Dr. Ohla Hoptyana, Gynecologic Oncologist at the National Cancer Institute in Kyiv Ukraine is being honored with the IGCS Global Humanitarian Award for her instrumental role in coordinating care for gynecologic cancer patients in need during the war in Ukraine. Dr. Hoptyana is one of many noble citizens and clinicians who surpassed their duty of care by standing by the patients under their care, even under the threat of war and the sound of sirens.
She worked closely with contacts at the Polish Society of Gynecologic Oncology to provide medical records and coordinate the oncological care for patients arriving in Poland. Thanks to their joint efforts and the rapid changes in Polish regulations, many Ukrainian patients were able to successfully continue their treatments in Polish institutions including cytoreductive surgeries, chemotherapy cycles, and radiotherapy sessions.
Dr. Hoptyana is currently administering a survey to understand the needs and barriers to providing sufficient cancer care for patients with gynecologic cancer. Those who have experience treating patients from Ukraine who left the country during the war are encouraged to participate in the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ukrainianpatients
About Dr. Hoptyana
Olha Hoptyana completed undergraduate program in Vinnytsya National Pirogov Medical University in 2016. She subsequently had the internship in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology of NAMS of Ukraine. Since 2019 she is a PhD fellow in oncogynaecologic department at the National Cancer Institute in Kyiv. Olha is the author and co-author of seven articles and two conference thesis.
The Polish Society of Gynecologic Oncology
Award accepted by Dr. Marcin Bobiński (Poland), Medical Coordinator of the Polish-Ukraine Cooperative on behalf of the society.
The Polish Society of Gynecologic Oncology (PTGO) has been selected for the IGCS Global Humanitarian Award for their efforts in coordinating care and transportation for gynecologic cancer patients in need during the war in Ukraine. In the Corners of the World article, “War in Ukraine: the opportunities for oncogynecologic patients in Poland” published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, the situation and relief efforts occurring at the beginning of the conflict were explained in detail. PTGO offers consultation for gynecologic cancer patients, working to qualify them and identify Polish gynecologic oncology centers for appropriate treatment. Treatments include surgery, systemic treatment and radiotherapy according to Polish and European guidelines.
Over the last several months PTGO has continued collaborations with healthcare institutions in Ukraine to understand the needs and barriers to providing sufficient cancer care and provide aid where possible. Dr. Marcin Bobiński is accepting the award on the society’s behalf as he has played an instrumental role in coordinating care and communicating with physicians in Ukraine.
More about the Polish Society of Gynecologic Oncology and their efforts:
The Polish Society of Oncological Gynaecology (PTGO) was established in 1991 as a result of a joint initiative of gynaecologists interested in oncological issues, epidemiologists, radiotherapists and representatives of basic sciences dealing in particular with issues in the field of gynaecological oncology.
Currently, the Society brings together over 400 doctors dealing with the treatment of female cancers, gynaecologists, oncologists, pathomorphologists, radiotherapists, radiologists, laboratory diagnosticians and geneticists. The following groups operate within the Society: surgical, ultrasound, ovarian cancer team, cervical cancer prevention and treatment team, oncofertility, clinical research group (PGOG) closely cooperating with ENGOT and the Young Gynaecologist Oncologist Club. The Society runs its own educational platform – Gynaecologist Oncologist Academy, organises numerous conferences and practical training sessions. They try to set standards in the treatment of female cancers in Poland based on EBM and follow the current progress of science in the field.
An important aspect of PTGO’s activity is also cooperation with the patient community. On the initiative of our doctors and their patients, the Blue Butterfly Association of patients with gynaecological cancers was established, which became their Partner. Together, they provide support for suffering women both in the field of education and psychological and social assistance.
February 24, 2022, brought new challenges. They wrote, “In the face of the war, our sense of responsibility towards the sick and our willingness to help their Ukrainian colleagues-doctors, did not allow us to remain idle towards Ukrainian women suffering from a double tragedy – cancer and war.”
A team was formed, which devoted its time with great commitment, created and implemented the concept of cooperation with oncology centres in Ukraine. The necessary documents were prepared and translated, the centres that could provide the best help were selected, and a scheme of action was developed to ensure appropriate qualification of patients to the centres. Transport was organised as quickly as possible as well as best patient care during and after the treatment.
Their partner, the Blue Butterfly Association, who took care of Ukrainian patients outside the hospital, helped them find a flat and find a new country.
Dr. Bobiński noted “We are glad that our activities could help so many Ukrainian women.”
