Background: Pancreatic cancer is characterized by increasing incidence and high mortality in Poland and worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between selected risk factors and the age-standardized incidence rate of pancreatic cancer at the voivodeship level in Poland, and to evaluate the accuracy of a prediction model. Methods: Age-standardized incidence rate data for 16 Polish voivodeships in 2011-2023 were obtained from the Polish National Cancer Registry. The risk factor burden for 2011-2019, expressed as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population, was obtained from the System Analysis and Implementation Database of the Polish Ministry of Health. A generalized estimating equation model was constructed to predict the age-standardized incidence rate, with multicollinearity addressed using variance inflation factor analysis. Predictions for 2020-2023 were validated against observed data, and forecasts for 2024-2030 were subsequently calculated. Results: The number of new pancreatic cancer cases in Poland increased in eight out of 16 voivodeships. The highest burden was recorded in the Masovian, Subcarpathian, Świętokrzyskie and Greater Poland voivodeships. Air pollution was positively associated with pancreatic cancer incidence. Predictions for 2020-2023 showed satisfactory agreement with observed data, with the largest discrepancy being equal to 4.1 in terms of the age-standardized incidence rate. Based on the models, the incidence of pancreatic cancer was projected for all of 16 voivodeships through to 2030. Conclusions: Air pollution is associated with the regional burden of pancreatic cancer in Poland. The generalized estimating equation prediction approach demonstrated acceptable accuracy and can support monitoring and public health planning at the voivodeship level.

Background/Objectives: Melanoma is a major and growing public health concern in Poland, with a five-year survival around 60-70%. While UV radiation and genetic susceptibility are well-known risk factors, lifestyle and environmental exposures may also contribute. This study examined how selected risk factors relate to one-year melanoma prevalence across Poland's 16 voivodeships and assessed whether these factors can support short-term prediction. Methods: Annual melanoma prevalence for 2011-2021 was obtained from the Polish National Cancer Registry, and voivodeship-level estimates of metabolic risk factors, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking, high BMI, air pollution, water pollution and limited data on UV exposure were used to build a general estimating equations model. Model predictions for 2020-2021 were compared with observed data, and forecasts were generated through 2030. Results: Melanoma cases increased in every voivodeship between 2011 and 2021. Metabolic risk factors, high BMI, low physical activity and smoking were associated with higher melanoma prevalence. When other factors were considered, air pollution showed an inverse association, suggesting complex relationships that warrant further analysis. Forecasts indicated increasing prevalence in all of 16 voivodeships through 2030, although three regions showed large prediction errors for 2020-2021. A key limitation was the lack of sufficient UV exposure data. Conclusions: The findings support further evaluation of public health actions targeting the reduction of unhealthy lifestyle regarding diet, low physical activity, and smoking to help slow the projected rise in melanoma.

Alcohol addiction is characterized by extensive alcohol consumption that dominates other behaviours previously important to a patient. According to data from The State Agency for Prevention of Alcohol-Related Problems, up to 900,000 people in Poland are addicted to alcohol. On average, approximately 9.7 L of pure alcohol per capita was consumed in 2021. Alcohol addiction may cause severe health problems and is one the key risk factors for various diseases. Stress plays an important role in the process of alcohol addiction and is also a predictor for lower enjoyment in life. On the other hand, sense of coherence may be a stronger protective factor. The aim of our study was to verify the relation between the level of perceived stress among patients with alcohol addiction and satisfaction with life. Because sense of coherence is a disposition that allows for managing stress effectively, the latter should be reflected in the results of multivariate analyses that take both the level of stress and sense of coherence into account. In the present study, sense of coherence and perceived stress were negatively correlated; therefore, strengthening internal resources for managing difficult and stressful situations is recommended.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage of its development, which results in lower overall survival (OS). Prognosis is also poor even with curative-intent surgery. Approximately 80% of patients with localized PDAC have micrometastases at the time of diagnosis, which leads to a worse prognosis than in other cancers. The objective of this study is to present the progress in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer based on the recommendations of oncological scientific societies, such as ESMO, NCCN, ASCO, NICE and SEOM, over the last 5 years. Combined FOLFIRINOX therapy is mostly a recommended therapy among patients with good performance statuses, while gemcitabine is recommended for more fragile patients as a first-line treatment. The newest guidelines suggest that molecular profiling of the tumor should be the first step in determining the course of treatment. The use of modern molecular therapies in patients with specific gene mutations should extend the survival of patients with this disease.

Alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 diseases and injuries. It is also classified as a risk factor for several types of neoplasms as well as infectious diseases (i.e., HIV and tuberculosis). In 2019, among people aged 25 to 49, alcohol use was the leading risk factor for attributable burden of disease. There are many factors that affect alcohol drinking patterns such as social and economic status, social norms, cultural customs, availability of alcohol, etc. Stress also plays a significant role in the process of developing alcohol addiction. The aim of our study was to examine health patterns and stress levels among patients undergoing alcohol addiction treatment. The study sample consisted of 104 patients who were treated in a hospital ward due to alcohol dependence. Three standardized questionnaire tools were used to measure the sense of coherence and the level of stress among those patients. The main results suggest that the level of perceived stress correlated negatively with all dimensions of sense of coherence and all indicators of health behaviors, however, age was positively correlated with positive mental attitude, proper eating habits, and health behaviors. In conclusion, it is worth noting that developing patterns for positive health behaviors will make it possible to avoid alcohol dependence or reinforce the treatment results if alcohol dependence syndrome occurs.

Pancreatic cancer is the seventh most common cause of death in the group of oncological diseases. Due to the asymptomatic course, early diagnosis is difficult. Currently, early detection methods are only used in high-risk groups. A literature review based on the available results of observational studies on patients with pancreatic cancer and people from high-risk groups was used to summarize the knowledge on risk factors. The GLOBOCAN 2020 data were used to assess the epidemiological situation in Europe. A summary of screening recommendations was prepared based on the available documents from medical organizations and associations. Pancreatic cancer risk factors are divided into two main groups: non-modifiable factors, e.g., hereditary factors and age, which increase the risk of developing this disease, and modifiable factors-BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Hereditary factors account for 10% of pancreatic cancer cases. The highly specialized methods of early detection, (MRI, CT, or EUS) are used for screening high-risk populations. Of all the imaging methods, EUS is considered the most sensitive for pancreatic cancer and allows an accurate assessment of the size of even small lesions (<30 mm) and the extent of tumour infiltration into blood vessels. The available studies vary on the level of sensitivity and specificity of these methods for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. EUS, MRI, and CT are also expensive procedures and in some patients can be invasive, which is one of the arguments against the introduction of population screening programs based on imaging methods. Therefore, it is important to look for viable solutions that would improve early detection. This is important from the point of view of healthcare systems in Europe, where almost 29% of all global pancreatic cancer cases are reported.

(1) Background: Acceptance of illness is a process in which a person with an illness accepts its presence and treats it as an integral part of their life. With regard to alcoholism, acceptance of illness is one of the important elements of the healing process. (2) Methods: The study group consisted of 104 residents in an addiction treatment ward. Questionnaires SOC-29, AIS and PSS-10 were used to check levels of coherence, stress and acceptance of illness. The analysis was based on regression analysis. Patient age was analysed as a moderator of correlations between perceived indicators. Moderation analysis was based on the simple moderation model. (3) Results: The level of perceived stress correlated negatively with all areas of the sense of coherence and with acceptance of illness. All areas of the sense of coherence correlated with acceptance of illness positively. (4) Conclusions: The acceptance of illness by the patient is a factor that can be motivating for further treatment, through a positive approach to illness and strengthening the sense of control in experiencing it. The combination of strengthening behavioural, cognitive and motivational resources can be used in the treatment of people experiencing the challenges of addiction to alcohol.

(1) Background: Pancreatic cancer is the cancer with the third-highest mortality rate, and forecasts indicate its growing share in morbidity. The basis of treatment is inpatient chemotherapy and there is a strong focus on palliative care. (2) Methods: A literature review was conducted based on the rapid review methodology in PubMed and Cochrane databases. The search was supplemented with publications from the snowball search. Qualitative assessment of included publications was performed using AMSTAR2 modified scheme. (3) Results: The review included 17 publications, of which majority concerned direct costs related to the adopted treatment regimen. Most of the publications focused on comparing the cost-effectiveness of drug therapies and the costs of palliative treatment. Other publications concerned indirect costs generated by pancreatic cancer. They particularly focused on the economic burden of lost productivity due to sickness absence. (4) Conclusion: The increase in the incidence of pancreatic cancer translates into an increase in the costs of the health care system and indirect costs. Due to the significant share of hospitalization in the health care structure, direct costs are increasing. The inpatient treatment regimen and side effects translate into a loss of productivity for patients with pancreatic cancer. Among gastrointestinal cancers, pancreatic cancer generates the second largest indirect costs, although it has a much lower incidence rate than the dominant colorectal cancer. This indicates a significant problem of the economic burden of this cancer.

Sports serve people with disabilities as a form of rehabilitation. Sporting activity is a health-promoting behavior choice and a chance to achieve the best possible sports results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity of health behaviors in people practicing wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby and para-rowing. The study encompassed 176 athletes with disabilities, aged 19 to 49 (mean age 34.41 ± 8.56), from all over Poland. Men accounted for 83.5% of the respondents. They all had a significant degree of disability and used wheelchairs in their daily lives. The authors used Juczyński’s Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) and the authors’ own survey questionnaire. Nonparametric tests were used. A greater intensity of health behaviors in general (HBI—point score) and in four categories (correct eating habits—CEH, preventive behaviors—PB, positive mental attitude—PMA, health practices—HP) was observed in rugby and basketball players (compared with para-rowers). Disabled rowers achieved the poorest results. Polish Champions scored better results in preventive behaviors (PB) and weaker results in positive mental attitude (PMA)compared with those practicing amateur sport. Respondents who trained every day and had the longest weekly exercise time (>360 min) achieved the highest results in HBI in general and in all categories compared with those who trained once a week for less than 120 min a week. Respondents with higher education, those in a better financial situation, those who were employed and married, and those who were rural residents displayed a greater intensity of health-related behaviors. People in a more difficult financial situation, who had less education, who were cohabiting, and who lived on only a pension presented more preventive behaviors. There is a need for systemic health education aimed at people with disabilities who practice various sports disciplines.

This paper presents a comparative assessment of mortality in Poland and Ukraine, including due to alcohol consumption, by sex, place of residence, and age groups. Mortality from alcohol consumption is and remains one of the health problems of the state’s population. The aim of this study was to establish the difference in mortality, including due to alcohol consumption, in the two neighboring countries. The analysis was conducted in 2008 and 2018 according to statistical institutions in Poland and Ukraine. Data from the codes of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases of the 10th edition: F10, G31.2, G62.1, I42.6, K70, K86.0, and X45 were used to calculate mortality due to alcohol consumption. The share of mortality caused by alcohol consumption in Ukraine in 2008 was 3.52%, and 1.83% in 2018. At the same time, in Poland, there is an increase in this cause of death from 1.72% to 2.36%. Mortality caused by alcohol consumption is the main share of mortality in the section “Mental and behavioral disorders” in both Ukraine, at 73–74%, and Poland, at 82–92%. Changes in the mortality rate in the cities and villages of Ukraine and Poland showed different trends: Poland nated, a significant increase in mortality, while in Ukraine it has halved on average. Overall and alcohol mortality rates in both countries were higher among the male population. The analysis of mortality among people of working age showed that the highest proportion of deaths from alcohol consumption in both countries was among people aged 25–44. Despite the geographical proximity, and similarity of natural and climatic characteristics and population, mortality rates in each country reflect the difference in the medical and demographic situation, and the effectiveness of state social approaches to public health.

Introduction: The basic determinant of healthy behaviour—among other human behaviours—is the fact that it consistently affects health. Nowadays, health behaviour studies are considered to be an important method of measuring the health of a population. Objective: To assess the health behaviours and value-based health analysis of people aged 50+ who were hospitalized due to cardiovascular disease, depending on the selected descriptive variables. Materials and methods: The study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2018 among 411 subjects aged 50+ who were hospitalized due to cardiovascular disease at the Independent Public Health Care Unit in Sanok (Podkarpackie voivodship in Poland). The method used in the study was a diagnostic survey. The study used the authors’ survey questionnaire and two standardized tests: Inventory of Health-Related Behaviour (IHB) and List of Health Criteria (LHC). A statistical analysis was carried out in the R program, version 3.5.1. The obtained results were subjected to thorough statistical analysis using the following tests: Student’s t, Mann–Whitney U, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD), Pearson, and Spearman. Results: The strongest correlation between health status and health behaviours (according to the IHB questionnaire) was in the area of ‘health practices’, while the lowest correlation was found in the areas of ‘correct eating habits’ and ‘preventive behaviours’. Based on the LHC questionnaire, the most important health criteria according to the subjects were ‘not feeling any physical ailments’; ‘having all body parts functional’; ‘feeling well’; ‘eating properly’; and ‘infrequent need of going to the doctor’. A positive correlation was found in the group of respondents where the ‘preventive health behaviours’ were more intense; herein, the more important criterion for the respondents was ‘eating properly’. Conclusions: Respondents aged 50+ and hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases indicated (based on the IHB questionnaire) that health behaviours in the area of ‘health practices’ had the strongest correlation with their health, while the lowest correlation was found in the areas of ‘correct eating habits’ and ‘preventive behaviours’. According to the respondents, the most important criteria determining health (according to the LHC questionnaire) included ’not feeling any physical ailments’; ‘having all body parts functional’; ‘feeling well’; ‘eating properly’; and ‘infrequent need of going to the doctor’. Based on the information collected from the respondents, it was found that the most important criteria determining health depended on selected descriptive variables, such as age, gender, place of residence, education, and marital status.

The health of a society is conditioned by healthy lifestyle choices. A significant role in shaping health-related behaviour is played by university students, who should be leaders in the scope of health in the future. Our aim was to determine the intensity of physical activities and their relation with the intensity of health-related behaviours of university students of selected majors. Our research covered 372 students of physical education (292) and social sciences (108) from Poznań and Szczecin. We applied Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (MLTPAQ) and Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI). The relations between the level of physical activity (PA) and the health behaviour of the students were determined by intra-group correlations (r). The value of p<0.05 was adopted as statistically significant. Physical education (PE) and public health (PH) students showed higher levels of PA and health behaviour as compared to the students of social sciences (SS). The total activity metabolic index (AMI) indicated a lower level of PA among women, regardless of major. PA [4; 6) MET of tourism and recreation (T&R) students was highly and positively correlated with preventive behaviours (PB) (r=0.69). PA <4 MET of female T&R students and male PE students positively correlated with correct eating habits (CEH). We found negative correlations between PA ≥6 MET of female PE students and male PH students [4-6) and ≥6 MET and health practices (HP), as well as PA [4-6 MET) of male PE students and positive mental attitude (PMA). Positive and negative correlations between free-time physical activity and health-related behaviours indicate the need for regular physical and health education of students. Physical activity, correct eating habits and preventive behaviour of students will increase their chances of promoting a healthy lifestyle in society.

INTRODUCTION The biggest threat to life are cardiovascular diseases which are a serious problem in Poland, Europe, and worldwide. Therefore, it has become important to have proper health behaviours which significantly eliminate the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE The main aim of this study is to present factors that determine health behaviours of the 50+ population with cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out among 411 individuals aged over 50 with cardiovascular diseases. The method used was a diagnostic survey. The study involved an authors' survey questionnaire and the Inventory of Health-Related Behaviours (IHB). A detailed statistical analysis was carried out in the R programme, version 3.5.1. RESULTS The most common disease in the study group was coronary heart disease - 63.75%. The majority of respondents showed (via Inventory of Health-Related Behaviour [IHB]) that the level of their health behaviours was moderate - 41.12%; the highest level of health behaviours in the study group were related to health practices, while a slightly lower level was observed in the area of positive mental attitude. Statistical significance was also found between the level of intensity of health behaviours and age, gender, BMI, place of residence, education, professional activity and marital status of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS Anti-health behaviours were predominant among the respondents; significant demographic and social factors determining health behaviour were determined, such as age and gender; a high level of health behaviours was found in the group of women with higher education and correct body mass, living in cities and married.

INTRODUCTION:In the light of the increased ageing of the world population, social policy needs to be focused on actions aimed at improving the quality of life of older people.OBJECTIVE:The main objective of this study was to assess the quality of life in a population of seniors hospitalized due to cardiovascular disease.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study included 408 elderly patients hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases in the Poddębickie Centrum Zdrowia Hospital in Poddębice, Łódzkie voivodship, Poland. The study used two survey questionnaires: the author's survey questionnaire and the standardized SF36v2 Questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the obtained test results was carried out in the R program, version 3.5.1.RESULTS:Having analyzed the health status of the study group, it was found that the largest group of subjects (84.07%) were treated due to hypertension. Among the ailments that hindered daily functioning, the respondents indicated primarily poor eyesight (53.68%). Patients assessed their own health as 'mediocre' (average) (58.58%). The analysis of the study results from the SF36v2 Questionnaire showed that the highest quality of life was in the limited activity due to emotional problems (RE) dimension, social functioning (SF), and physical functioning (PF); the weakest scores were observed in vitality (VT), general health perception (GH), and health transition (HT) dimensions.CONCLUSIONS:The significant demographic, social and socio-medical factors that determined respondents' quality of life were: age, gender, marital status, education and health situation. The analysis of quality of life according to the SF36v2 Questionnaire showed that the study group functioned better in the mental dimension (MCS-mental component summary, overall mental health) than in the physical one (PCS-physical component summary, total physical health).

Introduction Changes that have taken place in recent years on the labour market, including, above all, the migration of young and educated people to other European countries in search of employment, the aging of society, as well as an increase in the average life expectancy, have contributed to the growing interest of employers in people over 50. Objective The authors of the publication analysed the situation of people over 50 on the labour market, together with the activities of enterprises in the field of protecting their health, based on reports from literature. Brief description of the state of knowledge Demographic projections show that persons aged over 50 are increasingly active and fully-fledged participants of the labour market. Reasons which incline people belonging to the generation 50+ to work are primarily to provide a source of income, meet psychosocial needs, achieve and maintain social and professional status. Numerous studies demonstrate that employees aged over 50 have extensive professional experience, opportunities to focus on work, and predispositions in terms of better understanding of the ageing customer population. It should be emphasized that employee health is an important capital of a company, which significantly affects the company's development potential, image and productivity. Many enterprises in Poland and worldwide implement health programmes aimed at improving and maintaining the health of their employees. Conclusions According to employers, politicians and specialists, people over 50 represent a significant potential on the labour market. That is why employers, social organizations and the government should undertake the widest possible and varied actions that would allow persons aged over 50 to continue their professional activity.

Introduction: Numerous studies conducted in Europe and worldwide have indicated that employees of hospitality venues are the most exposed professional group to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the workplace. The purpose of this study was to assess the exposure of employees of hospitality venues to ETS in the light of changes in anti-tobacco legislation in Poland. Materials and methods: The study consisted of two stages. The first stage was conducted in 2010, while the second in 2015. The study was conducted among employees of 300 randomly selected hospitality venues in the city of Łódź (Poland). In total, 2607 questionnaires were analysed. The study used two survey questionnaires created and recommended by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control to study exposure to ETS. Statistical analysis was made with Statistica 13.1 PL (StatSoft, Poland). Results: In the group of all nonsmoking employees, individuals exposed to ETS at work in 2010 accounted for 72.6%; while in 2015 it was 51.8%. Factors affecting exposure to ETS in the workplace included, among others: age, marital status, education, position held, presence of a smoking room on the premises, and noncompliance with the provisions of the anti-tobacco laws. Conclusions: The prevalence of tobacco smoking among employees of hospitality venues decreased in 2010–2015, however, it remained high. More than half of nonsmoking employees were exposed to ETS at work.

Introduction. Physical activity is one of the basic needs of people throughout their lives. Physical activity prevents many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, which have the highest mortality rate, both among urban and rural populations in Poland. The average life expectancy in Poland and the European Union is increasing. The proportion of children and adolescents under the age of 20 is decreasing slowly but steadily, while the proportion of older people (aged 65+) in the total population is gradually increasing. According to the forecast of the Central Statistical Office, the percentage of older people increased rapidly after 2010, and will reach 22.3% in 2030. The number of the elderly will increase from 5,134,000 in 2007 to 8,195,000 in 2030. The health situation of Poles is less favourable compared to other European Union states. The most common health risks are: nicotine, drug addiction, alcoholism and obesity. One of the causes of obesity is an unhealthy lifestyle. Lifestyle is a basic determinant of human health. Objective. The aim of this study is to present research results based on a literature review on the importance of physical activity for human health as an element of organizing and managing the lifestyle of urban and rural populations. Conclusions. Comprehensive measures should be taken to increase public health awareness and promote health education, especially among school-age children and youths, and to provide appropriate sports infrastructure in particularly neglected rural areas.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVEMany studies have indicated numerous nutrition mistakes among school-aged children and adolescents in both urban and rural environments. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional habits of the Polish population, consisting of 7,974 individuals aged 12-17, from rural and urban environments, as well as to identify environmental variations of these habits and to verify the existing information on the incorrect nutrition of school-age children and adolescents.MATERIAL AND METHODSThe research covered a group of 7,974 respondents - school-age adolescents with a similar age structure (12-17 years). The study on subjects from secondary school grades 1 - 3 was conducted in randomly selected schools from 2 random Polish provinces; 5 counties were randomly selected, followed by a choice of 2 communes: one rural and one urban. The research technique was a self-designed survey questionnaire. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Pearson Chi 2 and V Cramer test.RESULTSThe research revealed environment-based differences in subjects' nutrition. Breakfast was consumed daily by a statistically significantly fewer subjects from the rural environment (36.31%) than from the urban areas (51.32%); second breakfast was consumed by an insignificantly smaller proportion of respondents from the urban environment (40.00%) than from the rural one (46.00%); dinner was eaten daily by 86.00% of urban subjects and 82.00% of rural respondents; afternoon tea and supper were eaten rarely by respondents from both environments. The diet of respondents was dominated by anti-health behaviours.CONCLUSIONSMost of the respondents displayed incorrect nutritional behaviours. Nutritional mistakes occurred among respondents from both rural and urban environments, with the predominance of the rural areas.

Numerous studies indicate that a person's lifestyle has a positive impact on their health. However, in spite of the predominant anti-health lifestyle, the average length of life in the past few decades has increased. What is the relation between a lifestyle and life expectancy? Does the lifestyle affect human life span? Epidemiological and prospective-retrospective studies were used to evaluate a 20-year long population-based experiment, which involved in-depth studies, analyses and evaluations of three related families who resided in the same community, had the same education level, and the same period of socialization and tradition. To evaluate the collected research material, the authors used their own: Scale for evaluating nutrition habits; Criteria to assess health behaviours of subjects; Criteria for diet assessment. The studied families led a similar lifestyle, with prevalence of anti-health behaviours. Theoretically, subjects should live a similar number of years. However, the length of their lives varied. Members of families with higher number of anti-health factors lived, in fact, longer. The authors confirmed the hypothesis that the lifestyle of the examined families was an important contributor to their health, but certainly it was not the only factor to determine their life expectancy. The length of lives of the examined family members varied despite a similar lifestyle.

Background. Persistently high incidence of 'diseases of affluence' (including cancer) motivates numerous research teams to look for causes of morbidity, as well as to search for preventive methods and effective therapeutic measures. The paper aims to present the literature on effects of selenium (Se) on prevention of gastrointestinal and lung cancer. Material and methods. Based on national and international literature, the paper presents information on the role of selenium (Se) in prevention of cancer - with special consideration given to gastrointestinal and lung cancer. Results. The results of national and international research show the importance of selenium in prevention and treatment of cancerous diseases, including digestive tract cancer and lung cancer. Numerous studies have shown that the risk of cancer for people with low selenium levels is twice as high as for people with high levels of selenium in blood serum. The most prominent relationship between low selenium level in serum and cancer is observed in gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer in women, and prostate cancer. Conclusions. Many clinical and experimental studies carried out nationally and internationally gathered evidence which indicate the vital role played by selenium in prevention and treatment of diseases - especially of cancer. It should be emphasised that the intake of selenium in amounts necessary for proper functioning - given numerous deficiencies (first in the soil, then in food products coming from selenium-deficient soil) - is merely the first step, as it has already been proven in numerous publications that carbohydrates (especially simple sugars, sweets, cakes, etc.) 'destroy' selenium in the human body.