A record number of people die of cancers of the genitourinary system in Poland every day, almost 30. The reason for this is an improperly functioning he alth care system, which needs to be changed as soon as possible. Otherwise, in the coming decades, urological cancers will affect an increasing number of Poles, according to the report of the Polish Society of Urology (PTU).
Neoplasms of the genitourinary organs -cancer of the prostate, bladder, kidneys, testes and penis - account for about 15 percent all cancer cases in Poland. In our country, men are much more affected-every fourth malignant neoplasm detected in them concerns the genitourinary system. The most common cancer is prostate cancer, which ranks second (after lung cancer) in the list of the most common cancers in men. According to research, the incidence of malignant neoplasms of the prostate in men has increased sharply in recent years, and the number will be even greater. According to the report of the Polish Society of Urology (PTU), the number of patients with prostate cancer by 2025 may increase by as much as 130%. This problem applies to all urological neoplasms. As specialists warn, in the coming decades they will affect an increasing number of Poles.
Urological neoplasms - the problem is in the he althcare system
- Urological neoplasms are often diagnosed very late, in advanced stages of development, and mortality among patients is still very high. They constitute a huge challenge for the Polish he alth care system - said prof. Zbigniew Wolski, president of the Polish Society of Urology.
However, the problem is not caused by the unqualified medical staff or the insufficient number of urologists in our country. As prof. Wolski, there are well-educated urology specialists in Poland. Out of 1000 doctors working in our country with this specialization, there are over 500 (i.e. over 50%!) With a European certificate - EBU (European Board of Urology). Such urologists are prepared to work according to the best Europeanstandards. In addition, according to specialists, there is a sufficient number of urologists in Poland - per 100,000. There are statistically 2.5 urologists in the population.
The problem lies in the Polish he alth care system, and more specifically in the limited access to diagnostics and urologists (currently, an appointment with this specialist is on average 3 months or even longer), which is a result of the limits imposed by the National He alth Fund - emphasizes prof. Marek Sosnowski, national consultant in the field of urology. Moreover, the National He alth Fund imposes financial pen alties on urology wards for the questioned services, which leads to their indebtedness. Currently, there is no urology department in Poland that would not have any debts. Therefore, it can be expected that the number of diagnostic tests performed in cancers of the genitourinary system in hospitals will decrease significantly. As a consequence, the queues at urology clinics for these tests will be significantly longer (not to mention the fact that in many places in Poland the annual contract limits for urology clinics have already been exhausted). The financial degradation of urology departments and clinics also means that it is not possible to renew endoscopic equipment or purchase more modern equipment. These are factors that reduce the chances of early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Urological neoplasms and the oncology package
- Urological neoplasms will affect more and more patients. The development of Polish uro-oncology is therefore decisive for the he alth of Poles, especially in the context of the oncology package proposed by the Ministry of He alth, ensuring unlimited access to doctors dealing with cancer - said prof. Zbigniew Wolski.
Meanwhile, the changes brought about by the oncology package raise many doubts concerning the possibility of implementing its assumptions in practice. They result, inter alia, from however, the procedures related to diagnostics, therapy and supervision in patients with urological neoplasms are usually performed only in urology departments, and a smaller part of them in oncology centers. In addition, the new regulations do not indicate whether urologists will be able to issue a Cancer Patient Card, which en titles them to a fast diagnostic and treatment path, even if they suspect (and not only after finding) a cancer in a patient.
Urological tumors - 10 postulates of PTU regarding the he alth of Poles
Due to the situation, PTU agreed in 10 points what changes should take place.
1. Comprehensive information to the public on the main risk factors and symptoms of urological neoplasms. 2. Improving access tourologists and specialized urological centers without limits - similar to oncologists. 3. Focus on efficient and rapid cancer diagnosis 4. Determining the real costs of urological procedures. 5. determining the valuation and handling procedures in clinics and the manner of implementing treatment procedures 6. Supplementing the shortages of equipment and premises in urology clinics7. Development of urology departments and clinics - renewal of endoscopic equipment and purchase of more modern equipment. 8. Establishing the principles of a rational he alth policy with the financial resources of the National He alth Fund in the field of urology in consultation with Provincial and National Consultants. 9. Concentration of resources directed to full-profile treatment departments and fully equipped clinics. 10. Support for postgraduate training in urology.