Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the storyline is purely fictional, intended to popularize health knowledge, if you feel unwell, please seek medical attention offline.
Zhang Lei took a deep breath of cigarette, slowly exhaled a smoke ring, and watched it slowly spread out in the air. His gaze passed through the smoke and fell on the medical report he had just received on his desk. The bright red words "abnormal lungs" on the report struck him the heart like a hammer.
At that moment, his phone suddenly vibrate. It was a WeChat message from his Xiaowang Qiang: Lao Zhang, have you seen the latest research? It is said that there is no direct link between smoking and cancer! It seems that all these years of our worries are unnecessary!
Zhang Lei was stunned. He stared at the screen of his mobile phone, then looked at the physical examination report on the table, and fell into deep confusion for a while. Could it be that doctors have been lying to us for so many years? Is smoking really harmless? What about my own lung abnormalities?
With a lot of doubts, Zhang Lei decided to ask his college classmate, Dr. Li, a respiratory specialist who now works at the central hospital, to find out.
The next day, Zhang Lei came to Dr. Li's office. When Dr. Li saw the arrival of his old classmates, he greeted him warmly: "Lao Zhang, long time no see!" Why do you have time to come to me today?"
Zhang Lei poured out his confusion and worries. After hearing this, Dr. Li couldn't help frowning: this statement is indeed very misleading. Let's talk about it.
Dr. Lee pulled out a stack of information and began to explain in detail: "First of all, let's be clear that although there may not be a 100% causal relationship between smoking and cancer, there is a strong correlation between them. According to the World Health Organization, about 8.7 million people die each year from smoking-related diseases worldwide, including more than 2 million deaths from lung cancer. "
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When Zhang Lei heard this, he couldn't help but gasp: "So serious?"
Dr. Lee nodded and continued, "Yes. In fact, smoking is considered one of the leading risk factors for lung cancer. According to the United States Cancer Society, about 80% of lung cancer deaths are related to smoking. "
Seeing Zhang Lei's thoughtful expression, Dr. Li decided to explain further: "You may ask, why is there no direct link between smoking and cancer? This is because the occurrence of cancer is a complex process that involves a combination of factors. Although smoking greatly increases the risk of cancer, it does not mean that all smokers will develop cancer, nor does it mean that if you do not smoke, you will never get cancer. "
To give Zhang Lei a better understanding, Dr. Li took out a chart that lists the main risk factors for several common cancers:
1. Lung cancer: smoking, air pollution, occupational exposures (e.g. asbestos)
2. Liver cancer: chronic hepatitis B or C infection, excessive alcohol consumption, cirrhosis
3. Colon cancer: high-fat and low-fiber diet, lack of exercise, genetic factors
4. Breast cancer: family history, hormone levels, obesity
"You see," Dr. Lee said, pointing to the chart, "although smoking is an important risk factor for lung cancer, it is not the only factor. This is why some people say that there is no 'direct' link between smoking and cancer. But this in no way means that smoking is safe. "
When Zhang Lei heard this, he couldn't help but be a little confused: "What are the 'four reasons why people really get cancer' that the doctor said?"
Dr. Li smiled and said, "This is actually a rather general statement. According to the latest research, the main factors that cause cancer can be broadly grouped into the following categories:
1. Genetic mutations: This can be congenital or due to environmental factors.
2. Chronic inflammation: A long-term inflammatory response can lead to damage to cellular DNA.
3. Immune System Disorder: The immune system is unable to remove abnormal cells properly.
4. Bad lifestyle habits: including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, etc.
These four factors are not independent, they often influence each other and work together. "
After listening to this, Zhang Lei said thoughtfully: "I see." Then my lungs are abnormal......"
Dr. Lee reassured, "Don't worry too much. An abnormality in the lungs is not necessarily cancer, but may be caused by other causes. However, given your long-term smoking habits, I recommend that you get further tests as soon as possible and also consider quitting. "
Zhang Lei nodded and asked, "In addition to quitting smoking, what other ways can reduce the risk of cancer?"
Dr. Li looked at Zhang Lei with relief and said, "I'm glad you asked." In fact, we can greatly reduce our risk of cancer by making lifestyle changes. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022) and the recommendations of the World Health Organization, we can:
1. Maintain a healthy diet: Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less processed meats.
2. Stay active: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.
3. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of several types of cancer.
4. Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than one standard drink per day.
5. Avoid excessive sun exposure: Use sunscreen and avoid going outside during periods when the sun is at its strongest.
6. Regular physical examination: early detection, early treatment. "
After listening to this, Zhang Lei couldn't help but sigh: "It turns out that the key to cancer prevention lies in a healthy lifestyle."
Dr. Li nodded, "That's right. In fact, the prevention of many chronic diseases is inseparable from a healthy lifestyle. For example, according to the Chinese Norms for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Diseases (2011 Edition), we should:
1. Eat a reasonable diet
2. Exercise moderately
3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol
4. Mental balance
5. Regular medical check-ups"
Just then, there was a knock on the door of the examination room. Nurse Xiao Zhang came in and said, "Dr. Li, Professor Wang is looking for you to discuss a case."
Dr. Li looked at Zhang Lei apologetically: "I'm sorry, old classmate, I have to deal with work." But before you go, let me stress one more thing: while there may not be a 100% causal relationship between smoking and cancer, it is true that smoking greatly increases the risk of cancer. Hopefully, you will seriously consider quitting smoking, and also pay attention to other aspects of healthy living. Feel free to come to me if you have any questions. "
Zhang Lei nodded gratefully and got up to say goodbye. Walking out of the hospital, he took a deep breath of fresh air, and for the first time felt that the air without the smell of smoke was so fresh. He turned on his phone and sent a message to Wang Qiang: "Lao Wang, that news is misleading. I just talked to a doctor friend about how smoking really hurts. Why don't we quit smoking together?"
After sending the message, Zhang Lei looked at the cigarette case in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and finally threw it into the trash. He knows that the road to quitting smoking will not be easy, but it will be worth it for the sake of health.
On the way home, Dr. Li's words echoed in Zhang Lei's mind. He realized that health is not just about being free from disease, but also about being an active state of life. Starting today, he decided to re-plan his life and embark on a journey towards a healthier and better life.
At this moment, the discarded cigarette box lies quietly in the trash can, as if silently telling: a healthy life begins with the rejection of tobacco.
(References:
1. World Health Organization. WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2019: Offer help to quit tobacco use. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019.
2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2021.
3. Chinese Nutrition Society. Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022). Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2022.
4. People's Republic of China Ministry of Health. Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Diseases in China (2011 Edition). Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 2011.)