Actress Lee Hye-young has candidly shared her five-year battle with lung cancer. She recently posted a video on Instagram with the caption "Long time no see," sharing her story of overcoming difficult times. In the video, a visibly thinner Lee Hye-young expressed her gratitude to her fans who were curious about her life during her cancer treatment, saying, "I didn't know if I would be able to make such a comeback."

The Pain and Recovery from Lung Cancer Treatment

Showing the scars left after her surgery, Lee Hye-young said, "My side was cut open to remove my lung, so there are quite a lot of scars." She revealed that she was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer during a comprehensive check-up for her 10th wedding anniversary in 2021 and subsequently underwent treatment for severe pain multiple times. She showed the weakened veins from frequent injections and the needle scars remaining on her body, expressing her strong will by saying, "I was so upset and it was so hard, but I'm trying to come back out into the world again."

The Dangers of Lung Cancer and the Importance of Early Diagnosis

In South Korea, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, accounting for about 22% of all cancer deaths. While the primary cause of lung cancer is smoking, non-smokers can also develop lung cancer. The trend shows an increase in non-smoking female patients due to factors like secondhand smoke and environmental influences. Early diagnosis of lung cancer is difficult for the following reasons:

• The lungs lack pain receptors, which can delay detection.
• Symptoms can be similar to the common cold, making early detection challenging.
• It takes time for symptoms like coughing, phlegm, hoarseness, chest pain, and shortness of breath to appear.

Therefore, if you experience a cough, especially at night, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue for more than 2-3 weeks, it is important to get a detailed examination.

Types of Lung Cancer and Prevention Methods

Lung cancer is broadly divided into non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, with 80-85% of patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. In the past, relatively simple treatment methods were chosen based on the stage, but recently, more precise treatment plans are developed considering genetic mutations, the patient's lung function, and overall physical condition.

Furthermore, it is crucial for everyone, even non-smokers, to practice lifestyle habits that can help prevent lung cancer. This is because cooking fumes and air pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer regardless of smoking status. It is recommended to open windows while cooking and wear a mask when going outside on days with heavy fine dust.

Lee Hye-young's story is providing hope and courage to many. We hope this post offers a small comfort to those going through difficult times like her. May this serve as an opportunity to reflect once again on what we can do to protect our health.