The project added a Breast Unit to the Lower Silesian Oncology Centre in Wroclaw, Poland, to provide for the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer. It improved the quality of and access to health services in the region. On the ground floor of the new, three-storey building is the Pink Ribbon zone for preventative breast cancer examinations. The first floor has a 20-bed breast cancer surgery department: eight double rooms and four postoperative observation posts. The rooms are adapted for people with reduced mobility. Diagnostic facilities are on the second floor.
Breast Unit in Wroclaw, Poland, provides full range of cancer prevention and treatment services
- 10 April 2019
We have an excellent team of specialists and modern equipment at the centre. We had been missing a breast unit, and thanks to this project we now have it.
As part of the project, the centre was expanded to include another operating room for oncological surgery. The existing rooms were retrofitted with modern medical and diagnostic equipment, including two digital mammographs. More medical staff were employed and trained to use the new equipment.
Most importantly, the centre has increased tumour detections among inhabitants of Lower Silesia and reduced mortality due to cancers. It has given patients access to specialised services from the beginning to the end of their treatment, in a comfortable environment. This includes oncologist surgeons, radiologists, clinical oncologists, physiotherapists and psychologists. It was estimated that the centre would examine 1 000 patients annually.
Efficient organisation
The way the unit is organised helps ensure the best possible treatment. For example, by making the treatment coordinator – the so-called ‘breast nurse’ – a separate function. This helped ensure the harmonious cooperation of all staff, which in turn improves patient care. Better working conditions for staff also translated directly into higher-quality services. The interdisciplinary nature of the centre has raised its standing among similar centres in other countries.
The Lower Silesian Oncology Centre is the largest facility of its kind in Lower Silesia and guarantees the financial stability of the project. In addition, the hospital has a permanent contract with Poland’s National Health Fund, which finances the breast unit’s services.
Specialised centre
In Lower Silesia, breast cancer treatment had previously been scattered across several medical centres. What was lacking was one place to provide the comprehensive range of services and treatment in a secure, social environment. This project filled that gap by putting prophylaxis, hospital treatment, various therapies, psychological care, rehabilitation and post-treatment control under one roof. It is one of the first such facilities in the country.
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour in women in Poland, making up nearly 22 % of all cancers. It is the main cause of cancer-related deaths among women (13 % of all deaths of oncology patients). Since the early 1960s, more cases of breast cancer have been detected in Poland, doubling over the last three decades.
Similar centres in Gliwice, Upper Silesia, and Kraków in southern Poland were established following recommendations by the European Parliament to have specialised breast cancer treatment facilities in every EU member country.
The project helped create 19 jobs – for 17 women and two men.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Construction and equipment of the Breast Unit” is EUR 187 731 791, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 128 490 202 through the “Regional Operational Program for Lower Silesia Voivodeship” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Investments in health infrastructure”.