Sustainability

Collaborating to help make cancer care more accessible worldwide

How we’re advancing health equity through partnerships to help patients navigate cancer care

November 30, 2023

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In underserved and under-resourced communities across the globe, from the U.S. to Rwanda, our company is helping patients at risk for and living with cancer access the care they need to stay well and lead fulfilling lives.

We have a global-to-local approach, where we support programs and initiatives that help advance health equity directly in communities around the world by addressing barriers that people may face when accessing high-quality, equitable health care.

Advancing patient-centered cancer care in every community

Our company collaborates with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to address high disparities in cancer care. In the U.S, we partnered with ACS on its Get Screened Initiative, which encourages people to schedule regular cancer screening tests. Through this initiative:

~497K

vulnerable community members enabled to be screened in 2021 and 2022 combined

~11,200

incidences of breast, cervical and colorectal cancer found

Our company also supports Get Screened’s efforts focused on increasing access to lung cancer screening in communities with historical inequities. Through this effort, which includes mobile screening, community outreach, patient navigation and other support, ACS aims to reach up to 10,000 additional eligible individuals.

We’re also helping the ACS bring its expertise in patient navigation to resource-limited settings in sub-Saharan Africa as well as develop a toolkit to help low- and middle-income countries adopt navigation programs as part of delivering comprehensive cancer care.

Our global partnerships at work

In addition, we’ve partnered with City Cancer Challenge to implement a Patient Navigation Program in Kigali, Rwanda. With our support, City Cancer Challenge has trained nurses to become patient navigators. They help patients understand health information more easily, identify and assess cancer care gaps and barriers, help to accelerate the path to health care options, and mitigate the risk of patients falling out of the care continuum.

Olivier Habimana, a cancer patient navigator with City Cancer Challenge, said he witnessed first-hand how this program has given his team the ability to effectively communicate, share and exchange information so that vital data can be used for the benefit of cancer patients.

“Before the implementation of this project, patients faced all sorts of challenges. If they were referred to a hospital for cancer care, sometimes they’d go to the wrong hospital, while others missed their follow-up visits.”

  • Olivier Habimana
Oliver Hamimana

The Patient Navigation Program has created an impact in the east African country:

1,220+

patients supported by the program

Building on our legacy for high-quality, equitable care now and in the future

We continue to forge new partnerships to help reach underserved and under-resourced communities. This includes:

  • Partnering to improve access to cancer care to under-served communities in Georgia.
  • Supporting solutions like MedHaul that can help to address transportation barriers to accessing care.
  • Providing access to educational and advocacy resources on the unique challenges faced by Black women
    diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
  • Working with Go Further, a partnership that aims to reduce cervical cancer incidence in HIV positive women in eight African countries with the highest rates of HIV prevalence and cervical cancer deaths in the world.

Health awareness

Finding joy after surviving cervical cancer twice

How one woman embraced life, marriage and motherhood despite her cervical cancer diagnosis

November 17, 2023

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Chrstine Granado and her family

Several years ago, Christine Granado was living happily in New Jersey with her fiancé and then-9-year-old son, but she felt something wasn’t right.

In the span of a year, she lost three pregnancies. The first miscarriage came as a total shock. With the second, she felt confused. After the third, she was afraid something was terribly wrong. She decided to go for a routine checkup. While undergoing a series of tests ordered by her OB-GYN, she got surprising news: she was diagnosed with stage IIB squamous cell cervical cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. At just 28, Christine said she felt disbelief.

“How can I have cancer at this age?” she asked herself. “I remember peeking through my bangs, feeling like I was trying to hide behind them.”

Young women are at risk for cervical cancer, too

Granado wasn’t alone in asking herself that question. Younger women (cervical cancer is most often diagnosed between the ages of 35-44) and Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Black women in the U.S. are more likely to develop cervical cancer. In 2023, it’s estimated that about 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. Screenings may help to detect cervical changes before they turn cancerous, having played a part in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer by more than 50% from the mid-1970s to the mid-2000s. 

Beginning her cancer treatment journey

Granado started treatment as soon as possible. She was prepared for physical side effects but was overwhelmed by the other changes that soon followed, including how she felt about losing her fertility. She and her partner discussed preserving her eggs but decided against it as doing so would have delayed her treatment.

Granado’s cancer went into remission for three years, and she found joy again: She and her fiancé got married and decided to have a baby via surrogate.

The shock of a recurring cancer diagnosis

Then, soon before her son was born, Granado started having unexplained chest pains. A CT scan found enlarged lymph nodes. She was diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

“When I got the recurrence diagnosis, I was devastated. It was hard to hear, but it motivated me to finish things, to contact a lawyer and get things in my kids’ names — to think about life after me,” she said. 

It also motivated her to continue with more treatments. During her second round of treatment, Granado was able to welcome her new son. When she saw him, she took him in her arms: “I bawled my eyes out.” 

A focus on mental health 

In addition to her son’s arrival, Granado said a focus on herself has sharpened her resolve to live her best life. When the cancer came back, she grieved for her life. She would cry and sleep all day. Her depression stopped her from enjoying precious time with her family.

“The most disabling thing I dealt with was the depression,” she said. “There were days when I would feel physically OK, but I’d still stay in bed all day.” Thankfully, Granado had the support of a psychologist and a psychiatrist who helped her feel well again. 

little boy laying with a dog

Cervical cancer won’t stop her from living her best life 

Granado has been able to complete a master’s degree in health leadership, and her family has a new border collie named Harry. Even everyday activities like going to the hardware store and winding down with a book mean so much more now. She appreciates the small details, like watching TV with her son on the couch.

“Life has been amazingly boring,” she says. “In a good way.” 

Granado said she hopes her story will inspire women and give them hope that there’s so much life to be lived – including the boring moments – in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

Innovation

Humans, animals and the environment – our health is all connected

Why the One Health approach is important now more than ever

November 17, 2023

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The health of humans, animals and the environment are all interconnected. When the health of one is at risk, the health of all may be at risk.   

We see it in diseases transferred between animals or insects and humans (called zoonotic and vector-borne diseases) such as rabies, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, swine flu and Ebola, among others. We also see it in the growing threat from antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which occurs when bacteria mutate in ways that make the medicines (antimicrobials) used to treat infections ineffective, or when these medicines are used inappropriately to treat viral infections. Or, in diseases in food-producing animals, jeopardizing global food security.

Our increasing vulnerability to such new health challenges has led to a focus on “One Health” — an integrated approach to addressing human, animal and environmental health for the benefit of all.

What is One Health?

One Health is the collaborative approach across multiple disciplines — working locally, regionally, nationally and globally — to prevent, detect and respond to health issues at the interfaces between humans, animals and the environment.

illustration of lots of people working together

It requires collaboration among doctors, veterinarians, nurses, public health practitioners, epidemiologists, agricultural workers, ecologists, wildlife experts, and industry as well as policymakers, communities and even pet owners.

“No one person, organization or sector can address these issues alone. Identifying and responding to growing health challenges requires teamwork,” says Holger Lehmann, DVM, Ph.D., VP, pharmaceuticals research and development, Merck Animal Health.

But what has led to these increasing population health threats?

Why are we more vulnerable to new health challenges?

Society has undergone major changes over the past century. While technology, increased mobility, industrialization, urbanization and globalization have advanced human, animal and environmental health in many ways, they’ve also made us more vulnerable to new health challenges.

For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, millions of people and animals around the world are affected by zoonotic diseases. Scientists estimate that around 60% of emerging infectious diseases that are reported globally come from animals, both wild and domestic. Over 30 new human pathogens have been detected in the last 3 decades, 75% of which have originated in animals.

They can be spread in a number of ways, including direct or indirect contact, vector-borne, foodborne or waterborne. In fact, foodborne pathogens cause millions of cases of sporadic illness and chronic complications, as well as large and challenging outbreaks in many countries and between countries.

In addition, increased exposure to new viruses/bacteria combined with excessive and/or inappropriate use of medicines is causing a rise in AMR. Worldwide, an estimated 4.95 million people died with drug-resistant bacterial infections in 2019, and 1.27 million of these deaths were directly caused by antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Three main factors are fueling these population health threats, increasing the probability and speed of spreading diseases. They are:

farmland landscape with livestock

Changes in climate and land use

Deforestation and other disruptions in environmental conditions can provide new opportunities for diseases to develop.

Exponential population growth and expansion into previously uninhabited areas

More people are living in close connection to their companion animals, and in some cases, closer to wild and domestic animals.

world map with lines showing increasing mobility

Increased international mobility

People, animals and animal products are moving more frequently, easily and widely than ever before.

Our commitment to One Health

With deep expertise in both human and animal health and a commitment to our shared environment, our company is well-positioned to be a leader in the One Health approach.

“We recognize the issues — such as zoonotic and infectious diseases and food safety and security — are interrelated,” says Ian Tarpey, Ph.D., VP, biological research and development, Merck Animal Health. “Our Animal Health and Human Health teams will continue to collaborate to discover and develop preventative solutions for existing and emerging diseases in animals and people.”

Our One Health approach focuses on many areas, including:

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Disease prevention

We remain focused on discovering and developing vaccines and technologies to help prevent both human and animal diseases.

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Surveillance and monitoring

We’re committed to advocating for and participating in scientifically based surveillance monitoring systems to better understand, track and predict health-related issues.

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Respecting our environment

We support science-based, environmentally sound international and national programs to address the challenges to environmental health.

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Innovation

Our human and animal health research laboratories collaborate in antimicrobial and vaccine research in many ways including sharing enabling technologies, expertise and evaluation of external opportunities. We’re also investing and developing predictive, monitoring and diagnostic technologies to help animal caretakers make data-driven evaluations of an animal’s health status and optimize their animals’ health and well-being.

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Stewardship of essential medicines

We’re playing a leading role in addressing AMR by not only discovering and developing medicines and vaccines to treat and prevent infectious diseases in humans and animals but also supporting responsible use of these products.

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Safe and sustainable food supply

We continue to work on developing vaccines and other tools to prevent animal disease to ensure a safe, nutritious, sustainable food supply, and we’ve implemented surveillance initiatives to enable more accurate risk profiling, early disease detection and individualized diagnosis/treatment decisions in livestock.

two dogs running on the grass

The science of healthier animals

We build strong partnerships in an effort to improve the health of animals around the world, and approach our work with a deep sense of responsibility — to our customers, consumers, animals, society and the planet.

Our work to promote optimal health continues

“One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health, acknowledging that the well-being of each is intricately linked. By embracing a collaborative approach, we can effectively address the complex challenges and promote optimal health for both humans and animals.”

– Dr. Jenelle Krishnamoorthy, VP, global public policy

Innovation

Harnessing innovative technology in drug discovery

Merck scientists explain how new technologies can accelerate the drug discovery process as we use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives

November 16, 2023

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Our scientists are leveraging state-of-the-art capabilities to discover novel molecules that may lead to the medicines of tomorrow. 

Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) scientists evaluate hundreds to thousands to up to billions of compounds to find a starting point for a new drug candidate. It all starts with identifying a target — usually a protein — that’s intrinsically associated with a particular disease and can be pharmacologically modulated. That’s where innovative tools like structure-based design, high-throughput screening and high-throughput experimentation, coupled with robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning can make a huge difference in progressing the work. And once a lead molecule is identified, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as an emerging structural method can be used to understand and improve how a molecule interacts with the protein target.

Utilizing the latest technologies and diligent work by teams of highly skilled and experienced scientists can potentially accelerate the discovery of new medicines for patients in need.

“We have an incredibly creative, smart and hardworking workforce. It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of that and to have access to the resources necessary for making scientific breakthroughs.”

— Adam Weinglass

Executive director in quantitative biosciences
Innovation

Breaking new ground in the UK

We’re accelerating our global efforts and capabilities with our new London Discovery Research Centre and U.K. headquarters

November 10, 2023

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Using the power of leading-edge science to help save and improve lives means tapping into scientific talent around the world. That’s why we’re proud to break ground on our new London Discovery Research Centre and U.K. headquarters.

The high-profile site — located opposite King’s Cross Station in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, an impressive cluster of academic, scientific and technological institutions — will be an impactful addition to our growing network of research facilities.

“Our talented discovery scientists in London are an integral part of our global research network.”

  • Dean Li
    President of Merck Research Laboratories

“Patients around the world are waiting for innovations that will help confront the tremendous burden of disease they face, and the kind of world-class scientific exploration this facility will enable is how we accelerate those innovations,” Li added.

Slated to open in 2027, the 270,000-square-foot, 10-story facility will bring together all our U.K. colleagues to help drive medical advances against some of today’s greatest health challenges.  

“With the benefit of London’s thriving life sciences ecosystem and Knowledge Quarter right on our doorstep, I’m excited about the collaboration opportunities, building toward an exciting new chapter, and what this represents for employees and our partnership with the local community and beyond,” said Ben Lucas, managing director, U.K. and Ireland.

Health awareness

The new generation making an impact on HIV

Meet these young advocates helping to lead the response to HIV around the world

November 10, 2023

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HIV young leaders collage

HIV remains a global pandemic. In 2022 alone, an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide were newly diagnosed with HIV.

Merck has been committed to advancing science for the treatment and prevention of HIV for more than 35 years, but we know it takes all of us to make a difference for the HIV community.

And that’s just what these International AIDS Society (IAS) Young Leaders are doing. In 2022, our company was proud to be one of the groups to support 11 Young Leaders to co-create the Youth Hub — a youth-led networking platform that empowers young change-makers living with and affected by HIV to lead in the HIV response. They’re an inspiring group of advocates with different backgrounds and experiences in the response to HIV, each striving to empower and educate others from their respective corners of the globe.

Let’s meet some of these young change-makers.

Norman Chong | Malaysia

Norman Chong is using their gift of storytelling to encourage young people across the world to ask “Why?” Chong has been working to develop a solution-oriented platform to help address gaps in the HIV response for young people in Malaysia.

With their platform, called “We Ask the Y (WAY)”, Chong aims to provide tools for young people living with and affected by HIV to learn and network in support of social health, as well as economic and political justice. Chong also trains young researchers to translate and communicate findings into evidence-informed policies and practices to address barriers to health care for young people.

“If I have anything at all, it’s anchored on moving the dial with the question, “Why?”, and advocating for health care to be accessible to all, for policies designed to protect and empower, and never to divide and conquer.”

  • Norman Chong

Linda Joseph Robert | Uganda

Dismantling HIV stigma to support young people is the motivation for everything Linda Joseph Robert does. As a youth advocate, he helps to promote increased access to quality adolescent sexual and reproductive health services for young people through peer support interventions, community engagements and strategic partnerships. His passion for youth advocacy, activism and HIV-related programming came to life when he led a campaign to help reduce HIV stigma and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a young person living with HIV, Robert is driven to help increase access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Robert has held leadership positions including the role of youth advocate at AIDS Healthcare Foundation-Uganda Cares, and serves as a U=U Africa Forum Ambassador in Uganda.

“I’m motivated by the progress that has been made in the HIV field and excited to be part of the next generation of HIV professionals who will continue the journey toward ending the AIDS pandemic, where no one is left behind.”

  • Linda Joseph Robert

Elizabeth Onyango | Kenya

UKIMWI UNAUA is a term Elizabeth Onyango and others in Kenya know too well. Translated to “HIV kills,” this phrase influenced Onyango’s perception of HIV at a young age — as the messaging around HIV in her country was mostly about death and fear. Growing up, she lost close family and friends to HIV and saw how cultural beliefs and practices exposed young women and girls to HIV. It wasn’t until she went to high school that Onyango learned about ways to protect against HIV, which helped reduce the fear she grew up with — and sparked an interest in HIV prevention.

After high school, she volunteered at a female sex worker-led organization that champions human and health rights of sex workers. Today, Onyango continues to encourage young women to take action to ensure they have a say in decisions about their health.

“My goal is to champion meaningful engagement of women and girls in HIV prevention and advocate for structural changes to improve the quality of life of women living with HIV.”

  • Elizabeth Onyango

Isaac Ogunkola | Nigeria

A background in public health has given Isaac Ogunkola deep insight into the world of infectious diseases, especially HIV. His passion for HIV advocacy became clear after volunteering to encourage harm reduction for people who use drugs and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights programming for homeless children, refugees and young people.

Having witnessed young people in his community die as a result of drug overdose and HIV, Ogunkola is committed to unifying public health, harm reduction and human rights. Through his peer education project, he engages young refugees in West Africa to lead HIV prevention programs in their communities.

“I don’t want to see death in any age group or population caused by HIV or drug overdose again.”

  • Isaac Ogunkola

Ashley Rose Murphy | Canada

Ashley Murphy was 7 years old when her adoptive parents told her she was living with HIV. By age 10, Murphy began to speak publicly about living with HIV, talking to young people around the world about the stigma around HIV and how to protect and advocate for themselves. She’s been a key voice for youth activists engaged in the HIV response in Canada ever since presenting at the U.N. General Assembly and the Global Fund, and even hosting a TED Talk.

Today, Murphy is an ambassador for several foundations committed to ending the AIDS epidemic through research, government-funded programs, global advocacy, prevention, testing and treatment options. Murphy remains an inspiration for young Canadians living with or affected by HIV.

Ashley Rose Murphy

“I want everyone to know that an HIV diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. We can continue to live healthy and fulfilling lives, but it starts with educating yourself about your diagnosis and, most importantly, being your own advocate.”

  • Ashley Rose Murphy

Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu | Zimbabwe

Paul Ndhlovu has been using his voice to help young people living with and vulnerable to HIV in his native Zimbabwe for years. He’s produced a peer-led radio show as the creative radio champion for Zvandiri, an organization that “connects children and young people living with HIV with peer counselors to help assure health, happiness and hope.”

In his role, Ndhlovu — together with other adolescents and young people — has created a youth-friendly environment for people living with HIV to freely discuss challenges and issues in their own lives. The show explains to young people the importance of HIV prevention behaviors, the need for increased HIV testing, their sexual and reproductive rights, and available resources to help with mental health and well-being needs.

Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu

“The Zvandiri Radio Show is such an important platform. We’re providing an open forum for people living with HIV to freely come as themselves and talk about any challenges they may face.”

  • Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu

Stefano Regner | Philippines

Stefano Regner’s schedule is always busy, and as a physiotherapist and sexual health advocate, his work revolves around helping others.

As a trained HIV screener, counselor, and speaker, Regner is constantly on the move — traveling across the Philippines to help link people living with HIV to immediate care and empowering people when it comes to understanding safer sex. He’s also been a research assistant for one of the Philippines’ largest grassroots HIV test-and-treat centers.

And today, as both a medical student and a social media influencer, Regner provides educational resources for people living with HIV, using health campaigns and videos.

Stefano Regner

“Social media provides a new platform and method to translate and communicate important topics about health and increasing health literacy. I enjoy sharing key information with my followers, especially as it relates to sexual and reproductive health among at-risk populations in the Philippines.”

  • Stefano Regner

Kalisito Biaukula | Fiji

Kalisito Biaukula’s motivation to give a voice to the voiceless and speak up for those in need is evidenced by their work across their island nation of Fiji and surrounding regions. 

As an intersectional, queer, feminist activist and human rights defender, Biaukula has worked with various civil society organizations addressing intersecting human rights issues for people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, in Asia and the Pacific.

Biaukula is a major advocate for people living with and impacted by HIV, fighting to ensure they receive the proper care and government assistance, and calling for comprehensive sexuality education at all levels.

Kalisito Biaukula

“It’s important for young people, especially those living in the Asia-Pacific region, to take a leading role in decisions that affect our bodies. We must all use our voices to stand up for human rights and ensure all populations are receiving equal opportunities to access care.”

  • Kalisito Biaukula

Sara Thapa Magar | Nepal

From a young age, Sara Magar developed an interest in social issues related to women and children living with HIV. This passion eventually led her to advocate for the needs and rights of affected populations living in the Asia-Pacific region.

Magar has been a board member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV Asia & Pacific (ICWAP) and has also spoken publicly about the need to support women-led organizations. In her current role as president of the National Federation of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (NFWLHA) in Nepal, Magar works to tackle gender inequalities and end gender-based violence.

Sara Thapa Magar

“As youth leaders, we need to continue bringing these issues to the forefront and work to partner with the government and advocacy groups to address the challenges of women and children living with HIV.”

  • Sara Thapa Magar

The future is in good hands with these young leaders, advocates and activists, and we’re excited to continue to watch the impact they make on their local and global communities. To learn more about this youth-led collaboration, visit the IAS Youth Hub.

Health awareness

Stomach cancer: understanding the signs and symptoms

Learn more about stomach cancer risk factors and our commitment to patients

November 3, 2023

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What causes stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs when malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach. The most common form of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops when glandular cells in the innermost lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably.

How common is stomach cancer?

It is estimated there will be approximately 26,500 patients diagnosed with stomach cancer in the U.S. in 2023.

Who’s at risk for stomach cancer?

Anybody can be diagnosed with stomach cancer; however, it’s almost twice as common in men, and most people are older than 55 when diagnosed. In the U.S., the number of new stomach cancer cases per year is higher in Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian communities compared with non-Hispanic white communities.

You may also have a higher chance of developing stomach cancer if you:

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Have had a Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, which is an infection of the stomach, that commonly causes stomach ulcers.

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Are overweight or obese.

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Have a diet high in salty, smoked, pickled or salt-preserved foods and/or high in processed or grilled meats. Eating few or no fruits likely increases the risk of stomach cancer.

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Drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day.

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Use tobacco.

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Have had previous stomach surgery or health conditions, such as low stomach acid and bile reflux.

What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer?

Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms, which is why most cases are diagnosed after they have spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. In the U.S., there are currently no routine screening recommendations for stomach cancer. If you think you might be at increased risk for stomach cancer, consider asking your doctor about being screened. When stomach cancer does cause symptoms, they may include:

  1. Fatigue.
  2. Heartburn, indigestion and anemia.
  3. Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen, jaundice or weight loss without trying.
  4. Poor appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting with or without blood or feeling full after a small meal.
  5. Blood in stool.

Any of these warning signs should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you feel you’re at risk for stomach cancer.

If you have questions about stomach cancer and its symptoms, it’s important to discuss these with your doctor. Some questions to ask your doctor may include:

  • Q: Can young people be diagnosed with stomach cancer?
    A: While the majority of stomach cancer patients are over 60 years old, it’s important to know that younger people can also be diagnosed with stomach cancer. Nearly 5% of patients diagnosed with stomach cancer are under 40 years old.
  • Q: How do doctors determine the stage of a stomach cancer?
    A: When someone is diagnosed with stomach cancer, doctors will conduct tests, such as endoscopic procedures, biopsies and imaging, to help determine how far the cancer has spread. By staging stomach cancer, doctors can determine how serious the cancer is and the best way to treat it.

“When facing a stomach cancer diagnosis, some patients may have existing misconceptions about the disease or be unsure about what this diagnosis will mean for them."

— Dr. Pooja Bhagia

GI clinical research scientist, Merck Research Laboratories

“Having an open conversation with your doctor about your questions and concerns may alleviate some worry and help you understand what to expect in your cancer journey,” she added.

Our work in oncology

Health awareness

How you can help slow the threat of antimicrobial resistance

The growing burden of AMR is threatening the return to a world without effective antibiotics

October 30, 2023

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Mother and daughter washing hands

Before antibiotics were discovered in the 20th century, contracting an infection could be fatal. Their discovery was a turning point in human history, revolutionizing medicine and saving countless lives. However, the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is threatening the return to a world without effective antibiotics.

We all have a responsibility to address this threat, and it will take dedicated efforts from all sectors across health care, including patients, to make a difference.

Here are four groups that can play a role in helping slow the threat of AMR:

01.

Patients

Be vigilant in infection prevention efforts and always use antibiotics correctly

We each play an important role in slowing the threat of AMR— starting with preventing infections that require antibiotics in the first place. Washing hands, preparing food hygienically and keeping up to date with vaccinations are all measures to help avoid infections.

Another important action patients can take is using antibiotics only when they’re needed. Always follow health care providers’ (HCPs) directions and never share or take leftover antibiotics, which may not be needed and may cause resistance. If your HCP believes antibiotics are not the correct treatment to help your condition, ask about other options. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed may advance AMR. Bottom line: It is important to follow the guidance that your medical team gives you for treatment.

Antimicrobial resistance pill

02.

Health care professionals

Be a source of antibiotic guidance

HCPs and medical systems need to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics. It’s up to the health care providers to help ensure that the right treatment is given based on an accurate diagnosis. Hospitals should have a plan in place, with principles customized to their local needs, to guide the appropriate use of these medicines.

Nurse consulting patient

03.

Policymakers

Encourage antimicrobial innovation

We need new antibiotic options to stay ahead of the evolving bacteria. Governments can help. Incentive packages can provide a sustainable return on investment for the development of new antimicrobials. Encouraging innovation would allow companies to invest in the research and development needed. As a result, this would help provide health care professionals around the world with the tools they need to help patients fighting infections.

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04.

Industry leaders

Invest in new developments

Finally, the participation of leading biopharmaceutical companies is crucial to addressing the growing threat of AMR.

For more than 100 years, Merck has played a significant role in the discovery and development of novel medicines and vaccines to combat infectious diseases. And, in an effort to affect widespread change, we’ve supported efforts around the world that aim to address AMR through surveillance initiatives, collaborating with hospitals to fund education and implement stewardship programs, and advocating for substantial policy changes.

Researcher in the lab

There is no single solution to the complex problem of AMR; it’s up to all of us to take collective action. We hope you’ll join our efforts and play your individual part to help ensure that patients have access to the antibiotics they need, now and in the future.

Health awareness

Understanding adult pneumonia: causes, symptoms and risk factors

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause serious complications

October 27, 2023

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What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs that can make it difficult to breathe and limit your ability to get sufficient oxygen. In 2019, pneumonia was the second leading cause of hospital admissions for U.S. adults.

What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?

Pneumonia can present differently in people based on a variety of factors, but common symptoms include:

Fever

Wheezing / difficulty breathing

Cough

Chills

Rapid breathing

Chest pains

Confusion

Loss of appetite

Which adults are most at risk?

Anyone can get pneumonia, but older adults are particularly at risk.

Medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, COPD and HIV can also increase risks of pneumonia — even in younger adults.

illustration woman coughing

What can cause pneumonia?

There are two main types of pneumonia — viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia.

Bacterial pneumonia is often caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common infections caused by this bacteria.

How does pneumonia spread?

Viral and bacterial pneumonias are contagious. People who are infected can spread the virus or the bacteria with respiratory droplets in the air when they cough, sneeze or talk. People can occasionally catch pneumonia by touching something that has the virus or bacteria on it and then touching their noses or mouths.

Ask your health care provider for more information.

Sustainability

Magic Johnson shares what makes him work harder

The basketball legend and businessman talked DE&I, HIV advocacy and leadership in an inspiring visit to our global headquarters

October 26, 2023

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Magic Johnson at Merck

It was a full-circle moment for Dr. Yvonne Ukwu when she joined a recent fireside chat with sports legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson at Merck’s Rahway, New Jersey, headquarters.

Ukwu was one of many who packed the room as Johnson shared stories from both his career and personal life, ranging from being a leader on the court and an early HIV/AIDS activist to defying expectations with a pivot from basketball to business.

“I like when someone tells me no. It makes me work harder,” said Johnson. “They told me there’s no way at 6’9” that I could play point guard in college or the NBA. I did. My own teammates told me that I could not be a businessman. Here I am.”

"When someone tells me no, I want to prove to them that yes I can — and I just go to work.”

— Earvin "Magic" Johnson

His words hit home for Ukwu, an associate principal scientist at Merck. Her mother was our company’s regulatory liaison to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the approval of our first HIV treatment in 1996, and today Ukwu works with our HIV team, following in her mom’s footsteps.

Magic Johnson and Dr. Yvonne Ukwu

“The messages he shared speak to both our company’s longstanding commitment to the HIV space and our support of diversity, equity and inclusion to create opportunities for physician women of color and other underrepresented people. In turn, this helps us better serve our patients and customers,” said Ukwu. “As a family physician who’s worked in various cities, I know how important it is to learn about and understand your patients and the community in order to provide appropriate and effective care.”

(Photo: Magic Johnson and Dr. Yvonne Ukwu)

Understanding your customers

Johnson, whose visit helped celebrate the culmination of our company-wide Global Diversity & Inclusion Experience Month, shared several key messages that spoke directly to our company’s purpose to save and improve lives.   

According to Johnson, being on the ground and understanding your customers is a key to success. It helps you identify the best ways to serve them, communicate with them and meet their needs.

“You don’t become a trusted brand and a trusted company if you don’t over deliver,” Johnson said. 

As an HIV activist, Johnson visits urban neighborhoods and listens to people’s questions and concerns and provides educational information about the virus. By sharing his story and openly discussing HIV, he also helps address the stigma often associated with it.

Investing in communities and building diverse teams

As chairman and CEO of SodexoMagic — Merck’s integrated facilities management partner — Johnson is committed to uplifting communities, advocating for equity, ensuring inclusion and being a force for change. Our company has worked with diverse suppliers like SodexoMagic for nearly 40 years.

“Sourcing products and services from diverse suppliers creates jobs and increases economic opportunities for underrepresented communities,” said Celeste Warren, VP of global diversity and inclusion. “To understand our diverse customers and to engage with them in pursuit of our work to help save and improve lives, we must have diverse perspectives at the table. That means embracing diversity within our own team and with our supplier partners.”

Inspiring and energizing the crowd

Magic Johnson

Johnson’s visit, which included many high-fives, chest bumps and selfies, and his messages energized and inspired the crowd. Some of our colleagues posted on their LinkedIn profiles:

“I’ve been a Lakers fan forever, an admirer of his consistent commitment to HIV awareness, and a student of his business acumen and success. Today he reiterated that diversity and inclusion is a business imperative that’s been critical to his success.”

  • Ainka Gonzalez
    Associate director, HIV marketing

Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson

“They call him Magic. Unforgettable close to our GD&I Experience Month at Merck….From the hardwood to the boardroom, ‘talent is never enough — the best performers are always the hardest workers.'”

  • Mike Diaz
    Senior specialist, omnichannel content capabilities

“Magic Johnson inspired everyone at Merck today! Sharing his message of hard work, determination, and achieving goals in the face of adversity.

Magic paved the way on so many business and cultural fronts in the world, he truly is a hero!”

  • Christina E. Mikhelashvili
    Senior specialist, clinical research
Magic Johnson