The program is intended for people aged: 50 to 65, or 40 to 49 and belonging to a risk group, meaning those who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “The examinations are free of charge, and patients receive from us a preparation to get ready for the examination,” say employees of the Bolesławiec county hospital.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignant tumor in Poland. More than 14,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Colorectal cancer develops from benign changes known as polyps. This transformation most often takes several years. Therefore, by undergoing screening early enough and removing polyps, it is possible to prevent the development of cancer. Cancer detected early is also very often curable. Polyps and early-stage cancerous changes usually do not cause symptoms. The purpose of preventive colonoscopy is to find these asymptomatic changes and, where possible, remove them. This approach makes it possible to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer by as much as 60–90%.
“All you need to do is report to our endoscopy unit and express your willingness to participate in the program,” add the facility’s employees. “Qualified staff will answer all questions, provide detailed information and help complete the questionnaire. We warmly encourage you and invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to undergo a colonoscopy and, if necessary, detect disease-related changes.”
ZOZ Bolesławiec/ii