Cancer affects so many people – and yet the disease is still a taboo subject. “That is why it is so important to talk about it and to inform. The earlier the cancer is discovered, the better the chances of recovery”says Stefan Meusburger, Managing Director Ordensklinikum Linz, the leading oncological hospital for Upper Austria.
Video: Numerous visitors at “Oncology Day” in the Linz Promenade Galleries.
Together with the OÖN, the hospital invited to the Day of Oncology on Friday, where experts informed about the latest therapies and treatment options in the Linz Promenade Galleries. Not only doctors, but also pharmacists are contacts for those affected, as Vice President Monika Aichberger explained. “Many relatives come to us because they want to know how they can support their loved ones during these difficult times.”
Health has long had a high priority in the OÖ Nachrichten. “As a newspaper, we see ourselves as a daily companion in all situations in life – and of course health is a very important part of that”, said editor-in-chief Susanne Dickstein when welcoming the numerous guests. It is no coincidence that the OÖN health magazine, which is published every Wednesday, is the most popular supplement. Angelika Erlacher knows what it means to be terminally ill from painful experience, as the 65-year-old told the talk on the OÖN stage.
The pensioner from Ried im Innkreis suffered from esophageal cancer and her prognosis was extremely poor. “The doctors only gave me a five percent chance of survival”, she remembers. But she has struggled and has been considered healthy as of 2015.
Angelika Erlacher has been alive ever since “more intense”as she says. She learned to play the guitar, got a dog, travels often and especially loves spending time with her grandchildren. “I don’t save anything for later “, she says. Her advice to all concerned: “The most important thing is that you never give up. Fortunately, there is already so much possible in conventional medicine.”
Photo Gallery: That was Oncology Day at the Promenade Galleries
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visitors report
“Two years of pancreatic cancer, I’ve had 46 chemos. I have nothing but praise for nurses and doctors. And I keep fighting.” – Heinrich Pichler, 72, from Marchtrenk
“The topic touches me because I lost two family members to the disease. I’m curious about the state of research.” – Roswitha Riccabona, 61, from Linz
“I had cancer 17 years ago, now my husband has bladder cancer. I’m finding out how I can support him.” – Brigitte Gleichfeld, 74, from Linz
“I got over my breast disease and now I want to know which therapies I can do afterwards.” – Margarete Moser, 65, from Meggenhofen
“This week I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Today I want to get information about it at the lectures.” – Leopold Derntl, 75, from Katsdorf
“If you are not affected today, it may be the day after tomorrow. I have cancer myself, you have to accept the disease as a companion. ” – Armgard Ratzenböck, 78, Hirschbach
From nutrition to acupuncture
“Around a quarter of cancer patients die as a result of malnutrition.” At her information stand in the Promenaden-Galerie in Linz, dietician Pia Wildfellner made it clear how important nutrition is in the case of cancer. The nutrient requirements are different depending on the type of cancer.
Andrea Oßberger, a specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, explained how the scars after an operation can be treated in the best possible way. There are very different methods: ointments, lasers or surgical interventions.
Acupuncture was also a big topic at the Day of Oncology, to which the Ordensklinikum invited together with the OÖ Nachrichten. Petra Rothart, general practitioner, has specialized in this. “With the help of traditional Chinese medicine, we want to accompany the patient during their illness and alleviate side effects, for example from chemotherapy. These include, for example, muscle pain, nausea or severe tiredness.”
The Ordensklinikum informed about offers of the Linz health park. A large number of doctors and therapists are available for advice at three locations. Statutory health insurance and optional medical as well as therapeutic services are offered. Anyone who would like to receive health tips from experts online can register for the newsletter at gesundheitspark.at/newsletter, which will start in autumn.
Source: Nachrichten
