patients, and the role of physicians as health advocates promoting vaccination and prevention.
Dr. Afraa Mahjoub, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, presented on cervical cancer, emphasizing early screening and vaccination, dispelling medical myths, and highlighting the role of academic clinics in raising awareness.
Dr. Ikhlas Jabbar concluded with a session on various types of gynecologic cancers, stressing effective and ethical communication with patients, vaccine promotion, and the dangers of relying on social media for diagnosis instead of consulting specialists.
Commitment to Awareness and Prevention
The event concluded with the College of Medicine – University of Baghdad reaffirming its commitment to sustained, evidence-based health awareness, while advancing its academic and humanitarian mission to safeguard women’s health, dignity, and the community at large through knowledge, screening, and prevention.
