"Over 4,000 miles away, this trip was absolutely worth it!" Ms. Chen, who is 70 years old this year and has been fighting lung cancer tenaciously for nine years, spoke with deep emotion about her experience seeking medical treatment in Hainan
This patient, who had undergone multiple trials including surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy, encountered new changes in her condition during a follow-up examination in early 2026. In search of a better treatment plan, she traveled over 4,000 miles from Urumqi to Hainan, specifically to consult Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert at Hainan Cancer Hospital.
Nine years of fighting cancer, now facing a new crisis
In 2016, Ms. Chen underwent radical surgery and postoperative chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lung cancer, and her condition was initially controlled. In July 2018, CT scans revealed lung and pleural metastases, prompting her to switch to targeted drug therapy.
During the targeted therapy, Ms. Chen had to change medications or adjust the treatment plan multiple times due to severe gastrointestinal reactions. At the end of 2021, new lesions appeared in her lungs, prompting another adjustment to the treatment plan. In July 2022, she underwent lung radiotherapy, but she never gave up fighting.
At the beginning of 2026, Ms. Chen's pulmonary nodules had significantly increased compared to 2023, and she developed a concurrent pulmonary infection. Despite anti-infective treatment, her symptoms such as chest pain and cough did not improve.
Ms. Chen's daughter was distraught and inquired about famous doctors everywhere. After being recommended by a colleague, she learned that Professor Yang Nong had rich experience in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, and was decisive in formulating treatment plans, receiving a large number of positive reviews from patients. Subsequently, the family made up their minds: they would go to Hainan to seek Professor Yang Nong's help!
Professor Yang Nong making a house call (file photo)
The journey of four thousand miles was worth it
In March 2026, Ms. Chen and her family flew to Hainan specifically to visit the specially-appointed expert outpatient clinic at Hainan Cancer Hospital.
In the consultation room, Professor Yang Nong meticulously reviewed her medical records and imaging data spanning over nine years, carefully comparing each radiograph.
"Don't worry, the current progression is slow, not a sharp turn for the worse. We have ways to deal with it." After careful assessment, Professor Yang Nong reassured Ms. Chen in a calm yet firm tone, and then pointed to the film and explained patiently, "Although the lesion has enlarged, compared to previous films, it can be seen that the previous treatment has laid a good foundation. Now, we just need to adjust the combination of targeted drugs to control the tumor again."
Regarding the long-standing lung infection problem that has been bothering Ms. Chen, Professor Yang Nong provided clear and specific diagnostic and treatment recommendations: "I recommend that you undergo a bronchoalveolar lavage examination. Once the infectious agent is identified, targeted medication can be administered to effectively control the infection and pave the way for subsequent tumor treatment."
Seeing that Ms. Chen and her daughter were still unable to conceal their nervousness, Professor Yang Nong comforted them again gently: "You have been able to persist for nine years, which is already a remarkable thing in itself. Fighting cancer is like a long-distance race, and it is inevitable to encounter uphill roads. As long as the direction is right and the steps are steady, you will definitely be able to overcome it. During the treatment process, no matter if you feel any discomfort, feel free to communicate with the doctor at any time. We will adjust the plan together and overcome the difficulties together."
"We have seen many doctors during our nine-year fight against cancer. Professor Yang Nong is the most patient, decisive, and considerate expert I have ever met. He not only provided a treatment plan, but also gave us confidence and strength," Ms. Chen said with emotion after the consultation. "The journey of over 4,000 miles was totally worth it!"
Expert Introduction
Yang Nong, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Long-term employed experts from Hainan Cancer Hospital and Hainan Chengmei Hospital
He currently serves as Vice President of the Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, head of the oncology department, and director 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 Oncology Clinical Medical Research Center. He has been dedicated to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, complex recurrent and resistant clinical cases, scientific research, and teaching for nearly 30 years.
He was honored with the title of "National Famous Doctor - Excellent Demeanor" in the 6th edition, and has been recommended as "Annual Good Doctor" by patients for 8 consecutive years, as well as being awarded the title of "First Brain Doctor - Famous Doctor". He has authored national guidelines, has over 500,000 fans across the internet, and has achieved over 120 million views for cancer prevention science popularization.
Medical expertise
Specialties: Precision treatment of lung cancer, breakthrough in difficult-to-treat, recurrent, resistant, and brain-metastatic cases; individualized precision treatment for brain metastases of lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for 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 national Class 1 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
May 10th, 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
18976324546
[Friendly Reminder]
To help the expert understand your condition quickly, please bring the following:
1. ID card, medical insurance card, and mobile phone
2. Accompanying direct relatives (with decision-making authority)
3. Relevant previous examination results, organized chronologically
4. Paper medical records from previous consultations
5. Surgical case slides, wax blocks, or 20-30 glass slides
6. Pathological diagnosis report
7. Hospitalization medical records
8. Recent relevant examination results
9. The patients current treatment plan
10. The most urgent questions to consult