In 1981, the WHO Advisory Committee clearly stated that 1/3 of cancers could be prevented, 1/3 of cancers could be cured if diagnosed early, and 1/3 of cancers could reduce pain and prolong life according to the knowledge and science and technology at that time.
We know that the occurrence of lung cancer is the result of the long-term interaction between the intrinsic factors of the body (including genetic susceptibility, immunity, endocrine condition, psychological state and emotion, etc.) and the exogenous exposure factors (including diet, nutritional status, work and living environment, lifestyle and the influence of certain diseases, etc.). Since the majority of cancers in humans (about 3/4) are probably related to factors such as smoking, diet, infection, occupation and environment, which can be avoided or changed, cancer can be prevented.
The “tertiary prevention” measures can reduce the incidence and mortality of lung cancer, which is a powerful weapon to beat lung cancer.
Primary prevention of lung cancer
Level I prevention – the first level of prevention or etiological prevention. Its goal is to prevent the occurrence of cancer. It takes preventive measures against specific cancer-causing and cancer-promoting factors such as chemical, physical and biological factors and pathogenic conditions inside and outside the body, and takes measures to strengthen environmental protection, appropriate diet and appropriate sports for a healthy body in order to promote physical and mental health.
1. Quit smoking
30% of lung cancer is related to smoking, and it is well known that smoking is a factor leading to lung cancer. Tobacco tar contains many carcinogenic and cancer-promoting substances. When tobacco smoke is inhaled, tar particles will be attached to the bronchial mucosa, which can induce carcinogenesis after long-term chronic stimulation. Therefore, the first step for lung cancer prevention is to quit smoking.
2. Diet structure
In 1997, the Chinese Nutrition Society published 8 dietary guidelines as follows
1. Variety of food, cereal-based. A variety of foods should include grains and potatoes, animal foods, beans and their products, vegetables and fruits, and pure calorie foods, etc.
2.Eat more vegetables, fruits and potatoes to maintain cardiovascular health, increase resistance to disease and prevent cancer.
3.Eat milk, beans and their products every day.
4.Eat appropriate amount of fish, poultry, eggs and lean meat regularly, and less fatty meat and meat and oil.
5.Eat a balanced diet and physical activity to maintain proper weight.
6.Eat light meals with less salt.
7, alcohol consumption should be moderate.
8, eat clean and hygienic, not spoiled food.
3.Other such as occupation, environment, infection, drugs, etc.
Occupational and environmental exposure to some chemicals can lead to tumors in different parts of the body. For example, lung cancer (asbestos), bladder (aniline dyes), leukemia (benzene). Therefore, it is crucial to enhance protection for people exposed to carcinogenic environments.
Secondary prevention of lung cancer
Level II prevention – the second level of prevention or preclinical prevention, i.e. “three early” prevention. According to the current medical level, more than 80%-90% of patients with early-stage lung cancer can be cured; however, fewer patients with advanced lung cancer can survive for more than 5 years after treatment. The treatment of early stage lung cancer patients not only improves the survival rate, but also improves the quality of patients’ survival. The mortality rate of lung cancer patients is subsequently reduced.
”Three early stages of lung cancer” means early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment. To achieve early detection of lung cancer, first of all, we should let the general public understand the knowledge of lung cancer, know the early signals of common lung cancer, and go to hospital for diagnosis and treatment when there is suspicion of cancer.
Early signs and common symptoms of lung cancer.
1.Irritating cough, those who do not improve after two weeks of anti-inflammatory treatment should be alerted.
2.Blood in sputum, such as blood, blood clots, large amount of hemoptysis is rare.
3, chest pain, irregular chest tightness, pressure, dull pain.
4.Shortness of breath.
5.Fever.
6.In the advanced stage, there may be wasting, hoarseness, weakness, difficulty in breathing, pain somewhere in the body.
Middle-aged and elderly people, especially smokers, must be alert to the above symptoms and ask doctors for examination as early as possible. The examination methods generally include finding cancer cells in sputum, radiography and bronchoscopy. Once lung cancer is diagnosed, it must be actively treated as early as possible to obtain the best treatment effect.
Tertiary prevention of lung cancer
Grade III prevention – tertiary prevention, clinical (stage) prevention or rehabilitative prevention. Its goal is to prevent the deterioration of the disease and prevent disability. Its task is to adopt multidisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, and correctly select reasonable or even the best treatment plan to extinguish cancer as early as possible, try to restore function, promote rehabilitation, prolong life, improve quality of life, and even return to society.
For patients who have already suffered from lung cancer, an active treatment attitude and reasonable treatment plan are crucial. After lung cancer patients are diagnosed, firstly, patients and family members should not be alarmed and should have a calm mental mood because cancer can be treated and possibly cured. Secondly, they should try to receive treatment actively. It is important to seize the time and not to delay. It is better to go to thoracic surgery specialists because they have rich experience in treating lung cancer, so as to spend less money and cure the disease as much as possible. The first treatment after getting lung cancer is the most important and affects the effect of treatment most. Generally speaking, early and middle stage lung cancer is firstly considered to be treated with surgery or radiation therapy, or chemical drugs, or Chinese medicine before or after surgery. For advanced lung cancer, physicians will formulate specific treatment plans according to the patient’s specific conditions, and work to improve the patient’s survival quality and prolong the patient’s survival period. Thirdly, they should cooperate with medical staff, follow their suggestions and requirements, overcome difficulties and persist in treatment. Have the confidence to overcome cancer and optimistic and stable emotions. After treatment, you should follow up regularly. Fourthly, we should quit smoking and alcohol, maintain good hygiene habits, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, do some physical exercise appropriately and keep a good mood.