Wu said those over the age of 40 should have a CT scan each year.
Drugs such as Iressa and Gifitinib are used in targeted therapy or chemotherapy, said Yang Mu-hua (楊慕華), a doctor at Taipei Veterans General Hospital's Department of Tumors Hematology Oncology Department.
“The biggest problem is Iressa is very expensive, with monthly drug bills running between NT$70,000 and NT$80,000. Many people end up giving up after they have spent all their money,” Yang said.
As for Gifitinib, Yang said that it worked on more than 50 percent of lung adenocarcinoma patients and could help them survive for more than a year.
“If you are a healthy person, try to stay away from kitchen smoke, air pollution, maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat balanced meals. If you get sick, make sure you follow the doctor’s order,” Yang said.
“It is not the end of the world [if you are diagnosed with cancer], but it can kill you if you lose faith,” Yang said. “That is the best advice I can give.”
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