Don't Lose Your Head! Program on Prevention and Early Detection of Head and Neck Cancers in Poland in the Years 2017-2019

Abstract

Amount raised: 1 635 652,11 Polish Zloty (PLN; about 480,000 USD) Background and context: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) (IDC10: C00-C15, C30-C33, C69; C73) are significant clinical and social problem. While the overall number of new cases is stable and almost on the same level (∼6000 new cases each year) increase of HNCs incidence among young adults (<40 y.o.) is observed. This phenomenon is mostly connected with HPV infections, because a great majority of this group has never smoke and never abuse alcohol (smoking and drinking high-percentage alcohol are well-known risk factors for HNCs). Because there is no screening program for HNCs and treatment prognosis for these cancers are unfavorable, preventive actions are basic and most effective tool in decreasing HNCs incidence and mortality. Aim: To implement in 5 Polish voivodeships pilot prophylactic program on early detection on HNCs. Strategy/Tactics: The main objective will be achieved by influencing the 5 basic causal areas of the problem of late HNCs recognition in Poland. These are: 1) awareness about HNCs risk factors in Polish society, 2) competences of medical staff in prophylaxis, health education and diagnostic of HNCs (120 doctors and nurses - especially from primary health care, 100 dentists), 3) access to preventive examinations (800 people from 5 voivodeships), 4) launching mechanisms of HNCs prophylaxis through the involvement of representatives of nongovernmental and local governments organizations who have constant contact with people in HNCs risk groups, 5) increasing the knowledge on the incidence of oncogenic HPV varieties in the oral cavity of healthy people and the frequency of HPV infection in the oral cavity from smoking and drinking alcohol. Apart from the trainings for health professionals, trainings for street workers are also provided in this program. Program process: Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center successfully applied for funds for the implementation of the created project. Program is cofinanced by European Union, from European Social Funds within the Operational Program Knowledge Education Development 2014-2020, V. Priority axis: Support for the health area, Measure 5.1: Preventive programs and is free of charge for participants. Nowadays project team conducts procedures aiming among the others recruitment of participants, cooperation with NGOs, creation of agenda of the meetings, preparation of the awareness campaign. Costs and returns: Main obstacles and costs are combined with administrative difficulties and doctor's tight schedule (lack of time for additional activities). The biggest return will be improvement of early HNCs detection and mortality decrease caused by these cancers. What was learned: Preliminary observations show that patients are very interested in participation in HNCs early detection and prevention program. Moreover, in many cases they have never participated in any actions concern HNCs education.