Respiratory care supports the treatment of lung cancer.

DNO - For lung cancer patients, in addition to medical treatment protocols, proper respiratory care is considered an important supportive "medicine" that helps improve physical condition, stabilize mental state, and enhance quality of life.

Patients practice breathing yoga to aid in lung rehabilitation. Photo: TRAM ANH

At the auditorium of Da Nang Oncology Hospital, a yoga expert guided patients in practicing slow, even breathing, counting to each beat. For many patients, this was the first time they had listened to and regulated their own breath.

Patient Tran Duc P. (born 1969, Thanh Khe ward) shared that with just simple breathing exercises, he clearly felt the difference in his mental state. Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Thi H. (born 1958, Hoa Xuan ward) expressed that practicing proper breathing techniques helped her gain more confidence during her treatment.

Yoga breathing exercises to support lung rehabilitation were a key focus of the "Lung Injury - Living Life to the Fullest" Club meeting, organized by Da Nang Oncology Hospital in collaboration with the Cancer Patient Support Fund - A Brighter Tomorrow. The activity provided patients with practical knowledge about breathing exercises, physical activity, and holistic care.

Gentle breathing exercises and physical activity help patients reduce fatigue. Photo: TRAM ANH

According to Mr. Phan Trong Dong, Vice President and General Secretary of the Da Nang City Yoga Federation, breathing plays a fundamental role in life, and is especially important for people with lung diseases.

"Just a few minutes of oxygen deprivation can seriously threaten the body. When the lungs are damaged by cancer, the ability to exchange gases decreases, causing patients to quickly become tired and exhausted. Practicing proper breathing techniques helps compensate for this deficiency to some extent, while also supporting the recovery process of lung cells," Mr. Dong said.

However, he emphasized that breathing exercises for lung cancer patients should be done progressively. Patients should not rush into applying complex techniques but should start with slow, even, and natural breathing, avoiding psychological stress. As the body gradually adapts, exercises with specific breathing rhythms can be introduced, tailored to each individual's physical condition and can be performed even in the hospital bed.

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Concurring with this view, Dr. Luong Thi My Trang (Department of Internal Medicine 2, Da Nang Oncology Hospital) stated that breathing exercises and gentle movements help patients reduce fatigue, limit muscle atrophy and joint stiffness, and improve appetite. This is an important factor in enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Doctor Trang advises patients to absolutely quit smoking, proactively get screened early if they belong to a high-risk group, and adhere to their doctor's treatment plan, and not to believe unverified information on social media.

Patients were listened to and had the opportunity to share their experiences at the meeting. Photo: TRAM ANH

Dr. Nguyen Ba Tinh, Deputy Director of the Cancer Patient Support Fund - Brighter Tomorrow, shared that the "Lung Disease - Living Life to the Fullest" Club was established as a long-term support model for lung cancer patients nationwide.

“We not only provide medical knowledge but also create a community where patients can be listened to, share, and support each other. Through meetings, in-person consultations, and online platforms, patients can access accurate information about treatment, nutrition, exercise, and how to overcome unwanted side effects during chemotherapy and radiation therapy,” said Dr. Tinh.

Lung cancer is one of the diseases that significantly impacts public health. According to the latest data from GLOBOCAN 2022, it is the third most common cancer in Vietnam, with 24,426 new cases, accounting for 13.5% of all cancer cases.

Notably, approximately 75% of patients are only diagnosed at a late stage, when the disease has metastasized to other organs, significantly reducing the chances of curative treatment. When detected late, the 5-year survival rate is only about 14.8%, while early detection can increase this figure to 90%.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/cham-care-respiratory-support-lung-cancer-treatment-3315069.html