Is it necessary to treat a 75-year-old man with lung cancer?

Lung cancer still needs to be treated for people aged 75. The specific plan needs to be comprehensively evaluated based on the condition, physical condition and patient's wishes. Lung cancer treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Early intervention can improve survival rate and quality of life.

1. Necessity of lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor whose development speed and prognosis are closely related to the stage. Even for patients as old as 75, if lung cancer is in the early or middle stages, active treatment can still significantly prolong survival and improve quality of life. For patients in the advanced stage, the goal of treatment is more to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and prolong survival. Age is not an absolute taboo. The key is to assess the patient's overall health status and tolerance.

2. Treatment options

Surgical treatment is suitable for patients with early-stage lung cancer, especially elderly people with localized tumors who are in good physical condition. Common surgical methods include lobectomy, wedge resection and pneumonectomy. For patients who cannot undergo surgery, radiotherapy is an effective local treatment that can control tumor growth and relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy is suitable for patients in the middle and late stages, and commonly used drugs include cisplatin, carboplatin and pemetrexed. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy target specific gene mutations or immune markers, such as EGFR inhibitors, ALK inhibitors and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, with higher accuracy and lower side effects.

3. Supportive treatment and care

Elderly lung cancer patients often have underlying diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, and need to strengthen supportive treatment during treatment. Nutritional support is very important, and it is recommended to increase the intake of high-protein, high-vitamin foods, such as eggs, fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Psychological care should not be neglected either. Family members and medical staff should give patients adequate emotional support and encouragement to help them build confidence in overcoming the disease.

4. Adjust your lifestyle

Patients should quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, and keep the indoor air fresh. Moderate exercise such as walking and Tai Chi can help improve physical fitness, but it should be done according to physical condition. Regular review and follow-up are important parts of treatment, which can detect changes in the condition and adjust the treatment plan in time.

Lung cancer in the 75-year-old is still worth treating. The key lies in individualized treatment and comprehensive management. Through scientific treatment, reasonable care and lifestyle adjustment, patients may still have a better quality of life and survival. Family members and patients should fully communicate with doctors, develop the most suitable treatment plan, and maintain a positive attitude to face the disease.