Radiotherapy is, along with surgery and chemotherapy, one of the main forms of cancer treatment. It involves irradiating a cancerous tumour, (or the area where it was before surgery) with a beam of ionising radiation. Sufficiently high doses of radiation can destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing and dividing further. External radiotherapy (teletherapy) is most commonly used - in this case, the radiation beams, are produced in devices called medical accelerators. Radiotherapy is used as a separate treatment, in combination with chemotherapy and also before and after surgery or chemotherapy.
Histopathological examination results
Information sheets from other hospitals e.g.: from surgery, chemotherapy
Results of imaging examinations: MR,CT,X-RAY
List of drugs taken
Radiotherapy is one of the most effective methods of fighting cancer. It involves using ionising beams to destroy the greatest possible number of cancer cells. Half of all cancer patients undergo radiation, and the number of patients cured by this method is increasing every year.
At the first medical appointment, each patient must bring with them their identity card and complete medical records of their treatment to date. Medical records are also referred to as CDs with a record of imaging examinations: magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), X-rays (X-rays) of PET-CT examinations.
The reception staff contacts the patient one day before the scheduled appointment to remind and confirm the appointment at the same time.
The duration of the first medical appointment at the surgery is approximately 30 minutes. The patient is then referred for a PET-CT scan (which takes about 30 minutes) and, if the treatment requires the preparation of special immobilisation, the patient is referred to the modelling room.
Next, the results of the medical history and the CT scan go into what is known as planning, where medical physicists and physicians determine the patient's treatment plan. As this is a complex process and the medical staff's aim is to prepare the treatment plan in a thorough and thoughtful manner - it can take up to two weeks. Once a treatment plan has been created, the patient is informed by telephone of the start date of their irradiations at the Centre.
When the patient arrives at the Centre for the start of treatment, they are directed by the reception staff to the waiting room, from where the medical technicians ask them to attend the first irradiation, at which the attending doctor is present. In between, depending on the number of appointments, follow-up appointments are set, during which the attending doctor examines the patient's condition and the patient has the opportunity to share his or her concerns with the doctor.
The tattoos are permanent points on the patient's body which allow reproducible and accurate positioning of the patient on the therapy table. During shorter irradiation cycles (e.g. 5 fractions), it is possible to use temporary/removable markings, whereas during longer cycles, permanent markings must be used.
During radiotherapy, the patient is cared for by a qualified team of specialists. This consists of a doctor - a radiation oncologist, a medical physicist, a radiation therapy medical technician, an electronics engineer and a nurse.
The doctors - radiation oncologists - decide on the type and strategy of treatment, the dose of irradiation, the areas to be treated and limit the amount of healthy tissue irradiated so that the radiation acts mainly on the cancer cells.
The doctor and nurse also take care of the patient throughout the treatment period. The medical physicist develops the therapeutic technique and the individual treatment plan. A radiation therapy medical technician performs the daily radiation sessions and an electronics engineer ensures the safe operation of all equipment.
After qualification for radiation treatment and the so-called preparatory procedures (CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan), the preparation period for the irradiation plan is about 1 - 2 weeks.
A single session of radiotherapy lasts about 10 minutes, the entire treatment can last from 1 to as long as 7 weeks, depending on the intention to treat, how the doses are portioned and the patient's tolerance of the treatment. In certain clinical situations, the patient is irradiated once.
Some people are able to work, some may work part-time or take sick leave. However, when fatigue, a decrease in energy or feeling unwell develops, it is important to talk to your doctor about further management.
No. It is a painless procedure. Various discomforts, including pain, may gradually worsen during the course of treatment when symptoms of so-called acute radiation reaction - a local reaction of healthy tissues located in the irradiated area - appear.
During treatment, patients attend regular appointments with the attending doctor, who will provide information on how to reduce the discomfort associated with the radiation reaction. All worrying symptoms should be reported to the doctor during the visit. If necessary, you can always ask at reception to see the doctor urgently. Do not apply any ointments, rinses or herbs on your own without consulting your doctor. The number of cycles of irradiation of the tumour area and the dose is determined by the radiotherapist. Usually, radiotherapy is given for five days a week. Depending on the doctor's recommendations, it may last shorter or longer, as the total radiation dose and the number of treatments depends on the type and stage of the tumour, the patient's general health, as well as concurrent treatment with other forms of therapy.
If there is an indication for post-operative radiotherapy, treatment can be started after the post-operative wounds have completely healed. Once the convalescence period is complete.
A pacemaker is not a contraindication. However, prior consultation with the cardiology unit where it was implanted is necessary.
Patients undergoing teleradiotherapy and brachytherapy do not radiate when they leave the treatment room and therefore pose no risk to those around them, including children.
In most cases, the patient is treated on an outpatient basis, i.e. they stay at home or in a hostel and receive a fraction of treatment once a day. They may arrive at the radiotherapy department on their own or by organised transport. Treatment may also take place in the radiotherapy department - the doctor decides on the mode of treatment.
In general, it is not necessary to perform a diagnostic test earlier than 3 months after the end of treatment. The decision as to whether the test can be carried out is made by the treating doctor.
Alcohol has a strong irritating effect on the mucous membranes, contributes to increased discomfort associated with radiotherapy (such as diarrhoea) and interferes with the body's metabolism. Therefore, patients must not drink alcohol during treatment and should avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
If a skin burn occurs during radiotherapy (radiation reaction), do not wash the irritated area with water.
The irradiated skin should be washed by rinsing with a small amount of lukewarm water and dried gently with a towel, try not to irritate the irradiated skin and wash off the lines. Do not use deodorants, creams, olives, alcohol-containing products, patches, etc. on this area of skin. Mild dermocosmetics with a pH neutral for the skin, containing no dyes or fragrances, may be used. Use only an electric razor for shaving or shorten the hair with scissors. Do not shave the face "wet" with a manual razor or razor. Do not use aftershave fluids. Irritated skin should not be rubbed, scratched, tanned, tattooed, heated or cooled (e.g. with ice bags). Steam baths, sauna, cosmetic treatments, bathing in pools with chlorinated water are contraindicated during treatment. The irradiated area must not be mechanically irritated by rubbing, scratching and wearing tight underwear. It is recommended to wear loose cotton clothes so that they do not rub the irradiated area.
The irradiated skin is still sensitive several weeks after treatment. The above-mentioned recommendations should still be followed 1-2 weeks after completion of radiotherapy. After radiotherapy, sunbathing and the use of a solarium is contraindicated.
the skin on which the lines have been marked should not be lubricated with creams, oils, lotions, etc.
it is advisable to sprinkle the drawing with baby powder or talcum powder to make the markings last longer
in the vicinity of and between the lines, wash with moistened wipes, but avoid those for children as they contain oil
if the lines fade, come in for touch-ups - it is important that the drawing is clearly visible on the day of the treatment and throughout its duration
it usually causes soiling of clothing
You should:
take care to eat a balanced and easily digestible diet and maintain a normal body weight; your doctor will provide you with information on the individual diet indicated during your treatment
avoid eating fatty, hard to digest, flatulent, acidic, spicy, very cold or hot foods. Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly forbidden in the course of treatment - this greatly reduces the effects of radiotherapy and can exacerbate radiation symptoms
get as much rest as possible and drink plenty of neutral fluids - e.g. still water..
NOTE: Always inform your doctor about:
any taken (or planned to be taken) drugs (even if it would be just aspirin!)
any worrying symptoms - in the event of excessive skin reactions and other complaints, the doctor will prescribe the right treatment, the right medication, the right diet and, if necessary, stop the treatment.
Chemotherapy
Clinical oncology formerly chemotherapy is one of the three basic methods of treating malignant tumours - it is the only method which acts on the entire human body, i.e. it is known as systemic treatment.
Histopathology results
Medical records from other hospitals e.g.: surgery, chemotherapy
Results of imaging studies: MR, CT, X-RAY
List of medications taken
Any drug, regardless of the route of administration or type of drug, can cause side effects. Their intensity is largely due to individual tolerance, which is different in each person.
After some cytostatics YES, mainly after Anthracycline and Taxane.
There are not distant admission dates at Our Centre (up to 10 days maximum). The date of admission depends on having recent imaging examinations, histopathological result, necessary molecular tests. (During the outpatient clinic visit, the doctor prepares the patient to begin treatment).
It depends on the disease and its progression. It could be 4 months, or it could be many years.
It all depends on the profession, the type of treatment and the condition of the patient. It is always a joint decision between the patient and the doctor.
Side effects can really vary. It depends on the drug chosen.
Chemotherapy causes: nausea, diarrhoea, worsening of the morphology.
Targeted drugs cause: skin lesions, diarrhoea, hypertension.
Immunotherapy causes: endocrine disorders and autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Patients can be treated in the setting of a clinical oncology ward during hospitalisation or in an outpatient setting in a day ward (same-day stay). Nowadays, with the availability of new-generation drugs, it is outpatient chemotherapy that is increasingly used.
Systemic treatment can be used at various stages of oncology treatment in combination with surgery and in combination treatment with radiotherapy, as well as on its own.
We use treatment:
induction (before surgery or radiotherapy),
combined treatment with simultaneous radiotherapy,
post-operative treatment,
treatment of disseminated disease in first and subsequent recurrences.
It is imperative to be physically active during treatment.
Depends on the type of treatment. Usually from 1-2 days to 14 days
It all depends on the type of treatment. The patient must be informed by the doctor about which products are prohibited with a particular treatment.
Our Centre provides its patients with consultations with a dietician.
Some cytostatics require the use of multivitamin kits, such as pemetrxed. There are not absolute contraindications to the use of vitamins during systemic treatment, but this should always be discussed with your doctor and you should not use a lot of supplements. While on Dexamethasone, a calcium with vitamin D3 and a potassium and magnesium medicine should be taken. With platinum-based systemic treatment (Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Oxaliplatin), magnesium with Vit B6 should be taken. The indications for taking iron with folic acid must be determined by the doctor.
Magnetic Resonance
This is an examination method which uses the phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance. The patient is placed in a strong magnetic field and additionally exposed to radio waves. As a result of the complex processes taking place inside the body, which are processed during the examination by the computer system, an image of the examined organ in any plane and three-dimensionally is created.
The examination does not require any special preparation; however, due to the possibility of contrast administration during the examination, it is advisable for the patient to refrain from eating 2 hours before the examination. Due to the strong magnetic field present in the examination room, it is recommended that the clothing of the patient should be free of metal parts (buttons, zips, sequins).
The time taken depends primarily on the type of examination. The examinations last between 15 and 60 minutes.
Inside the MR apparatus there are magnets, known as gradient coils, which are alternately switched on and off rapidly. This causes them to vibrate, resulting in a characteristic clatter which can be heard when the apparatus is operating. This is a normal phenomenon and should not be feared.
Noise during an MRI examination is not dangerous. To reduce its discomfort, the patient is given earplugs.
No, a referral is not needed for the paid MRI examination; the patient fills in the referral and a questionnaire with information on contraindications to the examination on arrival.
The MRI examination is considered to be very safe. The examination uses magnetic fields and radio waves, the effects of which do not have side effects.
A shading medium, or contrast medium, is a liquid substance used in diagnostic examinations to make the image obtained more detailed. As a result of its application, the quality of the examination performed is improved. A contrast medium is more commonly administered in CT examinations than in MRI examinations.
The contrast medium is administered intravenously and/or orally. Intravenously through a venflon inserted on the forearm of the patient, by means of an automatic syringe or by manual injection.In some cases, a cold sensation may occur at the injection site, this is a normal reaction that quickly subsides.
The examination does not require any special preparation, however, due to the possibility of contrast administration during the examination, it is advisable for the patient not to eat for 2 hours prior to the examination. Due to the possibility of contrast administration during the examination, the patient may be asked to provide the result of a creatinine level test on the day of the examination. Due to the strong magnetic field present in the examination room, it is recommended that the clothing of the patient should not contain any metal parts (buttons, zips, sequins).
MRI produces a strong magnetic field. It can interfere with electrical devices such as pacemakers and neurostimulators. Patients who have such devices implanted must not be in the room where the apparatus is.
Contraindications:
pacemakers
intracranial metal clips
neurostimulators
implanted hearing aid
insulin pump
pregnancy
metal endoprostheses
Computed tomography
This is an examination method in which images (cross-sections) of the body area being examined are obtained using X-rays. During the examination, the X-ray tube, unlike in a traditional x-ray examination, moves in a circular motion around the long axis of the patient. After passing through the body of the patient, the radiation beam is weakened. The degree of attenuation is recorded by a detector system. The obtained values are recorded and processed by a computer system which creates an image of the examined body area.
Before the examination, all metal components such as locks, buttons, belt buckles, safety pins, etc. should be removed from the examined area and hairpins, jewellery, glasses, hearing aids, removable dentures should be removed. In CT examinations, shadowing media (contrasts) are often administered intravenously and/or orally for a clearer image, therefore you should refrain from eating 4 hours before the examination.
The examination lasts up to 15 minutes, during which the instructions of the staff must be listened to carefully.
Yes, you need a referral from your doctor for a paid CT examination.
Contrast shading is a liquid substance used in diagnostic tests to fine-tune the resulting image. As a result of its application, the quality of the performed examination is improved. The shading agent is more often administered in CT scans than MRI scans.
The contrast agent is administered intravenously and/or orally.
Yes, it is safe and used for many years. The CT scan uses X-rays, but the doses to which the patient is exposed during the scan are safe. Due to the use of X-rays, this type of examination is limited in children and adolescents. Radiological shields are also widely used.
It is best to dress in lightweight cotton clothing. It is important that there are no metal elements on it - locks, buttons. Remove hair ornaments, eyeglasses, hearing aids, non-permanent dentures. In CT scans, shadowing agents (contrasts) are often administered intravenously and/or orally for better images, so no food should be consumed 4 hours before the scan. Because of the possibility of contrast administration during the examination, the patient may be asked to provide the result of a creatinine level test.
Contraindication for a CT scan is pregnancy (pregnant women can be examined if absolutely necessary)
An absolute contraindication to performing a CT scan with iodine shadowing agents is the presence of toxic thyroid goiter.
Relative contraindications to CT scanning with iodine shadowing agents (consultation with a specialist before the test is advisable):
patients with hypersensitivity to non-ionic, iodine-based shading agents
acute and chronic circulatory insufficiency
liver and kidney failure
asthma
pheochromocytoma
Keeping the patient well hydrated reduces side effects after contrast administration. There are no contraindications to CT scanning in life-threatening conditions.
The result of the test is prepared within a few days or so. This depends on the difficulty of the examination.
can be collected in person
may be collected by an authorized person
possibility to send by e-mail
possibility to send by post
The result of the examination consists of:
description of the examination performed by a specialist radiologist
a CD on which the image of the examination performed was recorded
in the case of a paid examination, a receipt or invoice, issued in accordance with the price list for paid examinations
Along with the examination result, the patient collects the previous imaging results, if they have left any at the laboratory.
Rapid Oncology Therapy
The Oncology Hospitals of the NU-MED S.A. Group provide a rapid diagnostic pathway and comprehensive oncology treatment within the framework of the Oncology Package of the Ministry of Health.
Medical services are provided as part of the rapid oncology path, ensuring the Patient the certainty of a comprehensive, rapid initial and in-depth diagnosis and implementation of oncological treatment determined by an interdisciplinary team of specialists, consisting of an oncologist, a radiotherapist and a doctor with a surgical specialisation. All medical services are publicly funded, free of charge for the Patient.
The NU-MED Diagnostics and Oncology Therapy Centre in Zamość is equipped with a diagnostic laboratory with a PET-CT device.
PET-CT, or Positron Emission Tomography, is an imaging examination using nuclear medicine. The non-invasive PET-CT examination combines two diagnostic methods, i.e. classic CT and positron emission tomography (PET), which illustrates vital processes at the level of cells. PET-CT allows for the analysis of the metabolism of lesions, which differs from that of healthy cells.
Documentation required for the qualification of PET/CT examination
histopathological examination
imaging examinations (CT, MRI, ultrasound)
information sheet from the most recent hospital stay
How to prepare for a PET-CT examination
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
Before the examination, the patient should inform the medical staff of any medication they are taking and their sugar levels. The examination will be carried out in the middle of the day. You are advised to eat a light breakfast and take your standard diabetes medication. You should not consume anything, including insulin, four hours before the examination. Only drinking non-carbonated, unsweetened water is permitted. Before the examination, your blood sugar level will be measured. It is very important that your blood glucose levels are balanced before the examination. Excessively high blood glucose values are a cause of artefacts, often preventing the examination from taking place.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The patient should dress in warm, comfortable clothing, free of metal elements such as zips, underwires, etc., or bring a change of clothes with them. There is no need to undress for the examination, but jewellery and dental prostheses should be removed.
Young children and pregnant women must not be brought along to the examination
The radiopharmaceutical administered does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery or vehicles
WHAT TO BRING TO THE EXAMINATION
Identity document with photo
Original referral for the examination, legibly filled in by the doctor with his signature and stamp
A set of your medical records with the results of previous examinations, including CDs, films and hospital discharge papers.
Approximately 1.5 litres of still mineral water to be drunk in accordance with the instructions of the nurse
PREPARATION
Please report to the examination 15 minutes prior to the scheduled examination time in order to complete a medical questionnaire on chronic illnesses, allergies, medications taken and any contraindications to the examination.
Before the examination, the doctor will talk to you and discuss the examination procedures.
The nurse then inserts a venflon through which the radiopharmaceutical will be administered and measures the sugar level by finger prick. The venflon will be removed at the end of the examination.
The nurse will administer small portions of a radioactive isotope of glucose (FDG), with a very short half-life, through an inserted venflon. The administration of the isotope is not painful and does not cause any noticeable side effects.
The patient is escorted by a nurse to a room where they will be asked to lie down on a couch and be calm. During approximately 1 hour of rest and relaxation, the administered isotope will biodistribute in the body. During this time, conversation and any unnecessary movement should be limited.
EXAMINATION
The patient goes to the examination room, lies down on a special movable table and remains in a supine position during the examination, usually on the back, possibly on the side or on the abdomen, while the table moves through the tomography ring
The medical staff leaves the room with the scanner, as the computer station which processes the image information is located in a separate room from which the technician operates the scanner and monitors the examination
Imaging of the distribution of the isotope in the body is then performed, and the examination is painless
The patient is supervised by a technician, doctor and nurse, and instructions are given via a microphone
During the examination, the patient may be asked to hold their breath and remain still, as moving the body, may cause errors in the images obtained, which may mean that diagnostic results cannot be obtained. The examination usually lasts from a few to several minutes
AFTER THE EXAMINATION
After the examination, the patient is escorted by the nurse to the appropriate exit.
The administration of the radio-marker does not adversely affect your wellbeing, therefore after the examination the patient should feel well and can leave the centre, return to normal activities and diet
For the rest of the day, from 6 to 12 hours, distance should be kept from children, adolescents and pregnant women
During the next 24 hours, it is necessary to drink a lot of fluids so that the part of the radioisotope which remains in the blood is excreted in the urine as rapidly as possible, observe the rules of hygiene, in particular: the toilet bowl should be flushed twice, any urine soiling should be carefully removed with a separate piece of toilet paper, which should be thrown into the toilet and flushed, after each visit to the toilet, the hands should be washed thoroughly in running water to remove any radioisotope soiling, a towel should be provided for personal use.
Did you know that for 30% of cancers there is a connection between diet and the development of the disease?
Depending on what food we choose, it can increase or decrease the risk of cancer.
Factors which increase the risk of developing a cancer include:
smoking
excessive alcohol
obesity
low physical activity
A diet which can be used for prevention is the anti-cancer diet, which aims to prevent a healthy person from developing a cancer. It is important to remember that our body is a complex mechanism influenced by many factors, therefore it is necessary to consider that following only an anti-cancer diet will ensure that we do not become ill.
Plant products, vegetables and fruits produce special substances, so-called phytochemicals, which have a defensive function in the plant. These are compounds which have an antioxidant effect, protect the plant from harmful environmental factors, and are bioactive substances which have a preventive and curative effect in humans. Another benefit of an anti-cancer diet is that it is based on vegetables and fruit, of which we should eat three portions of vegetables and two portions of fruit, with meat as a supplement.
Anti-cancer food include:
vegetables rich in carotenoids; carrots, tomato, yam, pumpkin, courgette
When composing an anti-cancer diet, it is advisable to include cereal products made from dark flour (bread, pasta), groats, oatmeal and products which are a source of omega-3 fatty acids (fish, linseed oil, olive oil).
An anti-cancer diet is not a drug which cures cancer, but is only a factor which supports and protects against the disease (it is a preventive measure). Unfortunately, very often patients understand the anti-cancer diet as something which cures cancer. During cancer treatment, the diet should be chosen individually for each patient, taking into account the type of treatment being used, the type of cancer, the current state of health of the patient and their well-being.
Prevention
The centres of the NU-MED Group carry out preventive health care through single and cyclical actions, as well as in the form of preventive programmes.
Prevention can be divided into:
early, i.e. the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles
primary, i.e. the prevention of disease by avoiding risk factors
secondary, i.e. early detection and treatment of disease
third, i.e. slowing down the progression of the disease and reducing complications.
Early and primary prevention in the centres of the NU-MED Group is carried out by organising events with elements of recreation, e.g. the "Running for Health" run in Katowice and Tomaszów Mazowiecki. Prophylactic activities are also fostered by all kinds of open-air festivals, during which blood sugar levels are measured, blood pressure is measured or body composition analysis is carried out. Health prevention is also one of the tasks undertaken during the organisation of the Open Door Days in the centres in Elbląg, Katowice, Zamość and Tomaszów Mazowiecki.
The implementation of secondary prevention is the organisation of screening tests, e.g. mammography, breast ultrasound, PSA determination for the detection of prostate cancer and others. Prevention programmes are an organised form of action.
The NU-MED Centre in Tomaszów Mazowiecki, is one of 11 centres in Poland which implemented the nationwide Regional Programme for Primary Prevention and Early Detection of Head and Neck Cancer. The programme was conducted between 2017 and 2021 on the basis of an agreement between the NU-MED Diagnostics and Oncology Therapy Centre and the Ministry of Health, and was financed with EU funds. For more information, please visit: www.profilaktygis.pl.
The Tomaszów centre implemented a Lung Cancer Prevention Programme in 2016, subjecting 100 people to examinations - the examinations were financed under an agreement with the Marshal's Office in Łódź. A similar programme was implemented in 2018, where 150 patients were covered. Similarly - the programme was implemented in 2019 and 2020.
Between 2020 and 2021, the NU-MED Specialised Oncology Hospital implemented the breast cancer early detection programme 'Neighbour, examine yourself like me'. The programme, combining preventive education with mammographic screening, was implemented in the Pajęczański and Radomszczański districts (areas defined as 'white spots' in terms of women's enrolment in population mammographic screening). The programme was implemented on the basis of an agreement with the Marshal's Office in Łódź, and was financed from European funds (ROP 2014-2020)
NU-MED Specialised Oncology Hospital is currently implementing a programme for the early detection of colorectal cancer combined with colonoscopy screening. The main objective of the project is to improve the health of the inhabitants of 4 districts of Łódź Voivodeship (Tomaszów, Opoczno, Skierniewice) aged 25-65 years through the participation of 650 people (325 women and 325 men) in colonoscopy screening by 30 June 2023. The project is being implemented in an area of so-called 'white spots' - districts with a very low rate of patient enrolment for colonoscopy screening. Importantly, the examinations themselves are also performed in the location identified as a 'white spot' (in Tomaszów Mazowiecki - the Tomaszów Health Centre, 35 Jana Pawła II Street). Support is aimed at people in the working age (especially those over 50) who live, study or work in the above-mentioned districts.
Staff are involved in a number of charitable activities and campaigns in the field of cancer prevention and health promotion. We cooperate with foundations and associations (e.g. Amazons) supporting patients and their relatives in their fight against cancer. Every year, together with the Silesian Medical University in Katowice and the NU-MED Foundation, the ‘UBiegamy się o Zdrowie (We run for health) #OnkologiaNaCeglanej’ run is organised, which brings together a growing number of healthy lifestyle enthusiasts.
Preventive activities are directed, among others, to active people. Pro-health talks, often combined with a package of examinations, are conducted in cooperation with entrepreneurs. The NU-MED Group is supported by the NU-MED Foundation in the area of health prevention.
What preventive examinations should be performed and when?
After the age of 25, regular cytological examinations should be carried out by every woman. This allows pre-cancerous conditions to be detected and treated in a simple procedure.
After the age of 50, mammography should be performed. This examination enables breast cancer to be detected at an early stage.
Remember! It does not prevent cancer, but detects it early, so the chances of a cure are higher.
After the age of 50, a recommended procedure is colonoscopy, an examination of the large intestine. It is recommended that it be performed every five to ten years....
How should a woman carry out a breast self-examination?
We should examine ourselves once a month, preferably a few days after our period. We begin by carefully examining the breasts. The skin should be examined to check that it is not altered. It is important to note the symmetry of the nipples and whether there is any discharge, particularly if there is blood discharge. If you can see dilated blood vessels, so-called "orange peel", ulceration of the skin of the breast you should go to an oncologist. After inspection, we proceed to examine the breast in a circular motion. We pay attention to any unevenness, thickening, especially small, hard lumps should alert us. Remember to examine the armpit pits. The first symptom may be discomfort in the armpit. If anything raises our concern during self-examination, we should seek the help of an oncologist. A referral to the Oncology Outpatient Clinic is not required.
Psychologist
A psycho-oncologist is a person who specialises in helping patients who are struggling with cancer, people who are recovered from the disease and their relatives and surroundings. The involvement of such a professional in the treatment process can take different dimensions - education, support and motivation, accompaniment, therapy to meet the needs of the patient.
What kind of support can I expect from a psycho-oncologist?
The psycho-oncologist can accompany the patient from diagnosis, through the whole treatment process, to recovery or death. They use various means of support. One of these is the psychological conversation, during which the patient first of all has the opportunity to express his or her thoughts, emotions, fears and doubts about experiencing the illness. In the conversation, the patient has the chance to hear himself, to look at his attitude towards the illness. From the moment of diagnosis, in the initial and subsequent stages of treatment (during radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.), we can benefit from support to find the strength and motivation to recover, to strengthen hope and to overcome crises. Patient involvement is an important aspect of the whole treatment process - this is also where the psycho-oncologist can help, by pointing out areas where the patient has influence.
From the psychologist we can learn about relaxation techniques, coping with stress or ‘discussing’ with our own thoughts to make them more healthy and supportive. When the condition deteriorates and the treatment is not successful, the psycho-oncologist can accompany the patient and his or her family in taking care of the quality of life of the patient and dealing with the difficulties associated with this stage of life, which is dying.
The oncological illness changes the previous life in every family. Sometimes communication between the patient and his or her loved ones is ineffective; talking to a psycho-oncologist about this can improve the relationship. Family members can benefit from the help of a psycho-oncologist when they do not know how to support their patient. Such meetings can help supporters to better understand the patient at all stages of treatment and disease progression. Sometimes the family needs to benefit from such help earlier than the patient himself is ready for it. The patient is the one who decides if and when he or she wants to use the support offered by the psycho-oncologist.
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