Requirements: 1. Maintain the original format and structure. 2. The translation should be accurate, fluent, and natural. 3. Maintain professionalism and consistency. 4. Only return the translation result; do not add any explanations. Original Text: Reflecting on the Scientific Truths of Cancer through the Battle Against It Recently, the news of a national-level actress passing away from cancer sparked widespread mourning across the internet. She fought against the disease for five years and managed to complete four films and television works amidst chemotherapy and surgeries, but ultimately could not overcome the medical barrier of a five-year survival rate. Her story is heartbreaking and has prompted deep reflection among the public about cancer treatment and survival rates—why does the medical community use the “five-year survival rate” as a measure? Does a five-year survival period mark the end of life, or a new beginning? I. Five-Year Survival Rate: A Medical Measure of Life The five-year survival rate is a key indicator in the field of cancer treatment, referring to the proportion of patients who survive for more than five years after diagnosis. Its scientific significance lies in the following aspects: - A significant reduction in the risk of recurrence: Approximately 80% of cancer recurrences or metastases occur within 2-3 years after treatment, with the recurrence rate dropping below 10% after five years, indicating that the condition tends to stabilize. - A watershed for clinical cure: If a patient does not experience a recurrence within five years, they can be considered nearly clinically cured. For example, the five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer patients is over 90%, and for thyroid cancer, it can reach 92.9%. - A balance between statistics and reality: Most cancer patients are middle-aged or elderly, and long-term follow-up data collection is costly and challenging. The five-year period strikes a balance between scientific accuracy and practicality. However, the five-year survival rate does not equate to a countdown to an individual’s life expectancy. For instance, in developed countries, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer patients is 90%, and many of them can live for more than 20 years. II. The “Survival Code” of Cancer: The Battle Between Type and Stage The prognosis of cancer varies greatly depending on the type, stage, and treatment: - Cancers with higher survival rates include thyroid cancer (92.9%), breast cancer (80.9%), and prostate cancer (71.1%), which have higher cure rates when detected early. - Cancers with lower survival rates, such as pancreatic cancer (8.5%) and liver cancer (14.4%), often have subtle symptoms and are more likely to metastasize, leading to missed treatment opportunities. - The importance of early detection and treatment: Early-stage lung cancer has a five-year survival rate of 80%, while in advanced stages, it drops to less than 5%. Ovarian cancer patients are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in a significantly lower survival rate. III. The Three Pillars for Overcoming the “Five-Year Barrier” - Early screening: Seizing the opportunity for early treatment is crucial. High-risk groups, such as those over 40 years old, with a family history of cancer, and those who smoke or drink excessively, should undergo regular specialized screenings, such as low-dose spiral CT scans for lung cancer, gastroscopy and colonoscopy for digestive tract cancers, and HPV testing for cervical cancer. - Standardized treatment: Scientific approaches to combating cancer cells are essential. New technologies like targeted therapy and immunotherapy have significantly extended the survival periods of patients in advanced stages. For example, the five-year survival rate for ALK-positive lung cancer patients using crizotinib reaches 56.6%. - Treatment adherence: Strict follow-up examinations (every three months for the first three years) and avoiding interruptions in treatment can reduce the risk of recurrence. - Mind and body management: A healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, a balanced diet (with plenty of vegetables and fruits and less red meat), and regular exercise, can lower the risk of recurrence. - Psychological support: A positive attitude can boost the immune system, and patients with strong family support often have better treatment outcomes. Zhu Yuanyuan continued acting despite her illness, saying, “Acting is my painkiller.” This reflects her use of her passion to overcome the challenges of the disease. IV. The Increasing Incidence of Cancer Among Young People The number of cancer patients under 50 years old has increased by 79% in the past 30 years, with a notable trend of younger patients being affected by breast and colorectal cancers. Young people have more active metabolisms, which allow cancer cells to spread more quickly, and they often overlook early symptoms such as blood in the stool and unexplained weight loss. The death of this actress, who belonged to the age group with a higher incidence of “young-onset cancer,” serves as a reminder that cancer is not exclusive to the elderly, and health management should begin at a young age.