Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, accounting for as much as 20 percent of all cancer cases in this patient group. In recent years, Poland has been the country with the highest rate of increase in mortality from prostate cancer in the entire EU. For effective treatment, early diagnosis is crucial. - It is necessary to break the barrier of fear, shame and get examined. This is the most important thing," argues journalist Marek Sierocki, who has had successful treatment for prostate cancer.
WIM-PIB with first Prostate Unit in Poland
Published April 9, 2024 09:12
fot. WIM-PIB
Early detection of prostate cancer ensures a survival rate of 99.8 percent. Unfortunately, it often takes a long time from the suspicion of cancer to the diagnosis and initiation of treatment. With this in mind, the first coordinated care program for prostate cancer patients in Poland is being launched at the Military Medical Institute - National Research Institute.
Since the beginning of April, WIM-PIB in Warsaw has been offering patients comprehensive treatment for prostate cancer, providing access to full diagnostics, multidisciplinary urological and surgical treatment (laparoscopic, assisted by the da Vinci robot), oncological treatment with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, drug programs and clinical trials, and multidirectional supportive treatment (psychologist, rehabilitation). Patient treatment is planned and implemented by a multispecialty medical team.
The establishment of the Prostate Cancer Diagnostic and Treatment Center means that the entire process of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up is carried out in one place. Consultations with doctors, biopsies and summary of test results are conducted in one space of the WIM-PIB Urology Clinic. The cooperation of medical coordinators allows the patient to move smoothly between stages. In terms of diagnostics, the center has MRI scans, CT scans, bone scintigraphy. We offer access to modern and precise fusion biopsy. All services offered in this area are free of charge to the patient, being reimbursed under the National Health Insurance.
- I am an example of how prostate cancer diagnosed early, operated on early is successful. Two years ago, I went for a checkup, as I do every year. My PSA was standard for my age, but the urologist also examined me per rectum. He was concerned about the condition of my prostate. CT scans and biopsies diagnosed cancer. I was operated on and cured. Rehabilitation also went very well. The conditions at WIM-PIB are excellent," says Marek Sierocki, a well-known music journalist.
Cancer of the prostate requires complex surgical treatment, radiation therapy and systemic treatment. The quality of multispecialty care depends on the cooperation of the urologist, oncologist and radiation therapist, but also on the efficient coordination of the patient pathway. The Center for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment at WIM-PIB has modern and comprehensive facilities for all stages of diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation. Patients can count on psychological care from the moment of diagnosis.
Surgical treatment is one of the primary treatments for low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The Military Medical Institute - National Research Institute provides access to operative (assisted by the da Vinci robot) and laparoscopic surgery. Patients qualifying for surgery, as well as after surgery, have access to consultation by a urological physiotherapist.
A coordinated care system built in this way makes treatment for the patient less burdensome and produces the best results.
