Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the storyline is purely fictional, intended to popularize health knowledge, if you feel unwell, please seek medical attention offline.
As night falls, the lights come on. In a corner of this bustling metropolis, a special party is taking place in a fine-dining restaurant with exquisite decoration.
The table is full of delicious and delicious dishes: pan-fried steak, braised pork, sweet and sour tenderloin, spicy crayfish... Every dish is mouth-watering. However, Liu Ming, a middle-aged man sitting on the main seat, seemed a little absent-minded, frowning and looking at his mobile phone from time to time.
"Lao Liu, don't look at your phone, today is your birthday, enjoy the food!" Zhang Qiang, a friend sitting next to him, patted Liu Ming's shoulder and said with a smile.
Liu Ming barely squeezed out a smile, put down his mobile phone, picked up the chopsticks and took a bite of braised pork and put it in his mouth. The fragrant juice spread between his lips and teeth, and he couldn't help but squint his eyes with a look of satisfaction.
"yes, that's decent! Come, let's raise a glass together and wish Mr. Liu a happy birthday and a thriving career!" Zhang Qiang stood up and raised his wine glass.
Several other friends also stood up and toasted. Liu Ming reluctantly stood up, clinked glasses with everyone, and drank them all.
The wine has passed three rounds, and the dishes have passed five flavors. Liu Ming finally had a little smile on his face, talking and laughing with his friends. However, at this moment, he suddenly felt a sharp abdominal pain, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.
"Lao Liu, what's wrong with you?" Zhang Qiang noticed Liu Ming's strange appearance and asked with concern.
Liu Mingqiang endured the pain and waved his hand: "It's okay, maybe it's too fast, I'll go to the bathroom."
With that, he hurriedly got up and walked to the bathroom. However, as soon as he was halfway through, he could no longer hold it up and fell to the ground.
"Lao Liu!"
The crowd rushed forward with exclamations. Zhang Qiang hurriedly took out his mobile phone and dialed 120, while the others hurriedly checked Liu Ming's situation.
An ambulance soon arrived and took Liu Ming to the hospital. In the emergency room, the doctors came out with solemn faces after some examination.
"Who is the patient's family?" A middle-aged female doctor asked.
"I'm a friend of his, and my family is on my way." Zhang Qiang hurriedly stepped forward.
The female doctor nodded: "The patient's current condition is relatively serious, and the preliminary diagnosis is intestinal obstruction, which requires immediate surgery." But during the surgery, we found something more serious..."
"What's the problem?" Zhang Qiang asked nervously.
"We found a large mass in the patient's colon that was suspected to be malignant. A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis, but as it stands, colon cancer is likely. "
Zhang Qiang's eyes widened in disbelief as if he had been struck by lightning: "How is it possible?" Liu Ming: He... He looks so healthy, how can he get cancer?"
The female doctor sighed: "Actually, colon cancer often has no obvious symptoms in the early stage. Many patients are found to be in the middle or advanced stages. However, the exact circumstances will need to be determined after further investigation. "
At this moment, Liu Ming's wife Li Fang hurriedly arrived. After learning about her husband's situation, she broke down and cried: "How can this be... He was fine the other day..."
The female doctor comforted, "Please don't worry too much. The most important thing now is to wait for the biopsy results and then plan the next step of treatment. Regardless of the outcome, our hospital will do its best to treat the patient. "
Li Fang wiped away her tears and nodded forcefully: "Thank you, doctor." Please save my husband. "
Over the next few days, Mr. Liu underwent a series of tests. The final diagnosis confirmed the doctor's suspicion: Liu Ming was indeed suffering from colon cancer, and it was already at an advanced stage.
After learning the news, Liu Ming's family and friends fell into grief and self-blame. Especially Zhang Qiang, he recalled that in the past few years, he had persuaded Liu Ming to eat less meat and exercise more, but he was laughed off by the other party. If I had persevered a little longer, would I have avoided today's tragedy?
However, there is no point in regretting it now. Everyone can only concentrate and fully cooperate with the doctor's treatment.
During his hospitalization, Liu Ming's attending doctor, Professor Wang, came to visit the ward many times and explained his condition to Liu Ming and his family.
"Mr. Liu, your cancer has advanced and spread to your liver. Our current treatment goals are mainly to control the progression of the disease, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life. Professor Wang said earnestly.
Liu Ming nodded weakly: "Professor Wang, I want to know, how long can I live?"
Professor Wang was silent for a while, and then said, "Every patient's situation is different. With your current condition, you may have about 6 to 12 months left if you actively cooperate with treatment. However, I hope you don't give up hope. Medicine is constantly advancing, and perhaps new treatments will emerge. "
Hearing the news, Li Fang cried again. Liu Ming looked unusually calm, he held his wife's hand and comforted him softly: "Don't cry, at least we still have time."
In the days that followed, Liu Ming began chemotherapy and targeted therapy. He was tormented by the side effects, but he remained optimistic and tried to cooperate with the treatment.
During this process, Professor Wang repeatedly emphasized the importance of diet to Liu Ming and his family.
"Mr. Liu, your previous eating habits may have been a significant factor in the cause of cancer. A diet high in fat, protein, and fiber increases the risk of colon cancer. "Red meat and processed meat products, in particular, can significantly increase the risk of colon cancer if consumed in excess." "
Liu Ming smiled bitterly and said: "I used to love meat, especially braised pork and sweet and sour pork ribs. I didn't expect to have a problem with eating. "
Professor Wang nodded: "Yes, studies have shown that people who consume more than 500 grams of red meat per week have an increased risk of colon cancer by about 20%. And, the way you cook is also important. High-temperature cooking, frying, grilling, etc., can produce carcinogens, further increasing the risk. "
"And how should I eat it now?" Li Fang asked eagerly.
"Now we should pay attention to a light diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and supplement high-quality protein in moderation." Professor Wang patiently explained, "Vegetables and fruits are rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, which can help prevent colon cancer. Legumes, fish, poultry, etc. are also good sources of protein. "
Liu Ming listened carefully and nodded from time to time. He secretly regretted in his heart, if he had known this, maybe he would not have fallen to where he is today.
In addition to diet, Professor Wang also emphasized the importance of exercise.
"Moderate physical activity can reduce colon cancer risk. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. "Moreover, exercise can also help control weight, and obesity is also one of the risk factors for colon cancer." "
Hearing this, Liu Ming remembered that he had been busy with work for many years, rarely exercised, and his weight had increased a lot unconsciously. He couldn't help but feel a pang of regret and self-blame.
"Another important point," Professor Wang continued, "is to get regular bowel cancer screening. For people over 50 years of age, it is recommended to have a fecal occult blood test every year and a colonoscopy every 3-5 years. If there is a family history or other high-risk factors, more frequent tests may be needed. "
Liu Ming smiled bitterly and said, "I'm ashamed to say that I haven't had a physical examination for several years. I always feel that I am fine, so I don't bother to check. "
"Many people think this way, but it's very dangerous. Colon cancer often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages, and by the time symptoms appear, it may be in the middle and advanced stages. If detected early, the likelihood of cure increases dramatically. "
Listening to Professor Wang's words, Liu Ming and his family fell into deep thought. They are beginning to realize that health is not taken for granted, and that they need to pay attention to maintenance and regular check-ups.
Time flies, and a year has passed in the blink of an eye. In the past year, Liu Ming has undergone countless chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and has endured great pain. But he always remained optimistic and tried to live life to the fullest.
However, the cancer cells spread faster than doctors expected. On a cold winter day, Liu Ming's condition suddenly deteriorated and he was rushed to the ICU.
In the last moments of his life, Liu Ming brought his family and friends together at the bedside. He said weakly, "Thank you for always being there for me. I have no regrets. I just hope that everyone can learn from my experience, cherish health, and cherish life. "
After saying these words, Liu Ming closed his eyes and left this world forever.
Liu Ming's death has brought great grief to those around him, but it has also made them start to re-examine their own lifestyles.
Zhang Qiang quit smoking and drinking and began to run every morning. Li Fang completely reformed the family's diet, drastically reducing meat intake and increasing the proportion of vegetables and fruits. They also actively participated in the public welfare projects initiated by Liu Ming before his death, and continued to help other cancer patients.
On the first anniversary of Liu Ming's death, Zhang Qiang organized a health lecture and invited Professor Wang to popularize bowel cancer prevention knowledge.
Professor Wang once again emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle: "The key to preventing bowel cancer lies in daily accumulation. Reasonable diet, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, and regular physical examinations are seemingly simple things that can greatly reduce the risk of cancer if you stick to them for a long time. "
In particular, he reminded everyone to pay attention to the following points:
1. Control your meat intake, especially red meat and processed meat products. It is best to consume no more than 500 grams of red meat per week.
2. Eat more vegetables and fruits, at least 400-500 grams per day.
3. Maintain moderate exercise with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
4. Control your weight and maintain a healthy weight.
5. Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 standard drinks per day for men and 1 standard drink for women.
After the lecture, many people said that they had benefited a lot and were determined to change their lifestyles from now on.
Zhang Qiang stood on the stage, looked around, and saw everyone listening carefully and actively discussing, and couldn't help but think of Liu Ming. He said silently in his heart: "Lao Liu, have you seen it? Your experience has not been in vain, and it is changing the lives of many more people. We will continue your unfinished business and keep more people away from the threat of cancer. "
As night falls, the lights come on. In a corner of this bustling metropolis, a group of people are working for a healthier future. They know that the meaning of life is not only about how long you live, but also how to live it to the fullest. And to live a wonderful life, health is the most basic and important guarantee.