Do I need to take medicine to prevent cancer recurrence after treatment?

When it comes to the question of whether to take medicine after treatment, it is really necessary to emphasize it.

The Chinese people have always been superstitious about taking medicine, especially so-called "immune-boosting" medicine (both Western and Chinese), as well as various herbal remedies and health supplements, including those derived from rare animals and plants.

Regardless of the situation or necessity, and regardless of whether it is effective or not, people tend to follow others' examples and take medications casually. They believe that these things have no side effects, and even if they are not effective, at least they won't have any negative effects. They think it is safe to take medication without any basis. This is a huge misconception and the rumors about the lack of side effects from these medications are even more harmful than the medications themselves.

Of course, when I mention unnecessary medication, I am referring to the so-called preventive medication taken after the completion of true anti-tumor treatment (both Western and traditional Chinese medicine). However, some cancers, such as breast cancer, require oral hormonal therapy for 5 to 10 years, which must be adhered to as part of the comprehensive treatment plan for breast cancer. Taking medications for an extended period, such as maintenance chemotherapy or targeted drugs for advanced-stage cancer, is also part of the treatment plan and disease management, and it should be adhered to.

As for other remedies that lack clear evidence, such as folk remedies, health supplements, and so on, or so-called biotherapies overly promoted by certain ulterior motives without proven clinical effectiveness, it is recommended not to waste money and potentially harm the body by trying them. If you are unsure, it is advisable to consult a specialist doctor in a reputable hospital, preferably your original attending physician. Of course, some doctors in so-called reputable hospitals may also act recklessly and like to prescribe various Chinese herbal medicines without clear instructions on their efficacy or duration of use.

I have always advocated not taking medications without proper understanding, whether they are Western medicines, Chinese herbal medicines, or health supplements. Why should you take them? What is their usefulness based on? What are the potential side effects? How do their effectiveness and cost compare? Remember: never take "fad medications" or "confusing medications".

Instead of relying on questionable medications, it is better to start with practical lifestyle changes that can be achieved. Many people do not pay enough attention to these things that are beneficial to the body but are not mysterious. Everyone understands the principles, but few actually put them into practice. It's either due to the lack of immediate benefits or a lack of emphasis and implementation. For example, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, staying away from junk food on the streets, maintaining a balanced and diverse diet with fresh ingredients, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight without being overweight or obese, getting enough sleep, adjusting one's body and mind, maintaining a healthy mindset, being content and grateful, having a naturally calm mindset, and paying attention to stress reduction in both work and life, among other things.

Changes in lifestyle are necessary and essential. If something as serious as cancer does not motivate you to quit smoking or stay up late, then it can only be said that you are truly stubborn and beyond help.