ONCOSCREEN puts patients first, and our strong partnership with hospitals, experts, and patient groups ensures that patients are at the heart of our research and implementation.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, and Lithuania is no stranger to this challenge. Colorectal cancer is a significant health challenge in the country, with over 1400 diagnoses annually. Fortunately, one of the ONCOSCREEN partners, the Lithuanian Cancer Patient Coalition (POLA), stands as a beacon of support and advocacy for those affected by CRC. Employing a multifaceted approach, POLA aims to positively impact 50 000 cancer patients every month and involve them in gathering feedback and opinions, to make sure projects like ONCOSCREEN truly reflect patient needs and perspectives. As a partner in the ONCOSCREEN project, POLA ensures that these needs and perspectives of patients are central to the development of new colorectal cancer screening solutions the project is working on.
Raising Awareness and Early Detection is Key
POLA’s work focuses on the importance of early detection in the fight against CRC through various channels, such as educational campaigns and seminars, as these empower individuals with the knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and screening options, encouraging them to seek timely medical attention. Collaboration with media outlets is another crucial channel to leverage in making sure that accurate information about CRC is shared through media channels. For example, featuring stories of cancer survivors who are members of POLA’s community often helps raise public awareness around CRC. POLA also leverages social media and its website to educate the public about CRC screening programs and share valuable resources.
Advocating for Improved Care and Access
POLA actively advocates for improvements in colorectal cancer care and access to treatment in Lithuania. Their efforts include work with policymakers to ensure that national cancer plans prioritize colorectal cancer prevention, screening, and treatment. POLA fosters collaboration between patients, doctors, and healthcare institutions to improve communication and address patient concerns regarding treatment options and access to innovative therapies.
Understanding and Meeting Patient Needs
POLA frequently participates in European projects like ONCOSCREEN, bringing the crucial patient perspective and insights from the end-users. This is because the active participation of patients is instrumental in ensuring that the innovative patient-centred solutions become standard practice, resulting in better care for patients and survivors.
In the ONCOSCREEN project, POLA leads in identifying and addressing the evolving needs of end-users. By conducting in-depth research, including workshops and interviews, they gathers valuable insights into patient experiences and expectations. This data is then used, in turn, to refine the ONCOSCREEN technological advancements, ensuring the project is truly patient-centred.
Building a Strong Foundation for Collaboration
POLA also facilitates collaboration among stakeholders in the ONCOSCREEN project. This role involves fostering open dialogue, sharing expertise, and aligning efforts towards a common goal – improving colorectal cancer screening. By bringing together diverse perspectives, a robust foundation for innovation for ONCOSCREEN is possible.
Raising Awareness and Driving Change
Beyond the role in understanding patient needs, POLA is committed to increasing general awareness of colorectal cancer screening, which make people more likely to participate in screening programs.
This focus on patient organizations means that ONCOSCREEN can create a more comprehensive and patient-centred approach to tackling colorectal cancer. In doing so, ONCOSCREEN will empower patients, improve early detection rates, and ultimately save lives.
To learn more about POLA and the work they do, follow this link to their website: POLA and the Patient Navigation system.
