Actor Noriko Eguchi Tapped for New Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign "Let's Talk About Cervical Cancer Prevention," Launching July 6 (Mon) on TV and Online

MSD Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Prashant Nikam; hereinafter "MSD") today announced the launch of a new cervical cancer awareness campaign, "Let's Talk About Cervical Cancer Prevention." This campaign will feature actress Noriko Eguchi, active in film and drama, and will be rolled out nationwide through various media including TV commercials and digital platforms to widely promote cervical cancer prevention.

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Ms. Eguchi, who appears in the campaign, stated: "I didn't know this myself, but cervical cancer is a cancer that affects women in their 20s and 30s, and it's said that about one in two classes of women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime (*). However, cervical cancer is a preventable disease through 'HPV vaccination' from the age of 10 and 'regular check-ups' from age 20 (**). If you're wondering, 'How can I prevent cervical cancer?', please take this opportunity this summer to talk about it casually with your parents or friends, or consult with a doctor."

In Japan, approximately 10,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, and about 2,700 women die from it. It is the most common cancer among women in their 20s and 30s (1-2***). Furthermore, HPV (Human Papillomavirus), the main cause of cervical cancer, is a very common virus that infects both men and women. HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and it is said that in overseas studies, 91.3% of men and 84.6% of women with sexual experience have been infected at least once in their lifetime (3).

Based on these facts, this campaign will primarily target girls in grades 6 through 10 of elementary and high school, who are eligible for regular vaccination, and their guardians. It will broadly raise awareness that about one in two classes of women will develop cervical cancer in their lifetime (*), that prevention through "HPV vaccination" and "regular check-ups" from age 20 are important (**), and that the standard vaccination period for routine HPV vaccination is in the first year of junior high school.

MSD has previously conducted cervical cancer awareness initiatives through television, online platforms, and the website "Learn More About Cervical Cancer Prevention." Moving forward, we will continue to do our utmost to protect people in Japan from HPV-related cancers and diseases, reduce the number of patients suffering from cervical cancer, and contribute to the improvement of public health.

(1) National Cancer Center Japan, Cancer Information Service, "Cancer Statistics" (National Cancer Registry) National Cancer Incidence Data (2016-2023)

(2) National Cancer Center Japan, Cancer Information Service, "Cancer Registration and Statistics" (Vital Statistics) National Cancer Mortality Data (1958-2024)

(3) Chesson HW et al. Sex Transm Dis. 2014; 41: 660-664. (*) Calculated based on a class size of approximately 35 girls. (**) HPV vaccination and regular check-ups do not guarantee 100% prevention of cervical cancer. (***) Includes carcinoma in situ.

[Campaign Overview]

Media Channels

* TV Commercials * Posters for Medical Institutions * Train Station Posters (Greater Tokyo, Greater Nagoya, Greater Osaka Areas) * In-Station Signage * Outdoor Billboards * Cervical Cancer Prevention Information Site "Learn More About Cervical Cancer Prevention" (www.shikyukeigan-yobo.jp) * Digital/SNS, etc.

Talent

Noriko Eguchi

Profile

Born April 28, 1980, in Hyogo Prefecture.

Joined the Tokyo Kentsuchi theater company in 2000. Subsequently appeared in numerous films, dramas, and commercials.

In 2024, her performances in "King Lear" (directed by Sean Holmes) and "We Are Stories" (directed by Yuuna Koyama) at PARCO Theater were recognized with the New Artist Prize in the Theater Division of the 75th Agency for Cultural Affairs Art Festival.

In 2024, she received the Best Actress Award at the 35th Takasaki Film Festival for her role in "Love is Violent" directed by Yutaka Morigaki.

She continues to expand her acting range, appearing in works by a wide variety of directors, from veterans to emerging talents.

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About MSD

MSD (known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, in the United States and Canada) is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to "using cutting-edge science to save and improve lives around the world." For over 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We strive to be a top-tier, research-driven biopharmaceutical company, working at the forefront of research and development to deliver innovative healthcare solutions that prevent and treat diseases in humans and animals. We also foster a diverse and inclusive workplace and conduct responsible business practices daily to bring about a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for people and communities worldwide. For more information about MSD, please visit our website (www.msd.co.jp) or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.