Are you afraid of research? Psychologist: “Doctors check themselves too late”

Physician who heads the Psycho-Oncology Clinic at the National Cancer Institute. Maria Curie Skłodowska from Warsaw, in an interview with the Science in Poland website, advises changing her attitude towards preventive examinations. And as an example, he cites preventive actions organized by the institute in which he works. One initiative is to send personalized invitations to women for Pap smears. “In the invitation, we emphasize that we are aware that such examinations can be stressful and unpleasant, but emphasize that we go for examinations to confirm that we are healthy, that there is no cancer,” said Dr. Kosovich.

Why are we afraid of research?

According to the specialist, the factor influencing the lack of regular oncological prevention, as well as prevention in general, is the fear of examinations and confrontation with the diagnosis. “It is human nature to deny that which is difficult. Sometimes this paralyzing fear can define our lives because we have ignored certain symptoms or worrisome changes, or we think that if we are healthy, why get tested, ”he explains and adds, avoiding our daily life. “We put up with mistreatment at work and explain it to ourselves as a fear of losing our job, we live in a toxic relationship and protect our abuser in order to have at least a minimal sense of security, we protect a colleague from work, although we know that he hurts others” , - lists Dr. Kosovich.

As he adds, the way in which we explain certain phenomena depends, among other things, on previously learned patterns, levels of knowledge, beliefs. “Facing a difficult situation is a great test of our resources and limitations. It often doesn’t matter what profession we are in. The doctors are latesays the psychologist.

Preventive care training required

The doctor gave several reasons for not wanting to study. This is not only fear, but also often a difficult life situation and lack of motivation. This is also the lack of reliable knowledge. “Sick people exchange information with each other, often not taking into account that each organism is individual, that fear of the effects of treatment can provoke psychosomatic reactions that are not a consequence of the treatment itself. I will give an example of a boy who was afraid of radiation therapy. Someone told him that it could cause burns. Sometimes we are armed with knowledge, which, unfortunately, is not always correct,” says Mariola Kosovich.

According to the expert, classes with educators should be organized at every school and at every workplace so that people know about the legality of not only preventive examinations, but also about protective mechanisms that do not always help us.