-(2).png "Global Colon Cancer Association"){kind=logo}
.png "Read More")
The Inflatable Colon is a unique educational tool helping to break down the taboos surrounding colorectal cancer
Global Health Education Partnership
EuropaColon Serbia
Serbian Colorectal Cancer Patient Association
EuropaColon Serbia is a non-profit, independent organisation composed of patients suffering from cancer of the colon and liver, their family members, and other interested people who wish to provide any kind of support.
During march, the organization had organized five events, in major Serbian cities (Belgrade, Niš, N. Sad, Kikinda and Sombor) to support formal population screening program by providing education of the general population on the importance of early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. For the events, the inflatable colon was used and it attracted great attention. Also in the context of these activities has been achieved, and better co-operation and relations with institutions of health care, as well as with other organizations engaged in the fight against cancer;
Through the year we have continuously provided assistance and support to those affected by colorectal cancer as well as their family members through lectures and panel discussions, which were very frequent. This also helped us better to connect with our membership.
We have performed a very successful survey on colorectal cancer patients in 18 Serbian cities. The 27 point questionnaire gave us some very interesting findings and the results will contribute to the future work of our organization.
EuropaColon Slovenia has organized a symposium for the health professionals such as family practitioners, gastroenterologists, abdominal surgeons, nurses, etc. The program was prepared by the experts that are treating Colorectal Cancer patients. This whole day event was held in October at Izola with 140 professionals participating from whole Slovenian territory.
EuropaColon Slovenia has also published two numbers of magazine, Koloskope, in which we have covered the topics on Colorectal Cancer and screening as well as published testimonials of patients that had survived colorectal cancer.
ECCAM 2015As part of ECCAM activities, during the months of March and April, the Association placed the inflatable colon in five major cities in Serbia. Together For Health activity was carried out with Serbian ILCO association, as well as with the help of local health providers and municipalities. The aim was to raise awareness of the disease and importance of adequate and regular prevention as well as personal responsibility of each citizen for their own health. On all occasions citizens were offered free blood sugar and pressure measurements.
As part of World CRC day, on the 24th of March, the Association held a press conference, together Prof. Kovcin, Medical Director of the Association, which was widely covered in the national television and newspapers. On the same day, together with other patient associations, education on the importance of preventive measures (screening) followed with an open discussion was held at the Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, major Serbian oncology institution.
Regular Health Check-ups In Health Care activity was held on the 16th of July, together with one of the local healthcare providers in Belgrade with the emphasis of the importance of the change of life-style, cessation of smoking and regular screening.
During the Fall Health Festival in September, the inflatable colon was displayed; a lot of citizens went through when they were delivered informative leaflets. The slogan of the Association was Do Something Good For Your Health Today.
On the 28th of November the Association participated at the National Oncology Patient Forum.
Our telephone help line was very active throughout the whole year with increasing number of citizens and patients asking for various advices.
CCPC2 Poster Competition
Patients and their families can contact Colorectal Patients Association of Serbia on +381631027967
or via email [email protected]
Click on the dates below to see EuropaColon Serbia's activities during that year
2012
Awareness campaigns:
Every year, during European Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Serbian group organizes an activity with the aim to raise the awareness on the problem of colorectal cancer in Serbia. In March 2012 “Dress in blue” campaign was organized when the citizens and employees of many public and private companies were asked to dress in blue in order to honor those that are affected by CRC. The central event took place in one of the biggest shopping malls in Belgrade where blue ribbons were given out, representing eternal memory of those whose lives were lost due to CRC and the hope for a future free of colon cancer. At the same time, leaflets with the information on CRC and the importance of screening were given out, together with the information on the Association.
Each year in Serbia around 3800 people are diagnosed with CRC and unfortunately, the battle with the disease annually loses about 2600 people. These statistics show that colorectal cancer the second leading cause of death from malignant disease.
"Dress in blue" campaign was supported by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia.
Here is a selection of photos from the campaign
Please view our Dress in Blue Campaign 2012 leaflet
Lobbying/campaigning:
Serbian Colorectal Cancer Patient Association is very proactive in asking for better treatment and quality of life for CRC patients, better and more efficient diagnostic procedures, formal population screening and prevention program etc.
Media activities:
All activities conducted by the Association are covered in the media.
Nov 2012
Here is a selection of articles in Serbia2005
Established on 18 November 2005
Serbian Colorectal Cancer Patients Association is an independent, not-for-profit organization founded in November 2005 by colorectal cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and health-care specialists. The aim of the group is to raise the awareness on colorectal cancer and to support all Serbian citizens in the fight against this disease.
The group has become associated with EuropaColon since 2009.
2013
2013 was very important for Serbian Colorectal Cancer Patient Association because as of this year, the Ministry of Health has announced that they will start with the implementation of the screening programme. The programme would be organised in 18 major Serbian cities and would be targetting the population within the ages from 50 to 70. As the screening method, FOBT (foecal occult blood test) would be performed every other year. For that reason, the main activity in March was "Don't Make Excuses" campaign with the main event which took place on the 20th of March 2013 to raise awareness on the screening process as it could lead to earlier diagnosis which has greater prognosis. Leaflets which featured information on colorectal cancer including the signs to watch out for were distributed to all those living in Belgrade (25% of the Serbian population) via the mail. (This resulted positively as many people phoned and emailed afterwards asking for more information regarding the screening process and the whole issue surrounding colorectal cancer.
Other activities were supported by Medical Director, Dr Vladimir Kovcin, who shared his knowledge and experience with patients and their families and introduced FOBT as a very good first measure to prevent CRC. We plan to continue with these activities. The Inflatable Colon was set up in the main pedestrian zone located in the centre of Belgrade and Nis for one day in March. Approximately ten thousand people passed through it. Those who passed through were handed the leaflet and supplied with the information. Also, our message for them was to watch out for the signs of colorectal cancer and to go for FOBT if they were aged 50 and over. This campaign had been well supported by the media and people came prepared with questions to ask. This campaign was supported by the Ministry of Health and many health care professionals.
