In the public perception, cancer is often synonymous with death. Once diagnosed, it seems to signify that life has entered a countdown. However, the world of medicine is always full of surprises and hope. Oncologists repeatedly remind us that there are 4 types of cancer with notably long survival periods, where patients may even live for over 20 years, hence they are referred to as "non-lethal cancers." So, what are these 4 types of cancer? Let's uncover their mysteries together.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer. It behaves like a relatively mild "enemy," growing slowly and exhibiting low malignancy. The high survival rate of papillary thyroid carcinoma is primarily attributed to its biological characteristics. Firstly, it typically remains confined to the thyroid gland for an extended period and is less prone to early metastasis. Even when metastasis occurs, it is often limited to regional lymph nodes, with distant metastasis being relatively rare. Furthermore, current treatment modalities for papillary thyroid carcinoma are well-established. Surgical resection is the primary treatment method, and most patients can achieve complete tumor removal through surgery.

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Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. However, if detected early and treated promptly, the prognosis is very favorable. Early-stage breast cancer typically refers to cases where the tumor is small, with no lymph node involvement or only minimal lymph node metastasis. For patients with early-stage breast cancer, surgical tumor resection followed by subsequent adjuvant therapy based on pathological results and molecular subtypes enables many patients to achieve long-term survival. With active treatment and proper rehabilitation management, it is entirely possible for some patients to survive for over 20 years.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is relatively common among elderly men and typically progresses slowly. In most patients, the tumor cells grow at a slow rate, with relatively weak invasive and metastatic potential to surrounding tissues. For patients with early-stage prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy is an effective treatment method that can remove the tumor tissue and achieve a cure. Therefore, many prostate cancer patients can live long-term with the disease, and survival exceeding 20 years is not uncommon.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma that primarily originates from lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue. Currently, combination chemotherapy is the main treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, and commonly used chemotherapy regimens can achieve complete remission in most patients. Radiotherapy also plays a significant role in local tumor control. For patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma, following standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the cure rate can exceed 80%. Even for advanced-stage patients, a considerable number can achieve long-term survival through active comprehensive treatment.

Although these 4 types of cancer are referred to as "non-lethal cancers" with relatively long survival periods, this does not mean they can be taken lightly. Regular check-ups, early detection, and standardized treatment remain the keys to overcoming cancer. It is hoped that everyone will prioritize their health and stay away from the threat of cancer.

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