In Poland, 19,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year and this number is still rising. Colonoscopy, with which we not only examine the large intestine but also immediately remove polyps, is one of the best medical achievements. Unfortunately, it is difficult to convince Poles of this examination.
COLONOSCOPY IS GREAT, BECAUSE LIFE IS GREAT
The most effective and fastest form of both diagnosis, i.e. detection of colorectal cancer, and therapy, i.e. treatment of its early stages, is colonoscopy. It is a preventive examination on the one hand and a life-saving procedure on the other. It lasts between 15 and 40 minutes and involves inserting a flexible and thin camera with a light source into the large intestine. With the help of this, the doctor can take a close look at the bowel from the inside. In addition, colonoscopy makes it possible to remove polyps, if these are present in the bowel, before they develop into cancer. Thanks to colonoscopy in screening, almost 10,000 Poles have already avoided bowel cancer.
SERVIER CAMPAIGN - TURN OFF CANCER!"
The main objective of this year's campaign, held under the slogan 'Colonoscopy is great, is to emphasise the role of prevention, with particular emphasis on colonoscopy as a life-saving examination, and to break the social taboo associated with it. The message of the third edition of the campaign is aimed particularly at people who are in the high-risk group:
- age 50+,
- genetic loadings,
- a history of colorectal cancer in a parent or sibling,
- incorrect diet,
- low physical activity,
- smoking or alcohol abuse.
The third edition of the campaign involved Andrzej Milewski, known as Andrzej Rysuje. The cartoonist, with his characteristic sense of humour, encourages Poles to have a prophylactic colonoscopy. The humorous layer is intended to disenchant the image of colonoscopy and break the taboo associated with this examination. The satirist prepared three graphics, which will appear on posters at public transport stops and in information materials about the campaign.
The campaign also includes:
- lectures on colorectal cancer prevention aimed at students of Third Age Universities in ten cities in Poland
- cinema spot featuring Zbigniew Zamachowski, convincing of the value of colonoscopy examination
- a message in the form of short films featuring medical experts, artists, journalists and sportsmen and sportswomen will be broadcast online
- The campaign will also be visible in public space through the use of bus shelters in selected major cities in Poland as carriers of graphics (posters) encouraging people to have a prophylactic colonoscopy.
The Polish Union of Oncology and the Polish Society of Clinical Oncology have assumed substantive patronage of the campaign. Campaign partners were: Europa Colon Polska, the Polish Stoma Society Pol-ilko, the Polish Coalition of Oncology Patients, the Oncology Foundation - Alivia, the Rak'n'Roll Foundation.
For more information on the campaign, visit: www.wylaczraka.pl and on the profile facebook.com/wylaczraka.