"Doctor, I really didn't think about how it could become an advanced stage of lung cancer just because of that little cough?" Lao Wang clutched the diagnosis report in his hand, and his eyes flashed with tears of disbelief.
Wang has worked hard in a chemical factory for most of his life, and has smoked for 40 years. On weekdays, he always uses "work pressure, smoking and refreshing" as an excuse, although he occasionally feels throat discomfort and coughs a few times, but she ignores the past as a "small problem".
"Lao Wang, don't worry, many patients do have no obvious symptoms at the beginning. The doctor patted her hand lightly and said earnestly, "Especially if you have a long-term smoking history and work in a chemical plant, an earlier physical examination may be able to detect it in advance." ”
After Lao Wang retired, he thought that he could enjoy his old age with peace of mind, but he didn't expect a sudden cough to break the peace of life. It is even accompanied by slight chest tightness. He thought it was a cold, and after taking medicine for a few days, he decided to go to the hospital.
The clearly visible mass on the CT image is like a demon's mark, ruthlessly revealing the cruel reality of advanced lung cancer. Lao Wang was shocked, and his heart was full of remorse and self-blame: "If I had known that smoking and the working environment would bring so much harm, I would never have spoiled my body like this in the first place." ”
01.4 groups of people are prone to lung nodules that deteriorate into lung cancer
Long-term smokers and lung cancer: Long-term smokers and those who have smoked heavily are undoubtedly the "number one target" for lung cancer. A variety of carcinogens produced by tobacco combustion are like a sharp sword, piercing lung cells.
Studies have shown that smokers have a about 20 times higher risk of lung cancer than non-smokers. The risk increases significantly with the longer the number of years smoked and the greater the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The harmful substances in first-hand smoke act directly on the smoker's lungs.
Occupational exposure and environmental pollution: People who are exposed to occupational poisons or environmental pollution for a long time are like being in a "toxic fog". Toxic and harmful substances such as asbestos, uranium, arsenic, chromium, and aromatic hydrocarbons are like lurking ghosts, silently attacking the lungs.
Workers in mining, metallurgy, chemical and other industries work in a working environment full of dust and toxic gases all year round, and their lungs are like battlefields, constantly under the fierce attack of pathogenic agents.
People living in areas with severe air pollution, especially near industrial areas and busy traffic areas, inhale air containing PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants for a long time, and their lung health is also severely tested.
Old lung diseases: People who have suffered from lung diseases in the past have long had lung tissues that are already full of holes. These diseases damage the structure of the alveoli, making lung cells more susceptible to carcinogens and much less resistant.
People with a history of chronic lung disease have a multi-fold higher risk of developing lung cancer than normal people. Even if the condition is stable, factors such as scar tissue and inflammatory response left in the lungs may create suitable conditions for the occurrence of lung cancer.
Challenges of aging: The incidence of lung cancer in the elderly over 65 years old has increased significantly due to the decline of immune function, weakened repair ability, and the influence of harmful factors accumulated over the years.
In particular, older people with a history of smoking, occupational exposure, old lung conditions, or living in heavily polluted areas have their lungs become more fragile with age.
Older people are less sensitive to the early symptoms of lung cancer and often wait until the symptoms are obvious, when the tumor may have advanced to an advanced stage.
02. Early prevention and treatment strategies for lung cancer
Quit smoking: The harmful substances in tobacco can cause damage to the lungs in all directions and are long-lasting. Smokers should resolutely say goodbye to the "smoky" life and realize that every smoking is an overdraft of life.
Air purification: Occupational health standards should be strictly implemented in the workplace, equipped with complete protective facilities, and air quality should be monitored regularly to ensure that employees work in a safe environment.
Families should choose environmentally friendly decoration materials, avoid using products containing volatile organic compounds, install high-efficiency air purifiers, especially in the season of poor air quality, open windows for ventilation, and maintain indoor air circulation;
Nutritious diet: Eating a balanced diet with an increased intake of antioxidant-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help boost the body's immunity and fight cancer.
Regular physical examination: There are often no obvious symptoms of early lung cancer, and only by relying on regular physical examination can we capture the clues of the disease and achieve early intervention. Once a suspicious nodule is found, further testing should be performed as directed.
Exercise regimen: Moderate exercise can improve cardiopulmonary function, enhance immunity, reduce treatment side effects, and maintain an optimistic attitude. Find an exercise that works for you, as exercise can help improve blood circulation, improve the efficiency of oxygen exchange in your lungs, and reduce the risk of lung infections.
"In the face of lung cancer, the silent killer, we must not sit idly by, but take active action to cut off the breeding ground at the source.
Whether you are at high risk of lung cancer or not, you should cherish every opportunity for prevention and grasp every window for early detection. Because life is priceless, and health is no small matter.
Note: The content in the article is for reference only Some of the pictures are from the network and the infringement contact is deleted