Zdzisława Szadowska-Szlachetka

Selected problems associated with the treatment and care for patients with colostomy – part 1

The study presents a short historical background and practical application of intestinal ostomy as a treatment method of various intestinal disorders and injuries. Ostomy is a purposeful connection of the lumen of the intestine with abdominal integuments by surgery. After the surgical formation of the intestinal fistula, the patient must adjust to the new situation, gain basic knowledge and learn procedures of ostomy care. Thus, professional medical assistance is extremely important. The study aims to discuss basic notions concerning ostomy and ostomy equipment. Providing high-standard care and assistance for patients with ostomy requires both appropriate knowledge and practical skills.

Causes of late diagnosis of the reproductive organs’ cancer in the opinion of suffering women from urban and rural areas of Lublin as an indicator of the condition of the early cancer detection system: a preliminary report

Introduction Tumours as well as the cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of deaths in Poland. This article contains excerpts from research on complex causes of late diagnosis of cancer among the regions residents. Aim of the study One of the specific aims of the research undertaken was to learn about subjective assessment of women suffering from cancer taking into account its late diagnosis. Material and methods The research was conducted on 130 women with diagnosed cancer of reproductive organs in the late stage of the disease, who were in oncological care. The method of diagnostic survey in the form of a questionnaire was developed for the study. Results The research reveals that the place of living has an impact on the opinions of suffering women as for the causes of late diagnosis of cancer and, secondly, that their oncological awareness is low. Conclusions In the examined group, cancer awareness of women already having cancers – irrespective of the environment of settling, was low and did not constitute the grounds for taking pro-health decisions in the area of the early diagnostic testing of cancer. This fully confirms the need for the research on effective tools to increase the awareness, particularly in the population of healthy persons, including menopausal and postmenopausal women. The opinions indirectly indicate a weaker organization and effectiveness of the activities of the cancer prevention programs in the country than those organized in the city.