Why do more people with lung cancer get worse in winter? How can lung cancer patients spend the winter safely? Pay attention to these 6 details

Winter is the most difficult season for lung cancer patients, especially when cold air suddenly arrives and the temperature fluctuates like a roller coaster, and old diseases are prone to recurrence or aggravation. The incidence of lung cancer in patients with chronic lung diseases is also significantly higher than that of other people.

The earlier lung cancer is detected and treated, the higher the survival rate.

Lung cancer is medically divided into four stages. Data show that after standardized treatment, the possibility of cure for patients with carcinoma in situ is nearly 100%; the 10-year survival rate for patients with stage I lung cancer is 88%; and the 5-year survival rate for patients with stage III/IV lung cancer is only about 15%.

1. Who are the high-risk groups for lung cancer?

People at high risk include:
Aged ≥ 40 years and with any of the following risk factors:
1. Smoking ≥20 packs/year (or 400 cigarettes/year), or former smokers ≥20 packs/year (or 400 cigarettes/year), and quit smoking <15 years ago;

2. Those with a history of environmental or high-risk occupational exposure (such as those exposed to asbestos, beryllium, uranium, radon, etc.);

3. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, or a history of pulmonary tuberculosis;

4. Those who have a history of malignant tumors or a family history of lung cancer.

2. If you still get lung cancer despite annual physical examinations, it’s because your physical examination method is not correct.

In recent years, a small number of units have chosen chest CT scans during physical examinations, but the vast majority of units have used chest X-rays or even chest X-rays. Chest X-rays and chest X-rays are both two-dimensional images with low resolution and a high rate of missed diagnosis. There is a greater probability of missing nodules within two centimeters or lesions on the diaphragm.

The 2011 National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) showed that low-dose spiral CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality in high-risk groups by 20% compared with chest X-rays. Compared with chest X-rays, it can detect tiny lesions of a few millimeters and tumors in poor locations.

3. Low-dose spiral CT is the best method for screening lung cancer, but is it necessary to do a CT scan once a year?

Early lung cancer screening must distinguish between high-risk and low-risk groups. For the high-risk groups of lung cancer mentioned above, it is recommended to undergo low-dose CT screening once a year; for low-risk groups, they can undergo chest CT screening. If the result is negative and they have always maintained a healthy lifestyle, there is no need for annual examinations. It is recommended to choose CT every 3, 5, or 10 years according to different age groups.

4. Why does the number of people suffering from worsening lung cancer increase in winter?

Although there is no direct relationship between the development of cancer cells and winter, the number of cancer patients whose condition worsens in winter does increase. The main reason is that cancer patients have low immunity.
In the cold winter, cancer patients are prone to negative emotions and flu because their body resistance is far lower than that of ordinary people. This forms a vicious cycle of disease and makes cancer patients unable to recover.
In winter, windows are usually closed to keep indoors warm, and the air is not circulated, which increases the concentration of pathogens in the air. Cancer patients often have poor immune status, so they are prone to infection, which can cause serious complications and may even take the patient's life.

5. What is the most scientific way for lung cancer patients to spend the winter?

1. Get more sun exposure to kill bacteria and promote calcium absorption; 2. Do some exercise to suit the nature of winter storage; 3. Change negative emotions and restore psychological calm; 4. Create a warm environment and communicate with family and friends; 5. Nutrition needs to be strengthened and warming measures must be complete; 6. Wear a mask when going out and ensure good indoor ventilation.

6. Lung cancer is dangerous. How can ordinary people like us prevent it?

suggestion:

1. Avoid active and passive smoking, and persuade people around you to quit smoking;

2. People with high risk factors for lung cancer should undergo regular screening and timely prevention;

3. People with occupational exposure risks must take protective measures;

4. The room should be ventilated and well-ventilated, and a range hood with good exhaust quality should be used;

5. When air pollution is severe, wear a protective mask when going out;

6. Have a regular work and rest schedule, go to bed on time, and actively participate in aerobic exercise;

7. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid moldy or spoiled food;

8. It is important to have an optimistic and cheerful attitude and not to get upset easily.