Prevent lung cancer and build a "firewall" for health

□ Yi Xiaofeng, Wang Yanbo, Science Times reporter Li Liyun

Lao Yi, who is over 60 years old, found a tiny nodule in the upper lobe of his left lung during a routine physical examination 4 years ago, but he didn't pay much attention to it at the time. In May this year, an enhanced CT scan found that the tiny nodule had grown to the size of a peanut, and a pathological biopsy confirmed it to be "invasive adenocarcinoma in situ". The doctor recommended immediate surgery. Before the operation, Lao Yi actively practiced balloon blowing and abdominal breathing according to the doctor's advice. After his lung function was further enhanced, he underwent "single-port thoracoscopic lung cancer radical resection". Three days after the operation, Lao Yi was discharged smoothly.

As Lao Yi's chief surgeon, Professor Xu Shidong, member of the Standing Committee of the Lung Cancer Committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association and director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Harbin Medical University, reminded that the early symptoms of lung cancer are usually not obvious and very hidden. In order to achieve early detection, early diagnosis, and early intervention, regular physical examinations are required, especially for high-risk groups such as smokers or family history. They should also consider regular tumor marker monitoring and enhanced CT screening to detect "clues" of lung cancer as early as possible; the general population should also improve their self-prevention awareness and scientific cognition level, understand and master the risk factors, clinical symptoms, early screening methods and preventive measures of lung cancer, and build a "firewall" for their own health.

People who smoke and have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at high risk of lung cancer

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that originates from the epithelium of the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveolar mucosa. From the perspective of tissue typing, the most common types of lung cancer include non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The former usually accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma; the latter is relatively rare, but usually has a faster growth rate and higher invasiveness, which means it is the most malignant. Xu Shidong said: "Small cell lung cancer is highly invasive, and cancer cells reproduce quickly. It can metastasize to important organs such as the brain, liver, lungs, and bones through blood channels at an early stage. Moreover, although small cell lung cancer is more sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, it is particularly prone to drug resistance. It is very easy for cancer cells to 'revive' in a short period of time after treatment, causing more widespread spread."

He introduced that the high-risk factors and high-risk groups for lung cancer mainly include the following categories. The first is smoking. Dozens of carcinogens in tobacco, such as tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine, and benzopyrene, can cause serious damage to the respiratory tract and increase the probability of lung cancer. The second is that although you do not smoke, you are exposed to tobacco smoke for a long time. The third is that due to the special nature of your work, you are exposed to asbestos, radiation, chemicals and other carcinogens in your occupational environment for a long time. The fourth is that if there is a lung cancer patient in your family, their family members, especially first-degree relatives such as parents, brothers and sisters, may also get sick. The fifth is that people with chronic lung diseases such as COPD and pulmonary fibrosis are prone to become susceptible to lung cancer. In addition, factors such as air pollution, ion radiation, and gene mutations, as well as people over 60 years old, are all high-risk groups for lung cancer.

If you have persistent coughing or coughing up blood, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Xu Shidong reminded that if you experience respiratory symptoms such as persistent cough, sputum, hemoptysis, difficulty breathing, hoarseness, or significant weight loss, as well as unexplained persistent chest pain, you should go to the respiratory or thoracic surgery department as soon as possible.

Xu Shidong said that even if you are unfortunately diagnosed with lung cancer, you must not be discouraged, let it go, and let negative psychology and fear prevail. Xu Shidong introduced that at this stage, there are many means to fight lung cancer, mainly including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy, etc. In terms of surgical procedures alone, there are thoracotomy, thoracoscopic surgery, robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, etc. Each surgical method has its advantages and characteristics. As for whether to choose local resection or pneumonectomy or reconstruction during the operation, it depends on the specific situation of the patient, including the location, size and type of the tumor, and the patient's overall health condition. "With the blessing of advanced medical technology, coupled with the patient's optimistic attitude, and the care and care of relatives and friends, the success of the operation has a triple guarantee."

Prevent lung cancer and stay away from high-risk factors

"To prevent lung cancer, it is more important to take good precautions and stay away from the high-risk factors that cause lung cancer," said Xu Shidong. He also gave the following suggestions:

First, we should actively quit smoking and avoid passive smoking. Smokers can seek professional support for quitting smoking, or use nicotine replacement therapy or smoking cessation aids under the guidance of medical staff to gradually get rid of smoking addiction.

Second, drink moderately. Excessive drinking is positively correlated with the risk of lung cancer. If you drink, you need to limit your alcohol intake.

The third is a healthy diet. A balanced and healthy diet should be rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein, which can help improve immunity, while avoiding high-fat, high-sugar and processed foods.

Fourth, control your weight. Obesity is closely related to some cancers, such as lung cancer, stomach cancer, and intestinal cancer. Maintaining an ideal weight is the best asset to fight cancer.

Fifth, reduce overexposure. Long-term exposure to toxic, harmful, and high-risk environments requires appropriate safety protection measures.

Sixth, maintain a good sleep. Staying up late and irregular sleeping habits can damage the immune system and lay the groundwork for the development of cancer.

Seventh, learn to deal with stress. If you are in a tense, anxious, and high-pressure environment for a long time, your chances of getting cancer will naturally increase. You may reduce stress by listening to music, exercising, meditating, practicing yoga, and taking deep breaths.