Many cases of tumor recurrence in clinical practice are not due to ineffective treatment, but rather to inadequate management during the recovery period: poor lifestyle habits, prolonged negative emotions, and unauthorized discontinuation of follow-up examinations. These daily details can all provide opportunities for cancer cells to take advantage of.
In this issue, Professor Yang Nong, a specially-appointed expert from Hainan Cancer Hospital / Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University, answers questions for patients based on the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
What are the common characteristics of cancer patients with recurrence?
Professor Yang Nong: Many patients tend to relax their self-management after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. The majority of clinical recurrences are not due to insufficient initial treatment, but rather to "hidden dangers" introduced by subsequent lifestyle habits.
One issue is that many patients, after completing treatment, resume staying up late, consuming high-fat diets, and engaging in smoking and drinking. Treatment can only temporarily suppress cancer cells, and the body's immune system has not yet been repaired. Unhealthy habits can increase the risk of tumor recurrence.
Secondly, long-term anxiety and internal friction lead to poor mood. Fighting cancer requires both physical recuperation and mental management. If one remains in a state of panic and excessive worry during the recovery period, persistent negative emotions can suppress immune function, weaken the body's ability to eliminate abnormal cells, and increase the risk of recurrence.
Thirdly, neglecting regular follow-up examinations and discontinuing medication without authorization. Some patients, feeling better physically, may discontinue follow-up examinations due to the inconvenience and concerns about costs, and even stop taking medication without authorization. Tumor recurrence is a gradual process. Standardized follow-up examinations can detect small lesions early, intervene in advance, and prevent minor hidden dangers from developing into severe conditions.
Fourthly, there is a lack of proper activity, with blindly taking tonics or excessive dieting. Some patients sit for long periods or stay in bed after surgery, leading to a continuous decline in physical fitness; others take large amounts of tonics and consume high-fat diets, which exacerbate the metabolic burden. Both excessive rest and improper tonification can disrupt the body's balance, which is not conducive to recovery.
In summary, tumor recovery is not a one-time solution. Abandoning bad habits, regulating emotions, adhering to standardized follow-up examinations, and practicing scientific self-care are key to reducing the risk of recurrence.
Professor Yang Nong makes a house call (file photo)
02 Who are the high-risk groups for lung cancer?
Professor Yang Nong: Many people have a cognitive misconception, believing that only long-term smokers are prone to lung cancer. In fact, the high-risk group for lung cancer is broader, and various lifestyle habits and environmental factors can damage the lungs.
First, people who smoke for a long time, as well as those who are exposed to second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke for a long time. Tobacco harmful substances continuously damage lung cells, and toxins in second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke adhere to the surface of objects, which can also cause chronic lung damage if inhaled continuously.
Secondly, people who are exposed to kitchen fumes and dust for a long time. The fumes produced by Chinese-style stir-frying contain a large amount of harmful particulate matter, which is an important cause of lung cancer in non-smoking women. Long-term exposure to dusty environments without adequate protection can lead to dust deposition in the lungs, which can also induce lung lesions.
Third, individuals with a family history of lung cancer. Lung cancer is not directly inherited, but there is a tendency for familial aggregation. Those with a direct family member who has a history of lung cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease than the general population, and screening should be emphasized.
Fourth, individuals who stay up late for extended periods, have low immunity, and are comorbid with chronic lung diseases. Prolonged fatigue, staying up late, and emotional stress can weaken immunity and diminish the lung's repair capabilities; repeated inflammatory stimuli from chronic pneumonia and bronchitis can increase the likelihood of lung cell abnormalities.
Most early-stage lung cancers exhibit no obvious symptoms, and the core method for early detection is screening. It is recommended that the aforementioned high-risk groups undergo a low-dose chest CT scan annually.
Expert Introduction
Yang Nong, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
Long-term employed experts from Hainan Cancer Hospital/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Hainan Medical University 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 Tumor Clinical Medicine Research Center. He has been dedicated to precision targeted therapy for lung cancer and gastrointestinal tumors, as well as to challenging, recurrent, and drug-resistant clinical cases, scientific research, and teaching 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 as "Annual Good Doctor" by patients across the country 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 science popularization.
Medical expertise
Specialties: Precision treatment of lung cancer, breakthrough in refractory, recurrent, and drug-resistant cases with brain metastasis; individualized and precise treatment of brain metastases from lung cancer; early diagnosis of pulmonary nodules and lung cancer; personalized and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of 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, and interdisciplinary, covering a wide range of solid tumors (such as stomach, intestine, brain, etc.).
[Visit Information]
1. Clinic Hours and Location
September 19th, 14:00-17:00
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