Publicis heavyweights – and surprise guest – shine spotlight on HPV-related cancer

AUCKLAND, Today: 2022 has been a stellar year for Publicis Groupe on every front, says ceo Arthur Sadoun: “But rather than celebrate those achievements, the group is leveraging the impact of its annual Wishes film to drive awareness around the human papilloma virus.

The film stars Arthur Sadoun, with Publicis New York chairman Maurice Lévy and special guest Michael Douglas.

Sadoun: “Despite the fact that 80% of all adults will contract HPV at some point in their lives, for far too long cancers related to this virus have been hidden, shushed, stigmatised,” he said.

“They have therefore become a pervasive silent killer.”

“This is a particularly personal theme for Arthurn Sadoun in NZ, as he was diagnosed and treated for HPV-related cancer earlier this year.”

This is a particularly personal theme for Sadoun, as he was diagnosed and treated for HPV-related cancer earlier this year.

HPV is linked to a significant rise in cancers in both men and women, despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine. While some countries have made vaccination of young people against the virus a top priority, awareness remains relatively low across the wider population.

Publicis Groupe’s 2023 Wishes film was created by Le Truc (part of Publicis New York), in partnership with Prodigious (also a Publicis platform).

• View Wishes below

About HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common group of viruses that is linked to several types of cancer, including nearly 100% of cervical cancers, 90% of anal cancers and 60% of oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the back of the throat). Most people, up to 80% of adults—regardless of ethnicity, race or gender—will be exposed to some type of HPV in their lifetime. Vaccination is available until the age of 45.