Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women in the world and in Poland. Men can also be affected by this disease, although many are unaware of it. – We, Poles, have a tendency to think that the disease can affect anyone, but not me – notes psychologist Adrianna Sobol in the “Blizny. Onkologia” program on TVN24 GO. Experts and people who have suffered from breast cancer who visited the studio talked about why preventive examinations are so important.
According to the National Cancer Registry, over 21,000 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Polish women, and 6.5 thousand died. However, it is not only a women's problem – breast cancer also affects men. This disease was discussed by guests in the latest episode of the “Blizny. Onkologia” program on TVN24 GO, hosted by Adrianna Otręba.
Not only women suffer from breast cancer
Marta Iwanowska-Polkowska, who was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, says she was shocked when she found out she was sick. – The phone rang from the National Institute of Oncology. 'Please go to the oncologist's office urgently, because we have the results of your biopsy and it's not good, we need to talk,' she recalls.
In turn, Krzysztof Gazda, who was also diagnosed with breast cancer, admitted that his first disturbing symptoms were lower spine pain. – It lasted about four weeks, the pain was getting stronger and stronger (painkillers) were needed, he said. – The metastases 'ate up' 13 centimeters of my spine – he admitted.
As noted by Dr. Aleksandra Konieczna from the National Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, the early symptoms of breast cancer are the same regardless of gender, but in men the disease is more often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. This is due to the fact that men do not realize that they can get sick or they think that the chances are too small.
Adrianna Sobol, a psychologist from the Medical University of Warsaw, estimated that “men do not suspect that they may develop breast cancer, but women also have this type of thinking.” – We, Poles, have a tendency to think that the disease can affect anyone but me – she said.
Breast cancer – prevention
During the conversation, it was emphasized that prevention is key, and above all, regular examinations: mammography, breast ultrasound and self-examination. However, only 31% go to clinics for preventive examinations. women. Although, as recalled in the program, mammography screening for women aged 45 to 74 is available free of charge.
According to Dr. Aleksandra Konieczna, patients most often do not come for preventive tests because they are afraid that the results will be bad. The second reason is the “demonization” of mammography, i.e. the erroneous belief that the examination is very painful. She reminded that it is not a painful test. – It may cause some discomfort, but of course it is only for a moment – she added.
In turn, according to Marta Iwanowska-Polkowska, in Poland women avoid research because “they put themselves last, because everything else is more important: home, family, work, some responsibilities, loyalty to others.” – Preventive tests are about taking care of yourself, not just about saving people, she emphasized.
Main photo source: Rui Vieira/PA/PAP