The program is aimed at people aged 50 to 65. It is also available to people aged 40 to 49 who are in a high-risk group, meaning those who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The tests are free of charge, and the patient receives a preparation from the hospital (also free of charge) to get ready for the examination.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignant cancer in Poland. More than 14,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Colorectal cancer develops from benign lesions known as polyps. This transformation most often takes several years. Therefore, by undergoing the examination early enough and removing polyps, it is possible to prevent the development of cancer. Cancer detected early is also very often curable. Polyps and cancerous lesions at an early stage usually do not cause symptoms. The purpose of preventive colonoscopy is to find precisely these still-asymptomatic lesions 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 the endoscopy unit at the county hospital and express your wish to take part in the program. Qualified staff will answer all questions, provide detailed information and help complete the questionnaire (see below). “We warmly encourage and invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to undergo a colonoscopy and, if necessary, detect disease-related lesions,” say employees of the Bolesławiec ZOZ.
Questionnaires are issued and accepted, and detailed information is available daily from 12:00 at the endoscopy unit – Building A, entrance 2, second floor, rooms 215 and 214. Or by telephone at 75 738 02 94.
