Oncology in the Podkarpacie Region: the early years

Abstract

The first document referring to the organisation of oncological care in the region of Rzeszów province comes from 1952. The first oncological unit in the Rzeszów region — Provincial Oncological Dispensary started its activities on December 1952. In March 1961, dr Józef Małek became the Head of the Dispansery. He also directed the organisation of the first roentgenotherapy laboratory, who was ready for work on May, 1962. The Provincial Oncological Centre in Rzeszów was estabilished on 19-th December 1963. The Centre had several sections: general radiotherapy, gynecological radiotherapy, surgery, roentgenotherapy lab, physics lab, radium rooms, docementation section and methodical and organisation section. In 1971, the Centre acquired 550 mg of radium for the curietherapy laboratory. In 1975 and 1976, the named was changed into Provincial Oncological Hospital in Rzeszów. Under above-mentioned name the oncological medical center in Rzeszów was working until 1990.