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Prodiatera, relying on its previous experience of mass breast
cancer prevention programs run in Poland, has developed a
concept of a fast, cost effective and efficient breast cancer
prevention program based on the incorporation of trained breast
health nurses. These highly qualified mid-level medical
specialists acting either within existing or intended new breast
cancer prevention programs are especially important for regions
that face healthcare budget constrictions and a growing rate of
non-communicable diseases.
1.
Basic training for local level community nurses and
midwives providing basic knowledge on breast cancer prevention,
BSE teaching skills and CBE performance skills. As a result of
this training the nurses can pass their knowledge to local women
by teaching them how to perform breast self-examination (BSE),
while conducting clinical breast examination (CBE) and
identifying women in high breast cancer risk groups. This
project supports the development of professional relations
amongst mid-level personnel groups increasing their self-esteem
regarding their role as a frontrunner in breast cancer
eradication as well as between mid-level personnel and
physicians related to breast cancer prevention diagnosis and
treatment.
2.
Training for breast health instructors. This project
establishes professional guidelines, outline of duties and
method of training for a new subspecialty called Breast Cancer
Prophylaxis Instructor (BCPI) among nurses. It also delineates
educational and instructional curricula as well as training
methodology for those instructors. This program is designated
for nurses who want to gain advanced knowledge in breast cancer
screening, diagnosis and treatment, as well as knowledge in
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) skills and Breast Self
Examination (BSE) teaching abilities. The ultimate career goal
for the instructors will be participation in community breast
cancer prevention programs where they will pass the acquired
prevention expertise to groups of women involved in community
programs disseminating further breast cancer awareness to
secondary recipients.
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It allows for appropriate and targeted training,
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It permits the delivery of program and material at a manageable
level.
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It allows for the formation of networks, at regional levels and
increases peer and other support factors to develop breast
cancer prevention and screening measures in appropriate
settings.
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It will also allow acquiring practical skills in population
surveying, high risk group identification and the like.
This type of professional redirection and gaining of new skills
is especially important for those nurses who want to stay within
the profession when reductions of labour force at local
hospitals and outpatient clinics take place, as it gives them a
considerable advantage as far as skills are concerned.
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Screening actions
The countrywide breast cancer awareness and screening program
project will employ mid-level medical personnel. Prevention
actions, especially with local women and groups of women
organized formally and informally at regional or local levels
shall be a prestigious task undertaken by breast health nurses.
There will be an understanding of the health service
availability and support by organizations at local and regional
level
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Research and Development
See news
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Publications - educational material, brochures and pamphlets
regarding breast cancer prevention, early diagnosis, risk
factors, etc.
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Future project
The ultimate goal is to create and operate Breast Cancer
Diagnostic Centres in Poland. The Breast Centers will provide
breast health services to help patients obtain the best in
breast care and information, in the most efficient way possible.
Over the past few years, because of increasing complexities of
different types of breast screening, diagnosis, and treatment
methods, women in Poland have become under-privileged in their
ability to efficiently undergo these procedures. The planned
Breast Centers will be to take on a multi-disciplinary approach
to screening, diagnosis, and, in the future, treatment of breast
cancer. The Center will provide not only the most up-to-date,
state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment, but also the most
compassionate care possible. It will also provide as many breast
services as available in one setting, so that when a woman faces
the frightening prospect of needing additional tests, biopsies,
or diagnostic surgery, these services will be obtained as
quickly and efficiently as possible.
Breast Diagnostic Centres will be patterned after similar US,
fully integrated breast cancer centres. But will be more
expandable via operating mobile units, enabling them to cover
large areas of selected regions. The Centres will be staffed
with the best personnel and will be equipped with the most
modern diagnostic computerized film readers and consequently
with film-less mammography equipment. They will feature the most
advanced stereotactic core biopsy system, computerized
workstations and easily accessible patient database |
