In my career as a doctor, I have encountered a wide variety of patients and their unique stories. Cancer, the word has always been a topic that people talk about. Today, however, I want to talk about it in a different way, with a bit of humor, to make the topic less heavy. Not every diagnosis means we need to fight to the end, and sometimes, it's just as important to know when we don't have to "go all out."

Let me tell you a story about one of my old patients, let's call him Mr. Wang. Mr. Wang came to me after being diagnosed with a very early stage of skin cancer. You know, when he heard the word "cancer," his face immediately changed. However, after learning more about his condition, I told him, "Mr. Wang, if cancer is a marathon, your situation is probably just crossing the starting line. "I explained his condition and told him that we had multiple ways to deal with it and that it wasn't all that aggressive. I also made a joke and said, "You know, it's not so much about fighting cancer, it's about doing a delicate garden pruning." ”

Mr. Wang laughed when he heard this. At that moment, I knew that I had not only helped him understand his condition, but also made him realize that there is more to cancer than fear. Through our conversations, Mr. Wang decided to take a more conservative approach to treatment, which is not only suitable for his specific situation, but also allows him to face treatment and life with a more positive attitude.

Common misconceptions about cancer treatment

Myth 1: Once cancer is diagnosed, it means the end.

Many people hear the word "cancer" as if they have been sentenced to death. In fact, with the advancement of medical technology, many types of cancer have been able to be effectively treated, and many patients have been able to achieve long-term survival or even cure. Think of cancer as a marathon rather than a finish line, and sometimes attitudes and messages are the best prescriptions.

Myth 2: All cancer treatments have huge and painful side effects.

Of course, treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be associated with discomfort, but not all treatments are like this. Some treatments, such as hormone therapy and targeted therapy, have fewer side effects and doctors do their best to make people comfortable, including adjuvant treatments to relieve side effects.

Myth 3: As long as it is the latest treatment, it is the best.

New doesn't necessarily mean suitable. The latest treatments, while promising, may not be suitable for all types of cancer or for all patients. The best treatment should be based on the individual's specific situation and the type and stage of the cancer.

Myth 4: Only expensive treatments are effective.

Many people believe that only high-priced treatments can bring the best results, which is a misconception. Sometimes, the classic treatment may be the most effective option. Decision-making should be based more on the suitability of treatment than on price.

Myth 5: There is only one way to treat cancer.

Cancer treatment is not a size-fits-all approach. The treatment plan should be individualized, tailored to the patient's health status, the type and stage of cancer, and even quality of life considerations.

Myth 6: Stopping treatment is the same as giving up.

In some cases, the potential benefits of continuing treatment may no longer outweigh the bothersomeness. At this time, choosing to stop treatment does not mean giving up, but turning to care that improves the quality of life, which is also a respect for life.

By dispelling these myths, we hope to be able to provide patients with a clearer and more optimistic perspective on cancer treatment, letting them know that while the road may be tortuous, it is not hopeless. Before making any decisions, it's crucial to have open communication with your doctor to ensure that you choose the treatment that best suits your situation.

A key factor in determining treatment

Types and stages of cancer: Different types and stages of cancer respond very differently to treatment. Some early-stage cancers can be completely removed by surgery, while some advanced or specific types of cancers may require a more comprehensive approach or simply symptom relief.

Patient's overall health: The patient's age, constitution, and other pre-existing health problems can affect treatment options and prognosis.

Personal preference and quality of life considerations: What is the patient's goal of treatment, whether it is to prolong life, improve quality of life, or both?

Economic considerations: the cost of treatment is an important consideration, especially for those treatments that may confer limited benefit.

Specific case study: These 6 conditions may not require a large amount of money to treat

Low-risk prostate cancer: For patients with low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer, active surveillance is often a viable option to avoid the side effects of treatment without compromising survival.

Specific types of skin cancer: Early-stage nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, can often be successfully cured with topical therapy without the need for high-cost treatments.

Early cervical cancer: For early-stage cervical cancer, simple surgery is usually sufficient, without the need to go through expensive radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Partial early-stage breast cancer: For some patients with early-stage breast cancer, hormonal therapy and surgery may be sufficient, avoiding the side effects and costs of chemotherapy.

Multiple cancers in older patients: For some older patients with other health conditions, it may be more in line with their overall well-being to choose a treatment that has less impact on quality of life, or symptom management alone.

Specific chronic leukemias: Some types of chronic leukemia may not require immediate treatment in the early stages and can be managed with regular monitoring.

When considering treatment options, communicate closely with your doctor to make sure you understand all the options available and their potential pros and cons. Remember, the best option is the one that aligns with both your health and your lifestyle and preferences.