Erbil Hosts Kurdistan Region’s First Scientific Conference on Oral and Facial Cancer
The event will feature numerous foreign guests and subject-matter specialists who will participate in dedicated panels to discuss the etiology, prevention, and most effective treatments for oral and maxillofacial cancer.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region hosts its first scientific conference on oral and maxillofacial cancer, marking a pioneering step in the medical field across both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The two-day event, set to begin on Thursday, in Erbil, is organized in coordination between the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Higher Education.
Speaking to Kurdistan24, Dr. Sarkar Surchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, stated that the conference is “the first scientific initiative dedicated to examining the causes, public awareness, and treatment strategies for oral and facial cancer in the region.”
Addressing a Neglected Health Crisis
Dr. Surchi emphasized that until now, this form of cancer—known in Kurdish as “Şêrpenja” of the mouth, face, and jaw—had been largely overlooked in public health planning.
“There has been little to no information or awareness about this disease in the Kurdistan Region. This conference is a crucial first step to remedy that gap,” he said.
The conference will take place under the joint supervision of Erbil Medical University and the Cancer Assistance Fund, a body operating under the Health Ministry to support patients affected by this condition.
International Experts and Specialized Panels
The event will feature numerous foreign guests and subject-matter specialists who will participate in dedicated panels to discuss the etiology, prevention, and most effective treatments for oral and maxillofacial cancer.
“Renowned lecturers from around the world will contribute their expertise to help deepen our understanding of this disease,” the ministry’s spokesperson added.
Sessions will include presentations on new diagnostic technologies, surgical and non-surgical treatments, and public health approaches to early detection and awareness campaigns.
Establishing the Foundation for Future Treatment Protocols
Dr. Surchi further stated that the outcomes of the conference will serve as a roadmap for the Ministry of Health in developing and deploying the most advanced techniques available to combat oral and facial cancers across the Kurdistan Region.
“All discussions held during the conference will form the foundation for introducing state-of-the-art medical techniques in Kurdistan, improving treatment pathways, and ultimately saving lives,” he noted.
The initiative reflects a growing commitment by the Kurdistan Regional Government to enhance specialized healthcare services and tackle previously marginalized health issues through research, collaboration, and public policy.
The conference is expected to become a recurring scientific platform, drawing regional and global attention to the importance of addressing oral and facial cancer within the broader context of public health advancement in the Kurdistan Region.
