The first patient conference ONKO PACIENT 2023 was held on October 5, 2023 in Prague by Cancer Research Czech Republic. It was focused on on the latest findings in the field of research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer with the participation of leading Czech experts in oncology. The meeting, intended especially for patients and their families as well as for representatives of patient organizations and health professionals.
"Although the main goal of our foundation is the support of cancer research, we are increasingly approached by oncology patients and their relatives who are looking for more information about the disease. That's why we decided to create a forum for educating patients, where they can meet experts in research and treatment of oncological diseases. The ONKO PATIENT 2023 conference fits perfectly into our efforts to provide true and relevant information to people with oncological diseases," said the director of the Cancer Research Czech Republic, Peter Vanek.
The participants learned why and how cancer develops, whether it is possible to prevent them, when it is the right time to consider experimental treatment in clinical trials. They also had the opportunity to find out under what conditions they can enroll in a clinical study abroad or what awaits them in the diagnosis and treatment. At the end, the audience was also given space to participate in the panel discussion led by professor Pavel Pafko with their questions.
"One of the problems with modern medicine is that doctors don't communicate with patients. However, a patient with a serious illness has to absorb a large amount of information in a short period of time, and is often very uncertain, confused and under considerable stress. Therefore, I welcome any initiative that will help alleviate this problem, including the activity of the Cancer Research Czech Republic and its patient conference," said professor Pavel Pafko.
The event took place in the premises of the Old Town Hall in Prague under the auspices of Eva Pavlova, the wife of the President of the Czech Republic, and Bohuslav Svoboda, the Mayor of the capital city of Prague.
PROGRAM
M.D. Marián Hajdúch, Ph.D.: Why and how do cancers arise? Can you protect yourself from them?
M.D. Igor Kiss, Ph.D., MBA: What can patients expect during diagnosis and treatment? How is patient care organized?
M.D. Jiří Votruba, Ph.D.: Diagnosis of lung cancer – a silent enemy that is not only a threat to smokers.
Professor RNDr. Ondřej Slabý, Ph.D.: Anti-cancer treatment tailored to your needs! What does this term, often used by patients, mean and what is its significance for contemporary oncology?
Professor M.D. Luboš Petruzelka, CSc.: Anti-cancer treatment tailored to your needs! What does this term, often used by patients, mean and what is its significance for contemporary oncology?
RNDr. Ondřej Májek, Ph.D.: The state pays for expensive preventive programs for the insured. Which ones are they, and why does it make sense not to underestimate prevention, even if you have already had cancer in the past?
Professor M.D. Aleksi Šedo, DrSc.: Why is it important to support cancer research in the Czech Republic? What are Czech scientists currently working on?
M.D. Josef Srovnal, Ph.D.: What is hidden in our DNA? How is the disposition to cancer diseases inherited? Which genetically determined tumors are the most common?
M.D. Regina Demlová, Ph.D.: When is it appropriate to consider treatment as part of a clinical trial? Where can I find out more information? Can I enroll in a clinical study abroad?
The panel discussion during which you could have asked our experts questions about the conference topics. The discussion was moderated by prof. MD Pavel Pafko, PhD.
The official website: www.vyzkumrakoviny.cz/onko-pacient-2023
Photography: Milan Marenčák
