Is lung cancer already in the middle or advanced stages when it is first discovered? One method may prevent it

Today is February 4th, which is also World Cancer Day. When it comes to cancer, everyone is very afraid, especially lung cancer, which is the most common cancer in my country. Many people start to worry when they find lung nodules during a physical examination. Will it turn into cancer? What should I do?
1. If lung nodules are found during a physical examination, will they definitely develop into lung cancer?

Don't panic. A study found that 96.4% of positive nodules detected by CT screening are benign, and the probability of malignant lung nodules, that is, lung nodules being lung cancer, is less than 5%.

It has also been reported that among healthy people undergoing physical examinations, 40% to 60% of chest CT reports show lung nodules.

2. How to determine whether you are in a high-risk group?

According to the Recommendations for Screening and Prevention of Common Malignant Tumors among Residents published in 2023, lung cancer screening is recommended for people aged 40 years and above who have any of the following risk factors:

➊ Smoking one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years, including those who have quit smoking for less than 15 years;

➋ Passive smokers;

➌Historical history of occupational exposure (asbestos, beryllium, uranium, radon, etc.);

➍History of malignancy (lymphoma, head and neck cancer, or smoking-related cancer);

➎ Family history: first-degree relatives have lung cancer;

➏ Those with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.

3. Does everyone need to undergo early screening for lung cancer?

Early screening for lung cancer is mainly for high-risk groups (it is recommended to have a low-dose CT scan of the lungs once a year). If lung nodules are found, follow-up arrangements can be made according to the doctor's advice.

4. Special reminder: To prevent lung cancer, it is recommended to quit smoking now.

For more information on cancer prevention and treatment, you can refer to the "Popular Science China: Cancer Prevention and Control Science Series" compiled under the guidance of the Science Popularization Department of the China Association for Science and Technology, and organized by the Cancer Foundation and the China Anti-Cancer Association. It details the prevention, symptoms, treatment, and rehabilitation of many common cancers, including lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, intestinal cancer, gastric cancer, gynecological tumors, lymphoma, etc., to help everyone achieve early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment.

Source: "Comprehensive Discussion on Lung Cancer" in the "Popular Science China: Cancer Prevention and Control Science Series"

Review | Pan Zhanhe, Chief Physician, Master Supervisor, Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University

Design丨Zhu Hangyue, Hu Xiaolu