Cancer is one of the most serious challenges of modern medicine. According to the National Cancer Registry, approximately 170,000 people will develop cancer in Poland in 2019, and nearly 300 people die of the disease every day. These are figures that leave no illusions – it takes concerted action to raise public awareness and encourage regular preventive examinations.
October and November – a time to pay attention to health
For years, October and November have been special months dedicated to health education. ‘Pink October’ focuses on the prevention of breast cancer – one of the most common cancers in women. Public campaigns organised during this time encourage mammograms, breast self-examinations and regular visits to the doctor.
On the other hand, ‘Movember’ in November reminds men to take care of their health, especially in the context of prostate and testicular cancer. Moustache-growing campaigns are not only fun, but also an effective way to raise awareness of male cancers and tests such as PSA.
The role of companies in health education
More and more companies are actively engaging in activities to raise health awareness among their employees. Such initiatives are not only an expression of corporate social responsibility (CSR), but, above all, a real help in taking care of the health of employees. Regular check-ups and access to health education can save lives, especially when facilitated by busy people who often do not have time to visit the doctor on a daily basis.
Cancer Prevention Week – an example of practical support
One of the actions aimed at spreading cancer prevention among its employees was ‘Cancer Prevention Week’ organised by Britenet, an international IT company with Polish roots. Between 19 and 21 November, employees in the company's main offices, i.e. in Warsaw, Lublin, Poznan, Kielce and Bialystok, could take advantage of free blood tests that included cancer markers.
The tests were gender-specific – for men, levels of PSA, CEA antigen or the CA 19-9 marker, among others, were checked, which helps in the early detection of prostate, colorectal or pancreatic cancer. Women were able to have their CA 15-3 and CA 125 markers tested, which are key in the diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancer.
For us, organising Cancer Prevention Week was not only an expression of concern for the health of our employees, but also an opportunity to raise awareness about cancer prevention. We want everyone to have the tools and knowledge to help prevent serious diseases. Our goal at Britenet is to create a work environment that supports health and wellbeing in all its forms.
Martyna Pędzimąź – Employer Branding & Employee Experience Leader
An additional element of the campaign was an educational campaign on cancer protection principles and a webinar with a yoga workshop entitled ‘Practical yoga in the office and beyond – start where you are, with what you have’. The meeting was led by Aleksandra Sowa, an experienced trainer and coach, who showed participants how relaxation techniques can help manage stress - one of the risk factors for health.
When knowledge saves lives
Initiatives such as these show how much can be done to prevent serious diseases. Increasing health awareness in workplaces is a step that benefits not only employees, but society as a whole. Regular examinations, education and the promotion of healthy lifestyles are the best tools in the fight against cancer.
We do not have to wait for social campaigns or special events – each of us can already take care of our health today. It is worth starting with small steps, such as signing up for tests or encouraging loved ones to visit their doctor.
