In the waiting area of the hospital, two elderly people talked. One said: "I just finished my annual physical examination, everything is normal, and I feel very relieved. Another responded: "yes, so do I." But I heard that Brother Zhang, he had no problem with his annual physical examination, but he was suddenly diagnosed with cancer. ”
This is not uncommon. Many people rely on routine check-ups and ignore the importance of cancer screening. A general physical exam does provide a snapshot of health, but it doesn't always reveal early signs of cancer. So, how can cancer prevention be more effective? Are there other ways to detect potential health risks early?
Cancer, a topic that is widely discussed in the medical community, is actually very relevant to everyone's life. It is not a sudden disaster, but the result of long-term Xi and environmental factors. Cancer is a disease in which cells lose normal control and grow indefinitely. It can occur anywhere in the body and can even be transferred from one part to another.
For middle-aged and elderly people, the risk of cancer cannot be ignored. As we age, the body's ability to repair itself decreases, and the chance of cell mutations increases accordingly, which is why cancer is more common in middle-aged and elderly people.
When it comes to cancer, the first thing that comes to mind is probably common types such as lung, breast or colorectal cancer. The reason why these cancers are frequently mentioned is because of their relatively high incidence. For example,Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, killing millions of people each year. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women.
The early symptoms of cancer often go unnoticed. For example,A prolonged cough can be mistaken for a common cold or chronic bronchitis, while an upset stomach may be thought to be indigestion. But these can be early signs of cancer. By the time the symptoms become apparent, the cancer has often progressed to an advanced stage, and the difficulty increases dramatically.
The best methods of cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, etc., but these methods are often accompanied by strong *** Therefore, prevention is far more important than **. A good lifestyle Xi, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising moderately, and getting enough sleep, can significantly reduce the risk of cancer.
General physical examinations and specialized cancer screenings play very different roles in cancer prevention. Imagine that an ordinary physical examination is like a gatekeeper, guarding the door to health, but it cannot delve into every corner of the hidden dangers. Specialized cancer screening, on the other hand, is like a detective that focuses on tracking and identifying the early signs of a particular type of cancer.
General medical check-ups usually include blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, etc., which help to detect some common health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. However, for cancer, especially those in the early stages, the detection rate of ordinary physical examination is not high. For example, lung cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages and can be difficult to detect with ordinary x-rays.
In contrast, specialized cancer screening provides an in-depth examination for specific types of cancer. In the case of lung cancer, for example, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can detect early-stage lung cancer more accurately. Research by the American Cancer Society has shown that LDCT can reduce lung cancer mortality by 20% compared to traditional X-rays.
Breast cancer screening is also a prime example. Mammography is a commonly used breast cancer screening method that can detect lumps that are much smaller than a lump examination. The data showsRegular breast cancer screening can significantly reduce the risk of death from breast cancer.
Another notable cancer is colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening includes fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, etc. Colonoscopy not only detects cancer, but also prevents cancer by removing polyps before they become cancerous.
Understanding the difference between a general check-up and a specialized cancer screening means being able to take a better grip on your health. Especially for people with a family history of specific cancers or other risk factors, choosing the right screening method is especially important.
Cancer, the word sounds scary, but in fact, through some simple Xi in daily life, the risk of disease can be greatly reduced.
First of all, changes in dietary Xi have a significant preventive effect. Eat a balanced diet with more fruits and vegetables and less red meat and processed foods. Studies have shown that fiber-rich foods can reduce the risk of colon cancer, and that adequate daily intake of fruits and vegetables can help prevent many types of cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, have been found to contain ingredients that fight cancer cells.
Secondly, a moderate amount of physical activity cannot be ignored. At least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling, can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. Not only can exercise help maintain a healthy weight, but it can also improve immune system function and reduce the risk of cancer.
Getting enough sleep and managing stress is also key. Long-term sleep deprivation and a state of high stress can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect the body's immune function, which can increase the risk of cancer. 7 to 8 hours of high-quality sleep per night, along with proper stress management, such as meditation or yoga, is important to prevent cancer.
Finally, avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake. Tobacco is a major risk factor for many types of cancer, while excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, and liver. Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation is an important step in preventing cancer.