An effective medical examination of lung cancer requires four things.

In modern societies, health check-ups have become one of the most important means of maintaining health. However, many often ignore the importance of regular medical examinations, especially for early screening for lung cancer. Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide, often with no visible symptoms at an early stage and many patients are at an advanced stage of diagnosis. Regular lung examinations are therefore essential for early detection and treatment of lung cancer.

I. Invisibility of lung cancer

Lung cancer is a very hidden tumour, often with no visible symptoms at an early stage, making it difficult for many to detect its presence in their daily lives. Common lung cancers, such as continued coughing, coughing of blood, chest pain and respiratory difficulties, often occur at an advanced stage of the disease. It is therefore unreliable to rely on symptoms to determine the presence of lung cancer. We need to recognize the importance of regular medical check-ups and early screening in order to detect potential problems in a timely manner at the symptoms-free stage.

Content of periodic medical examinations

Lung cancer screening is usually recommended for periodic visual examinations, such as lung X-rays and CT scans, which can detect unusual changes in the lung at a nosy stage. Video-testing allows for the identification of microchromes or swellings in the lungs, and provides the possibility for early diagnosis. A number of studies have shown that early detection of lung cancer has a significantly higher effect of treatment and survival than those found in late stages. Through early screening, doctors can take effective treatment measures before cancer spreads, greatly improving patients ‘ access to cure.

A 2011 study by the National Lung Screening Trial, NLST found that low-dose CT screening reduced lung cancer mortality by about 20 per cent compared to traditional imaging techniques such as chest X-rays. The Chinese Consensus of Experts on Lung Cancer Screening and Management also supports a low dose of CT as a basic screening tool for lung cancer screening for high-risk populations, which is recognized as the most reliable means of follow-up and regular review.

III. Special concerns of populations at risk

An annual lung CT examination is important for adults over 40 years of age, especially long-term smokers and people with family history.

Studies have shown that those with a history of lung cancer within the family are at higher risk than the general population. This may be related to genetic factors and a common living environment. Such high-risk populations should therefore pay greater attention to regular lung examinations in order to detect potential health problems at an early stage. In particular, a personalized medical examination plan can be drawn up with a doctor after understanding his/her health status and family history. Doctors may recommend appropriate screening frequencies and methods based on individual risk factors. Individualized medical screening programmes not only improve the effectiveness of screening but also help patients better manage health risks.

V. Supportive role of healthy lifestyles

In addition to regular medical examinations, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important measure to prevent lung cancer. Stop smoking, maintain good air quality, balanced diets and adequate exercise all contribute to reducing the risk of lung cancer. Through active health management, we can better prevent and respond to major diseases, such as lung cancer, and enjoy a longer and healthy life.

In cases of continuous coughing, blood coughing, chest pain and respiratory difficulties, care is taken to ensure timely hospital visits and to promote lung health.

Regular medical examinations are an effective means of early detection of lung cancer, especially for high-risk groups. Through regular lung examinations, lung cancer can be detected at the symptoms-free stage, thus increasing treatment effectiveness and survival. Every one of us should attach importance to regular medical examinations as an important component of health care. Through active health management and social support, we can better prevent and respond to major diseases, such as lung cancer, and enjoy a more long and healthy life. Periodic medical examinations are not only responsible for their own health but also a contribution to the family and society. Let us work together to promote universal access to health check-ups and to lay the foundations for a healthier future.