Breast cancer is still the most common malignant tumor in women. It accounts for 25% of all cases diagnosed in Polish women. Women aged 50-69 are most at risk. Meanwhile, the most common cancer among men is prostate cancer. That is why prevention is so important, as it allows for faster disease detection and, consequently, greater chances of cure. The team at the Healthcare Facilities in Czarnków, in cooperation with the Czarnków-Trzcianka District, the Economic Forum of the Employers’ Association of Northern Greater Poland “Lewiatan”, and the State Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Czarnków, organized an event on March 8th for preventive examinations and consultations under the motto “Check yourself – you only have one life!”. Although the event fell on International Women’s Day, it was not organized only for women. Men were also able to benefit from free tests and consultations. Women had the opportunity to undergo, among other things, breast ultrasound, mammography (for women over 45 years old), and assessment of the CA 15-3 marker, which enables early detection of breast cancer. In addition, there was the opportunity to receive training on breast self-examination, as well as to learn about general health education. I believe that many women should take advantage of the opportunity to get checked. Prevention is crucial for living a healthy and long life. Actions like this one today are very important. They should definitely be held more frequently – as pointed out by one of the participants, Mrs. Dorota Jankowska. Men had tests available to assess the PSA level, which enables early detection of prostate cancer, as well as basic prevention principles related to prostate cancer. We must take care of ourselves, especially remember about prevention. Let’s not wait until it’s too late to undergo testing. In organizing this event, we wanted to showcase the latest equipment, demonstrate how it works, and above all, draw attention to the importance of prevention. The interest exceeded our boldest expectations. Within 10-15 minutes, slots for breast ultrasound were already filled. That is why we will definitely organize such events more often. The next one is scheduled for April 13, followed by another one on White Saturday. We are responding to the needs of patients and we want them to be able to fully benefit from the potential we have now – says Bożena Sadowska, director of the County Hospital named after Dr. Ryszard Surma in Czarnków. It should be remembered that prevention is very important, as early disease detection practically guarantees a hundred percent chance of recovery. It is also worth mentioning that women aged 45-74 can undergo a mammogram at any time. No referral is required, just call, come in, and make an appointment. It is worth mentioning here that the authorities of the Czarnków-Trzcianka District constantly strive to ensure that both county hospitals serve the residents as best as possible. That is why they spare no expenses for modernization and investments related to health care. Already in 2019, the Czarnków hospital acquired a new type S ambulance along with the required equipment. As part of the task implementation, additional equipment, such as a chest compensation device and videolaryngoscope, was also purchased for the ambulance. In 2023, a new ambulance also set out to the Czarnków-Trzcianka District. Both hospitals can also boast modern tomographs, which undoubtedly have increased the quality of services provided in terms of imaging diagnostics. A modern computer tomograph allows for faster, safer, and top-notch imaging and patient diagnosis, which is particularly important for ensuring the proper functioning of hospitals and providing medical assistance in a professional manner. This is another important step in raising the standards of medical service provision. Numerous renovations undertaken during the current term of office should also be noted. Above all, the obstetrics-gynecology, neonatal, and intensive care units at the John Paul II Hospital in Trzcianka have been renovated. An important event was the opening of the Care and Treatment Facility in Czarnków. The CTF is a ward that cares for patients who do not require hospitalization but are also not self-sufficient due to their health condition. The department provides round-the-clock medical care. Patients can count on the help of a team of specialists, doctors, nurses, psychologists, and occupational therapists. This investment turned out to be very necessary, as all beds are already occupied. Their number will be increased in the near future, allowing more patients to benefit from the assistance offered by the CTF. In recent years, both hospitals have also acquired a lot of modern equipment that will undoubtedly serve the residents of the district for a long time. Klaudia Wieczorek Czarnków District Office