Tumor does not mean death A fresh perspective on cancer treatment

Author: Liu Xiao, Tianjin Cancer Hospital, Konggang Hospital. Tumor does not mean death A fresh perspective on cancer treatment Cancer survival rates are improving, making it a manageable illness; the article emphasizes communication and support for patients.

Having worked in the oncology outpatient department for more than twenty years, what I dread most is not the complex questions patients have about their conditions, but rather the momentary despair that flashes in their eyes when they receive their test results. For many, hearing the word 'tumor' is immediately associated with thoughts of 'it's all over,' 'terminal illness,' and 'countdown to the end of life.'

As a doctor, today I want to share my heartfelt thoughts: please disconnect the terms 'tumor' and 'death.' With the rapid advancements in medical technology, cancer is no longer the terrifying 'terminal illness' it used to be; it is gradually transforming into a 'chronic disease' that can be prevented, managed, and even cured.

1. Recognizing the Opponent: The Distinction Between Good and Evil and the 'Identification Card.' First of all, we need to clarify what a tumor is. Simply put, a tumor is a 'bad thing' that forms when the cells in the body go 'out of control,' disregarding commands and growing uncontrollably. However, not all tumors are malignant.

Benign tumors are like a 'well-behaved child'; they may occasionally be mischievous (pressing against surrounding tissues), but they are mostly encapsulated, stay in place, and after removal, there are usually no further issues.

Malignant tumors: This is what we commonly refer to as 'cancer.' It behaves like an 'invading thief,' growing rapidly and uncontrollably, and can spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, 'establishing encampments,' seizing nutrients and impairing organ function.

After diagnosis, the doctor will have a crucial document in hand—the pathology report. It serves as the tumor's 'exclusive identification card.' Through this report, we can gain a clear understanding of the tumor's 'true nature': what type it is, the degree of differentiation (how malignant it is), and whether there has been any lymph node metastasis.

It is necessary to mention the TNM staging system, which serves as a measure for assessing the severity of the condition.

T (Tumor Size): The larger the number, the bigger the tumor.

N (Lymph Nodes): The larger the number, the more lymph node metastasis there is.

M (remote transfer): M0 indicates no significant distance moved, while M1 indicates that a remote transfer has already occurred.

The earlier the stage (such as stage I), the greater the hope for a cure; while in later stages (such as stage IV), the difficulty of treatment indeed increases, it by no means means that there is no hope.

Breaking the Data Anxiety: Visible Hopes for Survival. Many patients like to search for survival rate data online, which often makes them feel more afraid. In fact, behind the cold numbers lies warm hope.

According to data from the National Cancer Center, the overall five-year survival rate for cancer in our country has risen to over 40%, with some types of cancer making remarkable progress. For instance, the five-year survival rate for thyroid cancer exceeds 90%, while breast cancer rates have surpassed 80%. Even lung cancer, which was once dubbed the 'king of cancer,' is experiencing a steady increase in survival rates.

Why is the data getting better? Because our 'arsenal' has been upgraded.

3. Weapon Upgrades: From 'Carpet Bombing' to 'Precision Guided.' In the past, cancer treatment relied primarily on the 'three musketeers': surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Surgery acts as the 'demolition team,' directly removing the tumor; chemotherapy functions like 'special forces,' circulating throughout the body via the bloodstream to eliminate cancer cells, but it can also inadvertently harm healthy cells, resulting in side effects such as hair loss and vomiting. Radiotherapy, on the other hand, is the 'precision shooter,' using targeted radiation to eliminate cancerous tissue.

And now, we have welcomed a more advanced 'elite force':

1. Targeted therapy: This specifically attacks the particular weaknesses of cancer cells (gene mutations). For example, lung cancer drugs that target EGFR mutations act like equipping a missile with guidance systems, hitting only cancer cells while sparing normal tissue.

2. Immunotherapy: This has been a Nobel Prize-level breakthrough in recent years. Simply put, cancer cells are cunning; they disguise themselves to deceive the immune system. The role of immunotherapeutic drugs (such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors) is to strip away the disguise of the cancer cells, activating the patient's own immune cells to attack the tumor.

Note: Immunotherapy is not a miracle drug, nor is it effective for everyone. It may also cause immune-related adverse reactions (such as rashes, diarrhea, thyroid dysfunction, etc.) and must be used under the guidance of a qualified physician.

3. Cutting-edge technology: For example, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), known as the 'cell knife.' This treatment involves injecting boron-containing drugs, allowing tumor cells to absorb them, and then irradiating them with neutrons, which triggers a reaction inside the cells to destroy the tumor, effectively achieving the goal of 'killing only the enemy, not harming the friend.'

Four: Equal emphasis on treatment and support: Don't let 'malnutrition' take a toll on your body.

In clinical practice, I have found that many patients focus excessively on 'how to kill cancer cells' while neglecting 'how to nourish the body.' Supportive care (including nutrition, psychological support, and pain management) must be integrated throughout the entire course of treatment.

Misconception Warning: Never believe in the folk remedy of 'starving tumors'!

Tumor cells will rob the body of nutrients. If you don't eat or drink, the first things to fail will be your immune system and normal organs. I once treated a patient who had undergone surgery for stomach cancer; she was afraid to eat because she believed in folk remedies, which led to severe malnutrition that made her unable to tolerate chemotherapy.

Scientific nutritional support is the cornerstone of treatment. At the same time, psychological support is also crucial. Anxiety and depression can suppress immune function, and maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset is itself a powerful anti-cancer force.

Five, the doctor's heartfelt message: Be the 'gatekeeper' of your own health.

Although treatment methods are progressing, I still want to emphasize: the best treatment is prevention, and the best doctor is yourself.

The occurrence of cancer is often not an overnight event, but rather the result of the accumulation of long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits and environmental factors.

Early screening and diagnosis: Many cancers do not show symptoms in their early stages. For individuals over 40 years old, or those with a family history or a long history of smoking and drinking, regularly undergoing targeted cancer screening examinations (such as low-dose spiral CT for lung cancer and gastrointestinal endoscopy for digestive tract tumors) is crucial for saving lives.

Lifestyle: Quit smoking and limit alcohol, control weight, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.

Standard treatment: Once diagnosed, be sure to go to a reputable hospital, trust in science, and do not blindly try folk remedies to avoid missing the best opportunity for treatment.

Conclusion. Fighting cancer is a long battle, but you are not alone in this struggle. Doctors, family, and scientific medications are all your strong support. Believe that as long as you approach it scientifically, hope and vitality will always be with you.