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"Why am I so unlucky!" Liu Wei shouted loudly in the corridor of the hospital, causing the entire corridor to look back at him.
Liu Wei, a 33-year-old courier, rides an electric scooter through the busy city on weekdays, delivering much-needed packages and some unexpected pleasures to people. This time, however, he received the heaviest package of his life – a diagnosis report of advanced penile cancer.
His wife, Li Jing, stood next to him, her face full of helplessness and worry. This habit, in fact, was discovered by Li Jing as early as soon after they got married, but he never persuaded Liu Wei to change - that is, his dependence on e-cigarettes. Whether it's between work or after eating, Liu Wei is always inseparable from that breath of steam.
The oncologist, Zhang Hua, is accustomed to seeing all kinds of cancer patients and the stories behind them, but every new case still makes him feel heavy. He is well aware that although penile cancer is relatively rare among cancers, its impact and the psychological pressure of patients are enormous.
"Penile cancer is mostly associated with HPV infection, but poor habits, such as smoking, are also important risk factors. While e-cigarettes are advertised as a safer option than traditional tobacco, in reality, the chemicals in e-cigarettes can likewise affect various parts of the body, including the reproductive system, through the bloodstream. ”
He described in detail the harmful ingredients in e-cigarette liquids, such as formaldehyde and propylene glycol, which, when inhaled, may cause cell mutations and increase the risk of cancer.
Next, Dr. Zhang Hua talked about preventive measures and lifestyle changes. He stressed the importance of quitting smoking and advised Liu Wei to take action as soon as possible. "Not only for the sake of the current treatment, but also for the sake of your future quality of life, it is very necessary to let go of these harmful habits. ”
After Liu Wei heard this, he felt both shocked and helpless, he knew that this time he had to make a change. After an in-depth conversation, he asked the question, "Dr. Zhang, would my health improve if I quit vaping now, and are there any other changes I should make?"
Dr. Zhang Hua patiently replied, "Mr. Liu, quitting smoking is definitely the right direction. Quitting smoking early can improve your overall health. In addition, I recommend that you improve your eating habits, eat more fruits and vegetables, and increase physical activity, all of which will help boost your immune system, fight cancer, and make your body stronger. ”
Liu Wei listened to these suggestions and made a decision in his heart. With the support of his doctors and the love of his family, Liu Wei began his journey of change, hoping to win this war without gunpowder against the disease.
Dr. Zhang Hua understands the difficulties of the quitting process and continues to provide more practical advice to Liu Wei. "In addition to quitting smoking, you should also have regular physical check-ups, especially for cancer-related markers, which can help us detect any abnormalities early and intervene as early as possible," he said. ”
He also referred to the impact of environmental factors on health. "Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other harmful gases in the air not only affect cardiorespiratory health, but are also associated with an increased risk of various cancers," Dr Zhang explains. ”
"Although it is difficult for you to personally change the air quality in the entire city, using an air purifier and choosing to go out and about at a time when the air quality is better are effective ways to reduce this effect. ”
At the end of the conversation, Liu Wei asked a question: "Dr. Zhang, I understand that e-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, so are there risks associated with other alternative tobacco products, such as nicotine patches or chewing gum?"
Dr. Zhang Hua replied, "Nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine patches or chewing gum are mainly used to help smokers quit smoking. They are safer than smoking because they do not involve the production of harmful tar and other chemicals. ”
"These products also contain nicotine, but it is not a carcinogen. It is a relatively safe option if used as an alternative to smoking and to gradually reduce nicotine dependence under the guidance of a doctor. ”
He goes on to explain that the key to using these alternative therapies is to do so under the guidance of a professional, ensuring that nicotine dependence can be gradually eliminated in the process, rather than continuing the addiction in another form. Through this approach, many patients have succeeded in reducing their dependence on nicotine and quitting smoking completely, gaining a valuable opportunity for their health.
Liu Wei thanked Dr. Zhang for his patient answers and decided to try nicotine replacement therapy as recommended by the doctor, taking a solid step on the road to quitting smoking. This conversation also strengthened his determination to change his lifestyle habits and pursue a healthy life.
What do you think about penile cancer?