Another edition of the 'Living Longer with Cancer' campaign has been launched, providing a reliable source of knowledge for oncology patients and their relatives. The highly educational message was ensured thanks to the support of prominent authorities in the field of oncology, who tackled the topic from the perspective of prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient-doctor relations. The articles are available on the portal www.pacjentilekarz.pl
The Polish Oncology Society took over the patronage of the campaign, with Professor Piotr Rutkowski sharing the good news of free human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccinations for 12- and 13-year-olds in his material.
The cover features Katarzyna Glinka, a television and theatre actress, who shared with readers her personal experience of being diagnosed with a lump in her breast, encouraging prevention in the context of cancer.
THE CAMPAIGN SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING THERAPEUTIC AREAS:
CYTOGENETIC DIAGNOSIS - NECESSITY IN PLASMOCYTIC MYELOMA
Every year, approximately 2,000 people develop Plasmocytic Myeloma in Poland and approximately 10,000 patients live with it. Performing a cytogenetic diagnosis in patients with plasmocytic myeloma is crucial to the patient's subsequent fate.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Prof. Krzysztof Giannopoulos, MD, specialist in haematology, head of the Department of Experimental Haematooncology, Lublin Medical University;
- Dominik Dytfeld, MD, PhD, Chair and Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karol Marcinkowski University of Poznań, President of the Polish Myeloma Consortium.
HOME CHEMOTHERAPY - THE ESSENCE OF EDUCATION
Still few people imagine that chemotherapy can be given at home, most patients with gastrointestinal cancer associate chemotherapy with the need for frequent hospital stays. In contrast, effective cancer therapy does not have to be carried out exclusively in a hospital setting.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Prof. Dr. Lucjan Wyrwicz, Head of the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy National Institute of Oncology Maria Skłodowska-Curie - National Research Institute Warsaw
- Tadeusz Szmidt, Patient with colorectal cancer
MELANOMA - PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS ARE ESSENTIAL
Every year, around 50 000 people are diagnosed with various types of skin disease, of which almost 4 000 are melanomas. These figures may even be higher. Unfortunately, many Poles do not visit a dermatologist or surgical oncologist in good time.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Dr. Grażyna Kamińska-Winciorek Prof. NIO-PIB, National Institute of Oncology - National Research Institute in Gliwice;
- Prof. Dr. Piotr Rutkowski, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Institute of Oncology - National Research Institute Warsaw, President of the Polish Cancer Society
- Szymon Bubiłek, Member of the Board of Directors of the Sarcoma and Melanoma Association
SKIN CARE DURING ONCOLOGICAL TREATMENT
Cancer treatment, particularly systemic treatment in the form of chemotherapy, but also therapies such as immunotherapy or targeted treatments, can be associated with complications, including dermatological complications.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Col. Prof. Witold Owczarek, MD, PhD, specialist in dermatology and venereology, head of the Department of Dermatology at the Military Medical Institute in Warsaw, member of the Board of the Polish Society of Dermatology
OPTIONS FOR FERTILITY PRESERVATION IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS
Knowledge of the need for fertility preservation in oncology patients is still insufficient among both patients and doctors. There are also no procedures or reimbursements to support this form of care.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Marta Bednarek, Cancer&Roll Foundation
HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS DURING CANCER TREATMENT
Helplessness, anxiety, anger, sadness, worry, prolonged stress ... are often the daily reality for cancer patients and their loved ones. Mindfulness, or the practice of mindfulness, provides a basis to better manage stress during cancer treatment.
Substantive support on this topic was provided by:
- Magda Knefel, Polish Amazons Social Movement, mindfulness-based stress reduction trainer
The editors recommend reading all the articles that are part of the 'Living Longer with Cancer' campaign, available on the portal www.pacjentilekarz.pl