Nowadays, pulmonary nodules have become a frequent occurrence in many people's physical examination reports. Although most lung nodules do not become cancerous, there are many considerations for regular follow-up examinations based on the size and characteristics of the nodules. At the just passed 31st National Cancer Prevention and Control Promotion Week, the China Health Knowledge Dissemination Incentive Program, hosted by the China Health Promotion Foundation, held a special interview with experts from the field of lung cancer to provide health recommendations on hot topics such as cancer prevention, characteristics of high-risk populations, screening, and cancer treatment. Regular follow-up examinations for pulmonary nodules are key to addressing the highly concerned issue of "pulmonary nodules" among the public. Xue Jianxin, director of the Chest Tumor Center at West China Hospital of Sichuan University and chairman of the Youth Committee of the Integrated Oncology Branch of the Chinese Anti Cancer Association, introduced that detecting pulmonary nodules does not necessarily mean a diagnosis of lung cancer. 95% of pulmonary nodules are benign, and only 5% have the possibility of malignant transformation. Xue Jianxin suggests that excessive anxiety should be avoided after discovering nodules, and they should be classified and treated according to type and size under the guidance of a doctor: ground glass nodules (similar to lychee flesh) with a diameter of less than 5 millimeters should be re examined every six months, and those with a diameter of 5 millimeters to 1 centimeter should be followed up for three months; Mixed nodules (similar to the coexistence of lychee flesh and nucleus) are bounded by 8 millimeters, with follow-up steps ranging from 3-6 to 12 months for nodules smaller than 8 millimeters. For nodules larger than 8 millimeters, puncture or medical intervention is required; For completely solid nodules (similar to lychee pits), doctors will provide corresponding recommendations based on comprehensive judgments such as size, edge (spiciness sign), etc; For some nodules, if the doctor provides anti-inflammatory treatment for 2-3 weeks and the nodules shrink, the possibility of malignancy can also be ruled out. Xue Jianxin also pointed out that the prevention of lung cancer requires attention to a healthy lifestyle, adopting the following measures: quitting smoking (including second-hand smoke), reducing exposure to high temperature cooking fumes, controlling weight, and moderate exercise. Special reminder: Men over 40 years old who smoke ≥ 400 cigarettes per year are the key population for lung cancer screening, and it is recommended to undergo low-dose spiral CT examination every year. These are all risk factors for lung cancer. Dong Xiaorong, director of the Department of Thoracic Oncology of the Cancer Center of the Union Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology and director of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, said that the incidence rate and mortality of lung cancer rank first among all malignant tumors in China, and the main risk factors include smoking, occupational exposure and chronic lung diseases. Smoking is the primary risk factor, with smokers having a higher risk of cancer and a 4-10 fold increase in mortality compared to non-smokers. Among them, although small cell lung cancer accounts for only 15%, it has high malignancy and is prone to metastasis; Non small cell lung cancer accounts for 85%, among which subtypes such as adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are strongly associated with smoking and mostly occur in the central bronchial region. Passive smoking (second-hand smoke, third-hand smoke) is also dangerous, especially the smoke particles left by clothing and furniture. Occupational exposure such as asbestos processing and air pollution (PM2.5, exhaust) can significantly increase the risk. In addition, chronic diseases such as tuberculosis and pulmonary fibrosis may develop into lung cancer, and familial genetic factors cannot be ignored. In recent years, the proportion of female patients has increased, which may be related to exposure to second-hand smoke and PM2.5 generated by high temperature stir frying in the kitchen. Regarding the different treatment methods for different subtypes of lung cancer, Dong Xiaorong first emphasized that the pathological classification of lung cancer determines the direction of treatment. She pointed out that although small cell lung cancer (accounting for 15%) has high malignancy and is prone to metastasis, the median survival of locally limited patients can be significantly extended from the traditional treatment of 18 months to 55.9 months through synchronous radiotherapy and chemotherapy combined with PD-L1 inhibitors, approaching the five-year survival milestone. For extensive stage small cell lung cancer, immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has become a first-line option, with an objective response rate increased to 60% -70%. Dong Xiaorong specifically responded to the public's confusion about "chemotherapy" and other methods, despite the rise of targeted and immunotherapy, chemotherapy remains an important means. With the advancement of drug development, modern chemotherapy treatment regimens have made significant progress in controlling side effects such as acute vomiting. Dong Xiaorong specifically reminded patients to follow medical advice for treatment and avoid excessive panic. (New Society)