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 perspective of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and the situation of patients in the era of COVID-19. The articles are available on the portal www.pacjentilekarz.pl
The Polish Oncology Society has assumed substantive patronage of the campaign - in his introductory article, Professor Adam Maciejczyk emphasises the importance of the National Oncology Network, which was established with patients in mind.
Substantive support was also provided by Anna Zimny Zając, editor-in-chief of medonet.pl, and Dr Janusz Meder from the National Institute of Oncology in Warsaw.
Tomasz Sekielski, radio and television journalist, author of documentaries, television reports, became the face of the campaign.
THE CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING THERAPEUTIC AREAS:
HOME CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy is associated by patients with treatment that must always be received under close medical supervision, in a hospital setting. However, the reimbursement of home chemotherapy allows patients to be treated at home.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- dr hab. n. med. Marek Wojtukiewicz, Head of the Oncology Clinic at the Medical University of Bialystok, head of the Ewa Pilecka Clinical Oncology Ward with daytime chemotherapy subdivision
- Iga Rawicka, President of the EuropaColon Polska Foundation
DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE
In Diabetic kidney disease, it does not hurt, it does not produce characteristic symptoms. And this complication contributes to premature deaths of diabetic patients. It should therefore be detected as soon as possible.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- dr hab. n. med. Janusz Gumprecht, Department of Internal Medicine, Diabetology and Nephrology, Medical University of Silesia
- dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Stompór, Head of the Department of Internal Medicine and the Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
HYPERURICAEMIA - WHY ASSESS URIC ACID LEVELS?
High uric acid concentrations, i.e. hyperuricaemia, are conducive to the occurrence of heart attack and stroke. Hence, in recent years, uric acid concentration has been included among cardiovascular risk factors. With a suitable lifestyle, we can reduce this risk, but very often medication is needed to do so.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Dr. Marcin Barylski, FESCK Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiac Rehabilitation of the Medical University of Lodz, University Clinical Hospital of the Military Academy of Medicine - Central Veterans Hospital
DIABETES - THE ESSENCE OF CORRECT INSULIN INJECTION
In the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it is not only the type of insulin used that is important. Self-control of the disease also plays a huge role in the success of therapy. The insulin injection technique is a very important part of the therapy, which directly influences the patient's fate.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- dr hab. n. med. Dorota Zozulińska-Ziółkiewicz, President of the Polish Diabetology Association
- Anna Sliwinska, President of the Polish Diabetes Association
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Research shows that irritable bowel syndrome very often afflicts people with emotional problems such as anxiety, neurosis or depression. Treatment is based on symptom management, diet and psychological support.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Dorota Waśko-Czopnik, MD, PhD, Gastroenterologist and nutritionist at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Wrocław, Poland
HORMONE-DEPENDENT BREAST CANCER
CDK4/6 inhibitors that overcome hormone resistance offer patients with hormone-dependent breast cancer the chance to prolong life and have a good quality of life during and after treatment.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Dr n. med. Joanna Streb, Head of the Oncology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital in Kraków
- Anna Hencak-Zyser, Founder of the Spa for Cancer Foundation
HIV - WHY DO POLISH WOMEN RARELY TAKE THE TEST?
If HIV infection is detected quickly and appropriate treatment is promptly implemented, the infected woman has the chance to give birth to healthy offspring. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is also possible.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Magdalena Ankiersztejn-Bartczak, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation for Community Education
- Dr Magdalena Suchacz, Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Warsaw
MELANOMA - THE MOST DANGEROUS SKIN CANCER
The cause of melanomas, but also mutations in our genes. Thanks to the discovery and use of targeted therapies, the chances of survival for melanoma patients with a mutation in the gene BRAF have improved significantly.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Bozena Cybulska-Stopa, MD, PhD, Department of Clinical Oncology National Cancer Institute - National Research Institute Krakow Branch
LUNG CANCER - HAS IT BECOME A CHRONIC DISEASE?
For lung cancer to become a chronic disease, the patient must undergo a rapid, but very comprehensive and careful diagnosis. With this, the most effective and safest treatment for the individual patient can be carefully planned.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Dr Izabela Chmielewska, MD, Department of Pneumology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin
The editors recommend reading all the articles that are part of the 'Conscious Patient' campaign, available on the portal www.pacjentilekarz.pl
The Institute for Patients' Rights and Health Education provided media sponsorship for the project.