International Lung Cancer Day | Tips for balancing lung cancer treatment with daily life

Gao Xiaofang, Lung Cancer Center, Beijing American-China Airy Cancer Hospital

Every November is “Global Lung Cancer Awareness Month”, and November 17 is “International Lung Cancer Day”.

The morbidity and mortality of lung cancer rank first among malignant tumors in China. According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization, there will be 820,000 new cases of lung cancer in China in 2020, accounting for 17.9% of the total number of new cancer cases. In 2020, the number of lung cancer deaths in China will reach 710,000, accounting for 23.8% of the total number of cancer deaths. Therefore, Lung cancer has become the most serious malignant tumor in my country, and the prevention and treatment of lung cancer has become the top priority of cancer prevention and treatment in my country.

Early lung cancer mostly has no obvious symptoms. high. Therefore, Regular physical examination screening for high-risk groups of lung cancer is of great significance for early detection of lung cancer.

Lung cancer high-risk group refers to those who are over 40 years old and have any of the following risk factors: (1) Smoking up to 1 pack a day, smoking age 20 years (or 20 cigarettes per day, 20 years of smoking experience); or once smoked 1 pack per day, 20 years of smoking experience (or 20 cigarettes per day, 20 years of smoking age), and less than 15 years of smoking cessation time; (2) Environmentally friendly or high-risk occupational exposure history (such as asbestos, beryllium, uranium, radon and other contacts); (3) combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, or a history of tuberculosis; (4) previously suffering from malignant tumors or lung cancer family historian.

For these high-risk groups of lung cancer, besides changing their living habits and living and working environment, the most effective way is Dose chest CT screening, in order to achieve early detection, early treatment, and ultimately reduce lung cancer-related mortality.

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Lung cancer patients in my country are a very large group, and standardized treatment is the “cornerstone” for long-term survival of lung cancer patients. Outpatient appointments, reexamination follow-up, drug treatment, etc. will occupy a lot of time and energy of lung cancer patients, and will cause varying degrees of interference to the daily life of lung cancer patients. Adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery will also have various impacts on the lives of patients. So, how should patients balance lung cancer treatment with daily life?

1. Actively face treatment

< span>Studies have shown that patients who take a more proactive stance in lung cancer care are generally more satisfied with their treatment and have a higher quality of life after treatment. Therefore, whether it is blood test results or treatment-related side effects, you must ask if you are unclear. If symptoms develop new or worsen, you must also communicate with your doctor in time. Lung cancer patients should pay attention to the signals sent by the body during treatment, relieve related adverse reactions through symptomatic treatment, and maintain a normal life as much as possible.

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Second, exercise properly

Patients with lung cancer can strengthen their Lung function, reducing overall fatigue. Short-term exercise can make patients feel improved physical condition, and can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. When patients feel tired, they often do not have more energy to do more strenuous exercise. At this time, they can adopt the method of walking slowly and resting to maintain a small amount of exercise, so as to develop a more regular exercise habit.

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3. Regulate emotions reasonably

Lung cancer treatment and various social Responsibilities can create daily stress for people with lung cancer and lead to mental and emotional distress. Some patients will blame themselves for smoking before, thinking that it induced lung cancer. Some patients treated for lung cancer experience increased levels of depression and anxiety.

Lung cancer will undoubtedly cause different degrees of psychological disorders, but if patients can find out the solutions and outlets that suit them, then they can For a healthier life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can use talking to help patients solve psychological problems and change bad thoughts and ideas. For some patients, journaling is also an outlet for emotional catharsis.

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In addition, lung cancer treatment may bring a certain financial burden to patients and families. A detailed understanding of critical illness medical insurance and other policies will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. It is possible to convert previously self-paid drugs to medical insurance coverage.

Lung cancer treatment is a long-term collaborative task. Timely communication with family members and relatives and friends will help patients better cope with various challenges. Get through different difficult times smoothly.