Cancer affects cancer patients as well as their families and loved ones, who are looking for reliable information about diagnosis and treatment methods. With them in mind, the Crisis Centre, a factual platform that guides them step by step through all stages of cancer, was established last year. Its resources have so far been used by people with breast, ovarian and lung cancer. On 2 June, the www.centrumkryzysowe.org.pl there is new content on indolent lymphoma, plasmocytic myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
1.17 million Poles are living with cancer, and it is diagnosed in approximately 170,000 people every year[1]. Information about the disease comes as a shock to many - difficult emotions are usually accompanied by fear for their own health or that of someone close to them, and many unknowns emerge. At the time of diagnosis, patients feel lost, and it is often only after leaving the doctor's surgery that they realise there are a number of issues they did not ask about during their visit. They usually start their search for answers on the Internet, but finding factual content there is not easy. The web is teeming with fake news, horror stories or information about 'miraculous' cures. That is why, on the initiative of the association Polskie Amazonki Ruch Społeczny (Polish Amazons Social Movement), the Crisis Centre was established. It is a comprehensive platform bringing together news developed by specialists, supervised by a Scientific Council established by the organisation.
- At the Crisis Centre, the most important thing is that the patient has access to up-to-date medical knowledge at any time, prepared in an accessible way. This is proven information, created by specific authors - practising doctors, experts in their fields - Dr Marcin Rymko, coordinator of the haematology department at the Regional Hospital in Toruń, briefly summarises the project.
- By providing patients with answers to their questions, we reduce their anxiety and help them find their way through the diagnostic and therapeutic process. On our website, interested parties can also find a list of reference centres that are qualified and guarantee the highest standard of treatment for a given cancer. This is very important, as the choice of the right medical facility affects the prognosis of the disease. In addition to knowledge, we also provide psychological support, which is one of the key aspects in the case of cancer. We have set up a helpline at 22 105 55 33, where qualified people provide free assistance to patients and their relatives from Monday to Friday between 17:00 and 19:00. adds Elżbieta Kozik, President of the Polish Amazons Social Movement Association.
Reliable source of knowledge on haematological malignancies and beyond
The Crisis Centre was launched in autumn 2022. - Initially, content on breast, lung and ovarian cancer was placed there. Haematological cancers - indolent lymphomas, plasmocytic myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia - have now been added to the knowledge base. Unlike breast or colorectal cancer, there are no screening tests available for their early detection. What's more, the initial stages are often asymptomatic, alarming symptoms can be mistaken for chronic cold or weakness, and patients usually see their doctor for abnormal blood counts. This is why it is so important to have regular basic blood tests and to keep a close eye on the body. Anyone interested in haematological malignancies will from now on benefit from the factual knowledge available at www.centrumkryzysowe.org.pl. Among other things, they will find information on symptoms, risk factors, the course of cancer, treatment pathways and management of recurrence. It is planned to expand the content to include information on further cancers in the coming months.
- If I were a cancer patient I would want to know three basic things. Where to get treatment, whether the information I read is up to date - In the case of haematology, the state of knowledge is changing very rapidly - and who is the author, and whether I can verify this information. Then I would feel safe as a patient. The Crisis Centre is a unique site that provides reliable, accessible knowledge and a sense of security - comments Dr Marcin Rymko, haematologist.
Polish Amazons Social Movement
Founded in 2009 by Elżbieta Kozik, the association supports oncology patients and their loved ones at every stage of treatment and recovery. It helps to find their way in the oncology care system and to obtain the necessary diagnosis and treatment. PARS is the initiator of the 'Healthier' programme, which helps to manage stress through mindfulness methods and crisis coaching. It is also the creator of the Crisis Centre, a professional platform that addresses the needs of patients in a comprehensive and substantive way and helps them to move, step by step, through all stages of their illness.
[1] https://onkologia.org.pl/pl/epidemiologia/nowotwory-zlosliwe-w-polsce