As the Spring Festival approaches, how can lung cancer patients strike a balance between treatment and rest, so as to welcome the new year in peace and comfort?
Addressing issues of treatment interruptions, dietary restrictions, and managing side effects that are of common concern to patients and their families, Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert from Hainan Cancer Hospital, is invited to provide scientific guidance to help patients enjoy a peaceful Spring Festival.
Q: Can the treatment be "halted" during the Spring Festival?
"I fully understand patients' desire to enjoy a peaceful Chinese New Year, but various treatments for lung cancer are a race against time against cancer cells," Professor Yang Nong emphasized. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, etc., all require following standardized treatment courses. Unauthorized interruption of treatment may lead to disease progression, making the Chinese New Year uncomfortable instead.
He emphasized that adhering to timely treatment and maintaining stable disease control are the most reliable health guarantees for lung cancer patients during the Chinese New Year period. It is crucial not to sacrifice standardized diagnosis and treatment for convenience.
Q: What dietary restrictions should lung cancer patients follow?
Regarding the common dietary confusion among patients, Professor Yang Nong clearly stated that cancer patients do not need to overly restrict their diet. The key lies in scientific combination and balanced nutrition, which can be specifically followed by four principles:
Firstly, it is important to ensure the intake of high-quality protein. Ingredients such as fish, meat, eggs, and milk can provide the body with energy to counteract the side effects of treatment, and there is no need to deliberately avoid them;
Secondly, it is important to supplement with adequate vitamins and dietary fiber, and to eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. However, patients undergoing targeted therapy should strictly avoid consuming grapefruit, as it may affect drug metabolism and exacerbate toxic side effects;
Third, we should reject "anti-cancer remedies" and "miracle cure diets". Such foods not only fail to work, but may also waste money and delay nutritional supplementation;
Fourth, adapt to the digestive characteristics during the treatment period. If symptoms such as anorexia and nausea occur, adopt the approach of eating small meals frequently and maintaining a light diet, while moderately satisfying personal dietary preferences.
"Fresh, balanced, and easily digestible are the core of the diet for lung cancer patients," Professor Yang Nong concluded. There is no need to overly restrict what they eat, nor should they blindly take tonics.
Q: How to deal with unbearable toxic side effects during treatment?
Professor Yang Nong pointed out that if the toxic side effects caused by treatment have exceeded one's tolerance, timely intervention and treatment are necessary, rather than just enduring them. For common adverse reactions such as anorexia and fatigue, there is currently no specific medication that can quickly alleviate them. Instead, gradual conditioning and adaptation are required.
If it is clear that a certain type of medication can cause intolerable adverse events, the dosage may be adjusted during the next treatment. However, the specific reduction in dosage should be comprehensively evaluated by a specialist in combination with the patient's condition and treatment effect, to precisely balance efficacy and safety. Patients should not decide on dosage adjustments on their own.
Expert Introduction
Yang Nong, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Long-term employed experts of Hainan Cancer Hospital and Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, leader of the oncology department, and head of the "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Clinic" / "Yang Nong Famous Doctor Expert Team Clinic". He is also a chief expert of the National Major Scientific and Technological Special Project, a member of the Lung Cancer Special Committee of the National Tumor Quality Control Center, the director of the Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer, and the director of the Hunan Provincial Respiratory Tumor Clinical Medical Research Center. He has been dedicated to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as to clinical, scientific research, and teaching work in complex, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases for nearly 30 years.
He has been honored with the title of "National Famous Doctor - Excellent Style" in the 6th edition, and has been recommended by patients nationwide as "Annual Good Doctor" for 8 consecutive years, as well as being awarded the title of "First Brain Doctor - Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines, boasts over 500,000 followers across the internet, and has achieved over 120 million views in cancer prevention and treatment popular science videos.
Medical expertise
Specialties: Precision treatment of lung cancer, breakthroughs in difficult, recurrent, resistant, and brain metastatic cases; individualized precision treatment of brain metastatic tumors from lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of pan-solid tumors; clinical trials of the latest immunotherapy/targeted therapy drugs.
With nearly 30 years of experience in precision immunotherapy for lung cancer, he has led nearly 400 Phase I-III clinical trials of new anticancer drugs (including Class 1 national new drugs), and is particularly skilled in treating complex cases such as refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant conditions, as well as brain metastases.
He is also proficient in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of multiple cancer types, individualized treatment, and interdisciplinary collaboration, covering a wide range of solid tumors (such as stomach, intestine, brain, etc.).
[Visit information]
1. Clinic Hours and Location
February 8th, 14:00-17:00
The Sixth Consultation Area of Hainan Cancer Hospital
2. [Appointment registration]
Follow the official account of Hainan Cancer Hospital for "appointment registration"
3. Health consultation
13876807106
[Friendly Reminder]
To facilitate the expert's understanding of the condition as soon as possible, please bring:
1. ID card, medical insurance card, mobile phone
2. Accompany immediate family members (with decision-making authority)
3. Arrange the relevant examinations you have undergone in chronological order
4. Paper medical records of previous visits
5. Surgical case biopsy: wax block or 20-30 white slides
6. Pathological diagnosis report
7. Inpatient medical records and notes
8. Recent relevant examinations
9. The patient's current treatment plan
10. Several urgent questions I want to inquire about