The lyricist of the theme song of the hit TV series "The World" has been fighting cancer for nearly 10 years. The disease may not have any symptoms in the early stages. People with blood in their tears and hearing loss should be careful.

The theme song of the recently popular TV series "The World" and the popular song "The Lone Brave Man" sung by Eason Chan, which received 200 million views on the first day of its release, are the lyrics of this song. Who would have thought that she has been bravely fighting cancer for nine years...

According to online reports, in 2012, when she was less than 30 years old, she was diagnosed with "Stage III nasopharyngeal carcinoma" and underwent "2 chemotherapy sessions, 33 radiotherapy sessions and 8 targeted therapies."

The lyrics are a true reflection of her struggle with the disease:

"Love you walking alone in the dark alley

Love the way you don't kneel

Loving you has always been desperate

Don’t want to cry.”

1. What is nasopharyngeal cancer?

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelium of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. Its occurrence is mainly related to factors such as Epstein-Barr virus infection, diet, environment and genetic susceptibility. Most cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma occur between the ages of 40 and 50. There are more males than females, with a male-to-female ratio of about 3:1.

The five-year survival rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma has reached 80%-90%, and the tumor-free survival rate is close to 80%. Most early-stage patients can be cured and lead a normal life. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma grows in the skull and is sensitive to radiotherapy, so radiotherapy is the first choice.

2. Which celebrities have suffered from nasopharyngeal cancer?

Badminton star Lee Chong Wei, veteran actor Li Xuejian, the "Big Fool" Cheng Kui-an well-known to domestic audiences, Korean star Kim Woo-bin, and director Benny Chan have all suffered from nasopharyngeal cancer.

3. What are the symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer?

In the early stages of nasopharyngeal cancer, there may be no symptoms.

As the disease progresses, patients may experience nasal congestion, blood in mucus (especially be careful if blood is found in the mucus after aspiration), tinnitus, stuffy ears or hearing loss (especially if it occurs in one ear, be more vigilant).

If cranial nerves are damaged, patients may also have symptoms such as headache, double vision, facial numbness, etc. 80% of patients present with a painless neck mass when they visit the doctor.

For patients suspected of NPC, nasopharyngeal endoscopy can be performed in the early stage. If pathological diagnosis of NPC is confirmed, imaging diagnosis and evaluation are also required.

4. What are the main risk factors for nasopharyngeal cancer?

1. Epstein-Barr virus infection.

In areas with a high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, more than 90% of nasopharyngeal carcinomas are associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection, which can be transmitted through saliva.

2. Have a family history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Genetic epidemiological studies on nasopharyngeal carcinoma show that 68% of the pathogenic factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are related to genetic factors.

3. Like to eat pickled food.

Pickled foods such as salted fish, bacon, and pickled vegetables contain N-nitrosamine, a strong carcinogen.

4. Having bad living habits such as smoking.

5. The disease is more common in South China.

About 80% of nasopharyngeal cancer in the world occurs in China, mainly in the south, especially in Guangdong, also known as "Guangdong cancer". In addition, other provinces with high incidence include Guangxi, Jiangxi, Hunan, Fujian, Hainan and other provinces.

5. Does a single positive result in the EB virus serological test report necessarily mean nasopharyngeal cancer?

EB virus is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. EB virus can coexist peacefully with the human body and remain dormant in the human body for a long time. However, once EB virus is activated and replicates rapidly, it may cause disease.

In the screening of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Epstein-Barr virus serological antibody detection is an important indicator for initial screening.

A positive EB virus antibody test does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. If nasopharyngeal cancer is ruled out, it is best to have regular checkups. If EB virus antibodies continue to increase, it indicates a high risk of cancer. Paying attention to nasopharyngeal symptoms and actively screening can increase the diagnosis rate of early nasopharyngeal cancer.

6. How to prevent nasopharyngeal cancer?

The incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is related to genetic susceptibility, Epstein-Barr virus infection, environmental and lifestyle factors, and is caused by the combined effects of internal and external factors.

1. Pay attention to diet structure and living habits. It is recommended that people quit smoking and drinking, and reduce the intake of pickled foods, such as salted fish, pickled meat and pickled vegetables;

2. Pay attention to food hygiene, use serving chopsticks, and prevent EB virus infection;

3. Be optimistic, actively exercise and improve your physical fitness;

4. High-risk groups, especially those living in high-incidence areas and those with a family history of the disease, may reduce the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer by undergoing nasopharyngeal cancer screening as early as possible.

People in southern China, especially those with a family history of nasopharyngeal cancer, are the group that will benefit the most from screening. For example, when a patient finds out that he or she is ill, his or her family should be screened. In addition, northerners with bad living habits should also be careful.