A national programme to reduce the incidence of cancer

The programme has been carried out since 2006, with PLN 250 million in budget expenditures being spent on it each year. So far, the programme has financed, among other things, the prevention of malignant neoplasms, prophylaxis, and the early detection of cervical and breast cancer; colorectal cancer screening tests; the purchase of diagnostic equipment for early cancer detection; the improvement in the quality of cancer diagnosis and therapy for children; and also oncology training for medical specialists.

Psychological support for patients

The previous years of the programme saw measures aimed at improving the quality of treating cancer in children. This included the purchase of MRI scanners, the upgrading of radiotherapy, thoracic surgery and pulmonology equipment.

In 2014-2015, more funds are to be reallocated towards prevention and education, with less spending on investment programmes (upgrading and modernising cancer diagnosis and treatment equipment).

One of the programme’s goals is to establish information desks within oncology centres. These will aim to provide comprehensive care to patients, who are often unaware of how cancer is treated and what the side-effects are of such treatment, and also of how to improve patient’s and his/her family’s quality of life in the course of the disease. These consultation desks will be manned by psycho-oncologists.

Currently, the programme is promoting the European Code Against Cancer by such measures as implementing the project entitled “The school for promoting the European Code Against Cancer recommendations". Under this project, TV spots are broadcast, encouraging women to take part in cancer screening tests. Also, psychological help is extended to cancer patients and medical staff are trained in psycho-oncology.

To reduce incidence by 10 percent

Janusz Meder, M.D., President of the Polish Oncology Union, points out that in 2010, Poland recorded 160 thousand cases of cancer, and 100 thousand cancer-related deaths. In line with international projections, the 15-20 years to come will see a double-fold increase in the number of cancer patients, including in Poland. “It is estimated that one in four Poles will develop cancer, with one in five of them dying as a result," said oncologist, Janusz Meder, M.D.

The programme aims at reducing the incidence of cancer in around 10 percent of the population in Poland and improving its cancer-treatment effectiveness to levels achieved in Western and Northern Europe (around 40 and 50 percent cure rate among men and women, respectively)

According to Deputy Minister of Health Krzysztof Chlebus, the effectiveness of the programme can be assessed 5 years after completion at the earliest, i.e. in 2020.

Janusz Meder has suggested that a 2016-2025 National Programme Against Cancer should be developed.