Community Liaison

I am currently studying M.Sc. Dental Sciences at McGill University in Canada. I am originally a dentist, having graduated with a Bachelor of Oral & Dental Surgery in Egypt. My research project is primarily focusing on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is commonly known that HPV can cause cervical cancer but it also accounts for 70% of oropharyngeal cancers (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) in the United States and rates are expected to rise. It was estimated in 2022 that 7,500 Canadians diagnosed with head and neck cancer and 2,100 Canadians died from it so HPV remains a serious life and death infection that needs our attention so people can become more aware of it. I am working on providing a basis for the search and development of new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with human papilloma virus positive head and neck cancer patients.

Lack of awareness is a global challenge, and my goal is to contribute to raising awareness of HPV through HPV Global Action. As a healthcare practitioner, I can help by encouraging people to take preventative actions: go for screenings, tests and check-ups, get the HPV vaccine. In this way, a well-structured health system can be built for widespread knowledge and greater uptake of the HPV vaccine.