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Doctor of medicine, pediatric specialist, 18 years of work as a university lecturer.
Background—A child’s cancer affects their entire family and is a source of chronic stress for a sick child, as well as for their parents and siblings. It deprives them of the feeling of security; introduces uncertainty, fear and anxiety; and destabilises their life. It mobilises the family since they have to reconcile the treatment and frequent appointments at the hospital with the hardships of everyday life. The emotional burden they have to deal with is enormous. Recognition of the needs of such a family allows for the implementation of support, psychosocial care and psychoeducation, as well as the provision of reliable information. Patients and Methods—A population survey was conducted between 2015 and 2020. Caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer were invited to participate in the study to assess their problems and needs. Results—All respondents in their legal status were parents of children with cancer. The study included 800 people, where women accounted for 85% and men accounted for 15%. The mean age of the mother was 38.09, SD = 7.25, and the mean age of the father was 41.11, SD = 7.03. The occurrence of problems negatively correlated with both the age of the parents (p< 0.0001) and the level of education (p< 0.0001). Parents who admitted having financial problems more often reported problems of a different kind; moreover, financial problems were more often reported by parents of children who were ill for a longer time (p = 0.01). Conclusions—Parents of children suffering from cancer reported numerous psychological, social and somatic problems. The identification of problems through screening should translate into specific interventions, thus creating support for the families of children with cancer. Promoting coping with difficult emotions and the ability to solve problems when a child is ill has a positive effect on the functioning of the family.
Anna Lewandowska. Influence of a Child’s Cancer on the Functioning of Their Family. Children 2021, 8, 592 .
AMA StyleAnna Lewandowska. Influence of a Child’s Cancer on the Functioning of Their Family. Children. 2021; 8 (7):592.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lewandowska. 2021. "Influence of a Child’s Cancer on the Functioning of Their Family." Children 8, no. 7: 592.
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), defined as cancer of the colon or rectum, is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, and, according to the World Health Organisation database GLOBOCAN, it accounts for about 1.4 million new diagnoses annually worldwide. There is an association between the occurrence of colorectal cancer and non-modifiable risk factors, including age and hereditary factors, as well as with modifiable factors linked to the environment and lifestyle choices.Methods: The study included 800 patients, 400 diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 400 within the control group. The research was based on a clinical, direct, individual, structured, in-depth and focused interview. Assessment of activity and BMI was used according to WHO recommendations, as well as the expert system.Results: The average age of the patients was 64.53 ± 8.86 years, of the control group I - 59.64 ± 9.33 and the control group II - 57.5 (7.83). The association between the incidence of ulcerative colitis and the risk of colorectal cancer was clearly positive (p<0.001). Among obese subjects, the colorectal cancer risk was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06-1.53) in comparison with non-obese subjects. The relative risk for current smokers was 2.17 (95% CI 1.79-2.66). Higher fat consumption and higher red meat consumption were also associated with the higher risk of colorectal cancer (p=0.01).Conclusions: Obesity, low physical activity, active and passive smoking and high salt and red meat consumption have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The results give further evidence of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Anna Lewandowska; Grzegorz Rudzki; Tomasz Lewandowski; Aleksandra Stryjkowska-Góra; Sławomir Rudzki. Risk factors for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleAnna Lewandowska, Grzegorz Rudzki, Tomasz Lewandowski, Aleksandra Stryjkowska-Góra, Sławomir Rudzki. Risk factors for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lewandowska; Grzegorz Rudzki; Tomasz Lewandowski; Aleksandra Stryjkowska-Góra; Sławomir Rudzki. 2021. "Risk factors for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer." , no. : 1.
(1) Background: As the literature analysis shows, cancer patients experience a variety of different needs. Each patient reacts differently to the hardships of the illness. Assessment of needs allows providing more effective support, relevant to every person’s individual experience, and is necessary for setting priorities for resource allocation, for planning and conducting holistic care, i.e., care designed to improve a patient’s quality of life in a significant way. (2) Patients and Methods: A population survey was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Cancer patients, as well as their caregivers, received an invitation to take part in the research, so their problems and needs could be assessed. (3) Results: The study involved 800 patients, 78% women and 22% men. 66% of the subjects were village residents, while 34%—city residents. The mean age of patients was 62 years, SD = 11.8. The patients received proper treatment within the public healthcare. The surveyed group of caregivers was 88% women and 12% men, 36% village residents and 64% city residents. Subjects were averagely 57 years old, SD 7.8. At the time of diagnosis, the subjects most often felt anxiety, despair, depression, feelings of helplessness (46%, 95% CI: 40–48). During illness and treatment, the subjects most often felt fatigued (79%, 95% CI: 70–80). Analysis of needs showed that 93% (95% CI: 89–97) of patients experienced a certain level of need for help in one or more aspects. (4) Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with cancer have a high level of unmet needs, especially in terms of psychological support and medical information. Their caregivers also experience needs and concerns regarding the disease. Caregivers should be made aware of the health consequences of cancer and consider appropriate supportive care for their loved ones.
Anna Lewandowska; Grzegorz Rudzki; Tomasz Lewandowski; Sławomir Rudzki. The Problems and Needs of Patients Diagnosed with Cancer and Their Caregivers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 18, 87 .
AMA StyleAnna Lewandowska, Grzegorz Rudzki, Tomasz Lewandowski, Sławomir Rudzki. The Problems and Needs of Patients Diagnosed with Cancer and Their Caregivers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 18 (1):87.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lewandowska; Grzegorz Rudzki; Tomasz Lewandowski; Sławomir Rudzki. 2020. "The Problems and Needs of Patients Diagnosed with Cancer and Their Caregivers." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 1: 87.
Background: Life-quality tests are the basis for assessing the condition of oncological patients. They allow for obtaining valuable information from the patients regarding not only the symptoms of disease and adverse effects of the treatment but also assessment of the psychological, social and spiritual aspects. Taking into account assessment of the quality of life made by the patient in the course of disease has a positive effect on the well-being of patients, their families and their caregivers as well as on satisfaction with the interdisciplinary and holistic oncological care. Methods: A population-based, multi-area cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with cancer in the study in order to assess their life quality. The method used in the study was a clinical interview. Quality of life was measured using the EQ-5D-5L Quality of Life Questionnaire, the Karnofsky Performance Status, our own symptom checklist, Edmonton Symptom Assessment and Visual Analogue Scale. Results: In the subjective assessment of fitness, after using the Karnofsky fitness index, it was shown that 28% (95% CI (confidence interval): 27–30) of patients declared the ability to perform normal physical activity. In the assessment the profile, quality of life and psychometric properties of EQ-5D-5L, it was shown that patients had the most severe problems in terms of self-care (81%, 95% CI: 76–89) and feeling anxious and depressed (63%, 95% CI: 60–68). Conclusions: Cancer undoubtedly has a negative impact on the quality of life of patients, which is related to the disease process itself, the treatment used and the duration of the disease.
Anna Lewandowska; Grzegorz Rudzki; Tomasz Lewandowski; Michał Próchnicki; Sławomir Rudzki; Barbara Laskowska; Joanna Brudniak. Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6938 .
AMA StyleAnna Lewandowska, Grzegorz Rudzki, Tomasz Lewandowski, Michał Próchnicki, Sławomir Rudzki, Barbara Laskowska, Joanna Brudniak. Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (19):6938.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lewandowska; Grzegorz Rudzki; Tomasz Lewandowski; Michał Próchnicki; Sławomir Rudzki; Barbara Laskowska; Joanna Brudniak. 2020. "Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 19: 6938.
Background: Despite the stability of global vaccination coverage, over 19 million children worldwide do not currently receive basic vaccines. Over the past several years, there has been a dramatic drop in the number of vaccinated children worldwide. The implementation of the vaccination program and the scope of protection depend on the parents or legal guardians, who decide whether to vaccinate their child or not. Studies were conducted to assess parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vaccines, as well as the role of healthcare providers in parents’ decisions. Methods: A population survey was conducted in 2018–2019. Parents or legal guardians of the children were invited to participate in the study during their visits to the clinic for healthy or sick children. The method used in the research was a diagnostic survey. Results: According to the conducted research, men and women constituted 45% and 55% of participants, respectively. The average age of men was 44, while, for women, it was 41. Internal research showed that as much as 71% of parents declared the need for vaccination, although 41% of parents vaccinated their children according to the vaccination calendar. The most frequently mentioned concerns included the possibility of adverse vaccination reactions (22%), the occurrence of autism (7%), and child death (6%). General practitioners had, by far, the greatest impact on the use of protective vaccination in children (73% women and 80% men), although there were cases of discouraging the performance of compulsory vaccinations (41%), and mentioning a doctor (38%) or nurse (3%). Conclusions: Modifiable determinants of the negative attitude toward vaccinations are caused mainly by the lack of knowledge. These obstacles in vaccinations can be overcome by improving health education in terms of the vaccination program.
Anna Lewandowska; Tomasz Lewandowski; Grzegorz Rudzki; Sławomir Rudzki; Barbara Laskowska. Opinions and Knowledge of Parents Regarding Preventive Vaccinations of Children and Causes of Reluctance toward Preventive Vaccinations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 3694 .
AMA StyleAnna Lewandowska, Tomasz Lewandowski, Grzegorz Rudzki, Sławomir Rudzki, Barbara Laskowska. Opinions and Knowledge of Parents Regarding Preventive Vaccinations of Children and Causes of Reluctance toward Preventive Vaccinations. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (10):3694.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lewandowska; Tomasz Lewandowski; Grzegorz Rudzki; Sławomir Rudzki; Barbara Laskowska. 2020. "Opinions and Knowledge of Parents Regarding Preventive Vaccinations of Children and Causes of Reluctance toward Preventive Vaccinations." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 10: 3694.
Introduction: Every year there is an increase in the number of cases and deaths due to the majority of cancers. Currently, these diseases constitute the second cause of death in Poland and the USA. The number of cases of malignant neoplasms in Poland has more than doubled over the last three...
Anna Maria Lewandowska; Tomasz Lewandowski; Marcin Rudzki; Sławomir Rudzki; Barbara Laskowska. Cancer prevention – review paper. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2020, 28, 11 -19.
AMA StyleAnna Maria Lewandowska, Tomasz Lewandowski, Marcin Rudzki, Sławomir Rudzki, Barbara Laskowska. Cancer prevention – review paper. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2020; 28 (1):11-19.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Maria Lewandowska; Tomasz Lewandowski; Marcin Rudzki; Sławomir Rudzki; Barbara Laskowska. 2020. "Cancer prevention – review paper." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 28, no. 1: 11-19.
Introduction: The birth of a child is not only one of the most important life events for parents, but also a challenge in dealing with many difficulties associated with the basic stages of development and nursing a newborn baby. Often, insufficient knowledge and lack of skills about the child's development and care, are the cause of considerable difficulties for the parents of the newborn child. Health education is an important element of supporting activities in medicine, especially the education of young parents. It should include knowledge of maintaining hygiene, the use of appropriate care products, protecting umbilical stump, feeding, stimulating the child, as well as the use of vaccines. As many studies show, knowledge of healthy behaviors and parents' skills in newborn care and care determine the child's health in a broad sense.The aim of the study was to analyze the state of knowledge of parents about the newborn period and childcare as well as to analyze educational needs in this area.Material and method: The study involved 80 parents of newborns. The research method used in the work was a diagnostic survey. The survey technique in the form of a questionnaire was used to conduct the research.Results: In assessing the knowledge transferred about neonatal care by medical staff in the maternity ward, male and female responses are mixed. Only 37% of women obtained extensive knowledge, while 63% of women insufficient and in need of supplementation. As many as 70% of the men did not receive any information from the staff, the rest (30%) of the men were given messages, but they were incomplete. The most frequently chosen form of acquiring knowledge by both female and male respondents was to talk to staff (63%) and instruct (43%). For the vast majority of respondents (95%) the concept of newborn is familiarConclusions: However, the knowledge possessed by parents is incomplete. Men are ignored in parental education. Most of the respondents know the rules of childcare. Most parents need to transfer knowledge and skills from specialists.
Anna Lewandowska; Beata Bilska. Educational needs of parents towards a healthy newborn baby. Journal of Education, Health and Sport 2020, 10, 47 -55.
AMA StyleAnna Lewandowska, Beata Bilska. Educational needs of parents towards a healthy newborn baby. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2020; 10 (1):47-55.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lewandowska; Beata Bilska. 2020. "Educational needs of parents towards a healthy newborn baby." Journal of Education, Health and Sport 10, no. 1: 47-55.
The cancerous process is result of disturbed cell function. This is due to the accumulation of many genetic and epigenetic changes within the cell, expressed in the accumulation of chromosomal or molecular aberrations, which leads to genetic instability. It is difficult to assess the validity of individual aetiological factors, but it can be concluded that interaction of various risk factors has the largest contribution to the cancer development. Environmental, exogenous and endogenous factors as well as individual factors, including genetic predisposition contribute to the development of cancer. Epidemiological research on the development of malignant tumors has focused over the years on the determinants of environmental and genetic factors of cancer incidence and mortality rate. According to current state of knowledge, 80-90% of malignant tumors are caused by external environmental factors (carcinogens). Epidemiological studies have proved that the main factors responsible for the development of malignant neoplasia among humans are environmental factors arising from human behaviour. It has been confirmed that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diet, and reproductive behaviour are important for the development of malignant neoplasia in the human population. According to the World Health Organization, in 2020 we may expect about 10 million deaths, including 7-8 million in the developing countries, while this number in the developed countries will not change and will be 2-3 million. The aim this study was systematization of knowledge concerning the risk factors of malignant tumours and supplementing them with the latest research results.
Anna Maria Lewandowska; Marcin Rudzki; Sławomir Rudzki; Tomasz Lewandowski; Barbara Laskowska. Environmental risk factors for cancer – review paper. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2019, 26, 1 -7.
AMA StyleAnna Maria Lewandowska, Marcin Rudzki, Sławomir Rudzki, Tomasz Lewandowski, Barbara Laskowska. Environmental risk factors for cancer – review paper. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2019; 26 (1):1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Maria Lewandowska; Marcin Rudzki; Sławomir Rudzki; Tomasz Lewandowski; Barbara Laskowska. 2019. "Environmental risk factors for cancer – review paper." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 26, no. 1: 1-7.
[b]Abstract Objective.[/b] The objective of the study was to analyze the level of knowledge on tumours and their prevention among rural inhabitants. [b]Materials and method.[/b] The research involved 500 residents of villages in Podkarpackie Province in south-east Poland. The age of the...
Anna Lewandowska; Rafał Filip. Knowledge on neoplastic diseases among young rural inhabitants. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2017, 24, 496 -501.
AMA StyleAnna Lewandowska, Rafał Filip. Knowledge on neoplastic diseases among young rural inhabitants. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2017; 24 (3):496-501.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lewandowska; Rafał Filip. 2017. "Knowledge on neoplastic diseases among young rural inhabitants." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 24, no. 3: 496-501.
Introduction: Risk of neoplastic diseases in the whole world’s population has been increasing regularly. Thanks to the GLOBACAN data base operating under the auspices of the International Union Against Cancer it has been reported that up to 2002 10,900,000 of new cases of cancer were diagnosed and 6,700 deaths were reported. According to the World Health Organization, in 2020 we may expect about 10 million deaths, including 7-8 millions in the developing countries, while this number in the developed countries will not change and will be 2-3 million. The world’s most frequently occurring tumour is lung cancer. It accounts for 12.4% of all tumours diagnosed. According to the epidemiological research, the basic factors responsible for cancer development among people are those environmental factors that result from humans’ behaviour. Objective: The objective is to analyze the occurrence of risk factors of a neoplastic disease among patients with a diagnosed oncological disease. Material and methods: The research involved 500 patients of the oncology department. Women accounted for more than a half of all patients, namely 58%, while men 42%. In order to obtain the research material, a standardized questionnaire has been applied, including interview and physical examination, enabling assessment and analysis of occurrence of cancer risk factors. Results: The most frequently diagnosed tumour among women is breast cancer (20%), while among men the most frequently occurring is prostate cancer (10%). 20% of women and 10% of men lived near high-voltage line. 11% of women were active smokers while 6% passive smokers. When it comes to men, 18% were active smokers, while 5% passive smokers. Conclusions: The most frequent cancer among women is breast cancer, while among men prostate cancer. Smoking does not have a significant influence on cancer development in women; however, it has a significant influence on cancer development in men. Overweight and obesity have a significant influence on cancer development in women, while they have insignificant influence on cancer development in men.
Anna Lew; Owska. The Analysis of Incidence of Risk Factors of Neoplastic Diseases among Patients with a Diagnosed Neoplastic Disease. Epidemiology: Open Access 2017, 7, 1 -8.
AMA StyleAnna Lew, Owska. The Analysis of Incidence of Risk Factors of Neoplastic Diseases among Patients with a Diagnosed Neoplastic Disease. Epidemiology: Open Access. 2017; 7 (1):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lew; Owska. 2017. "The Analysis of Incidence of Risk Factors of Neoplastic Diseases among Patients with a Diagnosed Neoplastic Disease." Epidemiology: Open Access 7, no. 1: 1-8.
Anna Lewandowska; Zofia Kruba; Rafał Filip. Epidemiology of Lyme disease among workers of forest inspectorates in Poland. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 2013, 20, 1 .
AMA StyleAnna Lewandowska, Zofia Kruba, Rafał Filip. Epidemiology of Lyme disease among workers of forest inspectorates in Poland. Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine. 2013; 20 (2):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnna Lewandowska; Zofia Kruba; Rafał Filip. 2013. "Epidemiology of Lyme disease among workers of forest inspectorates in Poland." Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine 20, no. 2: 1.