Poland behind EU countries. Alarming oncology report

Oncological prevention in Poland is a lot of limp – this is how in a few words you can summarize the conclusions of the European Report of the European Organization with Cancer Organization (ECO) published today. Our country is far behind other European Union countries in the field of oncological prevention and screening for cancer.

As the authors of the report remind, mortality from cancer in Poland is still much higher than the EU average. The European Commission data shows that among the adults the highest indicators of 5-year survivors are recorded in the case of prostate cancer (78 percent compared to 87 percent throughout the EU) and breast cancer (77 % compared to 83 percent in the entire EU), while in the case of lung cancer the survival remains low and similar to an average EU (14 % compared to 15 %. In the entire EU), many cases of cancer are detected too late, because screening indicators are too low compared to other countries.

We are not on the way for research

It turns out that although Poland increases access to prevention, it still has a problem with encouraging patients to use the available options. A flagship example is vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). After years of efforts from September last year there is a vaccination program for children from 9 to 14 years old. However, the ECO National Report shows that only 17 percent benefited from them. authorized girls, while the goal for the European Union is 90 percent.

Vaccination is the basis for reduced risk not only cervical cancer, but also, among others, head and neck cancers, penis or anus. Only 11 percent are reported on cytology. Polish women, while the EU average is 56 percent. In the case of mammography, reporting is 32 percent. At the EU average at 54 percent On the other hand, 14 percent of people use screening in the direction of colorectal cancer, and the average for the European Union is 32 percent. At the same time, the indicators of 5-year survival are in Poland, in the case of cervical cancer, 9 percentage points lower by the EU average. In the case of colorectal cancer, the difference is 7 percentage points.

“Strengthening primary and early detection prevention is currently key priorities in oncological care in Poland. Extending public education on early symptoms and risk factors – such as smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity – is necessary. Many diagnosed cancers are too late, which limits the treatment options” – emphasizes Prof. Jacek Jassem, head of the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy of the Gdańsk Medical University, quoted in the press material, co -chairman of the network” Emergists and Crises Network “” at ECO.

A well -thought -out strategy is needed

Based on the opinions of leading Polish oncology experts, the report indicates the three most urgent priorities to implement. It is primarily a strengthening of social education about the early symptoms of cancer and risk factors, such as excessive alcohol intake, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity.

Equally important, in the authors' opinion, is to improve access to screening and ensuring that primary care doctors will be better equipped with tools for the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and directing patients for specialist care.

It is also necessary to ensure equality in oncological care in all regions and social groups through appropriate legal regulations, better coordination of care, faster implementation of new digital tools.

“Poland has significantly improved access to new oncological therapies, is still working on improving preventive strategies and implemented a new comprehensive oncological care system. However, we still have to overcome many challenges, in particular restrictions in financing the healthcare system and the need to encourage citizens to use the tools of prevention and leading a healthier lifestyle” – comments prof. Piotr Rutkowski from the National Institute of Oncology, co -chairman of the Health Systems and Quality Cancer Care Network network at ECO.