"Conscious Patient" educational campaign

Another edition of the campaign has been launched "The Conscious Patient" aimed at making patients aware that they are a vital link in the whole therapeutic process - their knowledge, involvement and responsibility matter.

The highly educational message was ensured through the support of patients and prominent authorities from the respective therapeutic areas, who addressed the topic from the prevention, diagnosis and treatment side. The articles are available on the portal www.pacjentilekarz.pl

The patronage of the project was assumed by the Polish Oncological Society.

THE CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING THERAPEUTIC AREAS:

PROSTATE CANCER

In some patients with prostate cancer, hormone therapy is the primary method of treatment. It can be administered by injection, but a new oral form has recently emerged which is not only characterised by its convenience of use, but also by a lower risk of cardiovascular complications.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Prof. dr hab. n. med. Piotr Chłosta

CZERNIAK

Patients with advanced melanoma with a mutation in the gene BRAF have the worst prognosis. With modern treatment, their life can be significantly prolonged while maintaining a good quality of life, as the therapy is very well tolerated.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Hanna Koseła-Paterczyk, MD, PhD
  • Prof. Dr. med. Piotr Rutkowski

DIABETES

Continuous glycaemic monitoring systems allow the patient with diabetes to understand his or her disease and, therefore, to perform proper self-monitoring, which plays a key role in the treatment process. At the same time, they increase the patient's sense of security.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Dr n. med. Bogumił Wolnik
  • Monika Kaczmarek

ANAEMIA

Both macronutrients and micronutrients, i.e. major elements and trace elements, are necessary for the body to function properly. A patient with suspected anaemia should see her doctor, who will order tests and select the appropriate treatment. Iron supplements should not be taken on their own.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Dr Bozena Budziszewska, MD
  • Prof. dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Paszkowski

CLINICAL TRIALS

Clinical trials are a fundamental part of the development of medicine to introduce new, effective and safe drugs.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Igor Grzesiak (Institute for Patients' Rights and Health Education)

DIABETES AND INSULIN USE

Advances in diabetes treatment are happening very quickly. Sometimes even people who have to take insulin can miss some innovations.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Anna Jeznach-Steinhagen, MD, PhD

DIABETES AND EMOTIONS

Diabetes is a chronic disease. From the moment of onset until the last days of such a person's life, diabetes will be with the person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The disease requires constant attention, making therapeutic decisions, planning every activity. This is a huge burden that undoubtedly affects the emotions that a diabetic has to deal with.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Jerzy Magiera (mojacukrzyca.org)

SKIN CARE DURING ONCOLOGICAL TREATMENT

Oncological treatment may cause dermatological complications, which is why the condition of the skin should be taken care of from the very beginning of anticancer therapy. Proper care can protect against the development of skin side effects or mitigate their severity.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Prof. Dr. med. Joanna Narbutt
  • Prof. Dr. med. Adam Reich

ENDOMETRIOZA

Endometriosis affects 10-20 per cent of women of reproductive age and significantly reduces their quality of life.

Moreover, it can cause up to 40 per cent of infertility cases. Its main symptoms

is painful menstruation, pain during intercourse and defecation. However, it does not always run

in a typical manner, which delays diagnosis.

Substantive support on this topic was provided by:

  • Prof. dr hab. n. med. Piotr Sieroszewski
  • Lucyna Jaworska-Wojtas

The editors recommend reading all the articles that are part of the 'Conscious Patient' campaign, available on the portal www.pacjentilekarz.pl


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