Each year in Poland, several thousand people are diagnosed with: lymphoma. Patients usually consult a doctor when the disease is already well advanced. Knowing about this cancer and knowing its symptoms increases the chances of early diagnosis and effective treatment. Therefore, on the occasion of the World Lymphoma Awareness Day, the Przebiśnieg Association is organizing another edition of the educational campaign Unmask lymphoma.
The World Lymphoma Awareness Day traditionally falls on September 15. On this occasion, the Association of Friends of Lymphoma Patients “Przebiśnieg” is organizing the seventh edition of the “Unmask lymphoma” social campaign. – This is a good time to talk about what lymphomas are, what their symptoms are and what masks this insidious tumor wears – explains Maria Szuba, President of the Przebiśnieg Association.
Expose lymphoma
“Unmask lymphoma” is the slogan of a nationwide social and educational campaign conducted by the Przebiśnieg Association since 2008. The main goal of the campaign is to educate the public towards proper recognition of the symptoms of lymphatic cancers and not ignoring the disturbing symptoms of the disease. – If, thanks to our actions, at least one person exposes their lymphoma and reports to a doctor on time, it will be the greatest success of the campaign – emphasizes Maria Szuba from the Association.
As part of the 14th edition of the Social Campaign “Unmask lymphoma”, Przebiśnieg Association invites you to an event that will take place on September 2014, XNUMX at Plac Wolnica in Krakow.
In program:
— Consultations with hematologists from the Department of Clinical Hematology, University Hospital in Krakow (11.00-14.30). This is a unique opportunity to talk to specialists, for which you have to wait an average of 6 months * for an appointment.
— Theater workshops** with the use of the mask theme, led by actors
from the Groteska Theater (from 11.00 am and 13.00 pm). A great opportunity to express emotions hidden on a daily basis, not only related to the disease. These are activities for everyone – sick people, those who have their disease behind them, for patients’ families and for all healthy people who want to
expose lymphoma with us!
— Music workshops ** with the Krakow Samba Formation “Sorrir Por Favor” (15.00-18.00). It will be a real feast for body and soul. Participants will symbolically get rid of negative emotions and build reality anew. All thanks to the beats on drums and other percussion instruments. Samba is a music of joy, optimism, gives strength and energy, and puts people on their feet. Extremely positive experiences guaranteed!
— Blood donation in an ambulance from the Regional Center for Blood Donation and Blood Treatment
(11.00-14.00). There is no need to convince anyone that blood is the gift of life. Almost everything can be bought with money, but not blood – it can only be obtained from people of good will who, in the name of love for their neighbor, give themselves to the needy. The Association counts on the support of the inhabitants of Krakow – every milliliter of blood is worth its weight in gold and can save the lives of other people.
— Information point (from 11.00 to 18.00). The members of the Przebiśnieg Association will be available in a special tent, providing information on lymphomas – incl. diagnosis and treatment, supporting patients and their families.
* Data based on: WHC Barometer, Report on changes in the availability of guaranteed health services in Poland. Status as of June / July 2014
** The organizers ask for applications for the workshops to the following address: [email protected]
The Przebiśnieg Association will also conduct a street survey in Krakow combined with an information campaign on lymphomas. Interviewers will ask the inhabitants of Krakow, among others to know the symptoms of lymphoma, they will also give out lymphoma educational material. The campaign will be accompanied by an educational spot on the symptoms of lymphomas in public transport in various regions of Poland.
About lymphomas
Lymphomas are cancers of the hematopoietic system that can affect anyone – regardless of gender, age or place of residence. They fall into two main groups: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (about 80% of cases) and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma). The group of lymphomas also includes chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The causes of morbidity have not yet been known, although many factors have already been identified that increase the risk of their occurrence.
Symptoms and diagnosis
The symptoms associated with lymphomas often resemble a common cold and are easy to ignore, so that the cancer is usually detected only in the advanced stage. The most common symptoms are: enlarged lymph nodes, weakness, significant weight loss, unreasonable fatigue, elevated temperature for no apparent reason, profuse night sweats, long-lasting cough or shortness of breath, and persistent itching of the skin. It is important that any disturbing symptoms that persist for more than three weeks should be consulted with a general practitioner.
Prof. dr hab. med. Aleksander Skotnicki, Head of the Clinical Department of Hematology at the University Hospital in Krakow: Enlarged and painful lymph nodes most often mean the body is fighting an infection. It is a temporary state that does not pose a threat to life and health. Primary lymph node disease is suspected when painless nodes, enlarged to at least 2 cm. To confirm the diagnosis, the entire node should be cut and examined under a microscope. We have a lot of possibilities in Poland today, thanks to which we can define the subtype of lymphomas – cytological, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular tests that precisely define the “opponent” we will face.
As part of early diagnosis, it is worth doing a blood count every year. Many chronic diseases of the lymphatic and bone marrow systems do not give any symptoms for many months or even years. Only the morphology can show some abnormalities.
Treatment and prognosis
Due to the wide variety of lymphomas, there are many treatment regimens. The course of therapy and prognosis depend, among others, on on the type and severity of the disease, as well as concomitant diseases. The goal of treating patients with lymphomas is to completely reverse (complete remission) the disease, extend the life span without relapse, and improve the quality of life. The treatment of lymphomas includes: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, bone marrow transplants and targeted therapies.
Prof. dr hab. with. Alexander Skotnicki: In the past, we used to say malignant lymphoma, because if left untreated, it progresses, but today we try to avoid the term “malignant” because it has a negative connotation for patients. This is all the more important as the effectiveness of lymphoma treatment is increasing. So we say that it is a lymph node disease that heals well. The doctor’s approach is important – we do not treat lymphoma, we treat a person with a disease process. Everything happens in the body because lymphoma is found throughout the body at diagnosis. This is not a breast tumor or skin cancer that we can excise. Lymphoma is everywhere – in that sense it is a systemic disease. The prognosis depends on the patient’s age and comorbidities.
Organizer
The Association of Friends of Lymphoma Patients ‘Przebiśnieg’ brings together people who, guided by noble motives, want to help people suffering from lymphoma. The aim of the Association is, among others: to help patients with lymphatic system diseases and their families and to improve their quality of life, to promote knowledge about diseases of the lymphatic system and methods of their treatment as well as broadly understood oncological issues, to promote the prevention of neoplastic diseases and for the health and social rehabilitation of patients after oncological treatment. More information about the Organizer at: http://www.przebisnieg.org/
The partners of the XNUMXth edition of the Social Campaign “Unmask lymphoma” are the University Hospital in Krakow and the City of Krakow. The honorary patronage over the event was taken by the Marshal of the Małopolska Voivodeship, Marek Sowa, First District of the City of Krakow, the Polish Oncology Union and the Polish Coalition of Oncological Patients.