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Zoff's Pioneering Health Initiative for Female Employees

Zoff, a prominent eyewear brand under Intermesh, is taking a groundbreaking step in corporate health by distributing HPV testing kits to approximately 1,600 female employees aged 20 and above. This initiative, set to begin in April 2025, aims to tackle cervical cancer, which is a significant health risk for women in their 30s to 50s. The primary cause of this cancer, the human papillomavirus (HPV), can be detected easily at home using the newly introduced testing kits.

This corporate endeavor is unprecedented in Japan, as it marks the first time a company has implemented such a large-scale HPV testing initiative. With over 10,000 new cervical cancer diagnoses reported annually in Japan, Zoff is keenly aware of the importance of early detection and prevention. Despite the existence of effective screening methods, the cervical cancer screening rate in Japan lags at under 40%, a stark contrast to the 70-80% rate seen in Western countries. This gap underscores the urgent need for initiatives that enhance awareness and accessibility around cervical screenings.

Previously, Zoff has encouraged employees aged 30 and above to undergo standard cervical cancer screenings (cytology tests). However, the new strategy complements cytology with HPV testing, thereby enhancing preventive measures and reducing health risks among female employees.

Moreover, starting in 2025, the company plans to extend free cytology testing to employees in their 20s, reinforcing their commitment to women's health in the workplace. With a workforce predominantly comprised of women, Zoff is dedicated to fostering an environment where female employees can work confidently and healthily. By being the first company to implement such an extensive HPV testing program, Zoff aims to boost the screening rates of cervical cancer and contribute to a healthier workforce.

Details of the HPV Testing Kit Distribution

• - Target Audience: Female employees aged 20 and above, including full-time and contract staff, as well as select part-time workers, as of April 1, 2025. New hires expected by March 15 will also be included.
• - Distribution Timeline: Kits will be dispatched starting April 14, 2025, and sent gradually thereafter.
• - Implementation Period: Employees can use it from the arrival date until around April 30, with continued assistance available afterwards.
• - Testing Method: The test can be performed at home and concluded by mailing it back.
• - Support: Instructional videos supervised by physicians will be provided to guide employees through the testing process and offer accurate information about cervical cancer. The collaboration is a joint effort with medical institutions, including Nagoya Central Clinic and G-Cube, and startups emerging from Nagoya University.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Rei Shibata, a general internist and former professor at Nagoya University, shared insights on this initiative: "The cervical cancer screening rate in Japan currently falls below 40%. To protect women from cervical cancer, we must encourage the 60-70% who have yet to be screened to participate actively in testing and early detection. The distribution of at-home HPV risk screening kits by companies like Zoff is a significant advancement. It demonstrates a growing societal awareness of women's health issues and effectively expands the reach of cervical cancer screenings. This initiative is meaningful in contributing to the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer."

Intermesh Group adheres to the belief that the health of each employee is vital to its foundation. The company has been committed to establishing a work environment that promotes both physical and mental well-being. Looking ahead, Zoff aims to enhance its health management initiatives further, particularly focusing on education surrounding women’s health and fostering collaborations with medical institutions to realize sustainable initiatives.