Latest news with #Baduanjin
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
China confronts senior cancer surge with early detection, TCM
A robot conducts moxibustion therapy on a senior resident at Shenzhen Nursing Home in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, March 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) BEIJING (July 8): With a rapidly aging population, China is facing a pressing new public health challenge: cancer among the elderly. According to the latest data, people over the age of 60 now account for 60.7 per cent of all new cancer diagnoses in the country, making senior cancer care one of the most urgent priorities in China's efforts to deliver health for all. To promote cancer awareness among the elderly, China has launched a week-long national campaign. Medical experts are urging earlier detection, evidence-based treatment, and greater public education to counter myths that often cause seniors to delay or avoid care. China's demographic shift is accelerating: those aged 60 and above now make up more than 20 percent of the population. By 2035, that figure is expected to reach 30 percent, with the elderly population surpassing 400 million. A report by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association shows that lung and gastrointestinal cancers are the most prevalent among older adults, accounting for roughly 65 percent of malignant tumors in this age group. Other commonly diagnosed cancers include liver, lymphoma, prostate, and various blood cancers. 'Cancer among seniors is not uncommon, and it's closely tied to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time,' said Xue Dong, a specialist in senior oncology at Peking University Cancer Hospital. Xue explained that aging cells, a declining immune system, and long-term exposure to carcinogens significantly increase vulnerability. Early detection remains the most powerful tool in fighting cancer, experts say. In response, China's National Health Commission has called for enhanced public health services, including nationwide health checkups for adults aged 65 and older, with more frequent screenings for high-risk groups. Local initiatives are also underway. In Yancheng, east China's Jiangsu Province, residents aged 60 to 69 now receive free testing for 12 common tumor markers. In Daqing, the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, authorities offer free screening for five major cancers — lung, breast, liver, upper gastrointestinal, and colorectal — to citizens aged between 45 and 74. Beyond cancer screenings, physicians also promote healthier daily routines. Zhang Tong, a cancer specialist at Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, encourages seniors to maintain a balanced diet and practice traditional Chinese fitness exercises, such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin, which are known to enhance energy and immune function. Doctors also emphasize that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play a supportive role in conjunction with Western medical treatments. During chemotherapy, therapies like acupuncture and acupoint patches help relieve side effects such as nausea, appetite loss, and constipation. For radiation-related symptoms like skin damage and mouth ulcers, herbal baths and steam therapy offer relief. Li Yuanqing, a colleague of Xue at the same hospital, noted that clinical experience shows these approaches can ease patient discomfort during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Additionally, experts warn of deep-rooted misperceptions. Many older patients place faith in miracle cures or folk remedies, while others fear that conventional treatments like surgery or chemotherapy will only accelerate their decline. 'Treating elderly cancer patients requires balance,' said Xue. 'We can't simply apply treatments designed for younger people, nor should we dismiss care due to age. The key lies in personalized treatment, guided by both medical need and the patient's physical and emotional readiness.' 'With science and compassion as our prescription, more elderly cancer patients can look forward to a dignified late life,' Xue said. – Xinhua cancer China elderly healthcare
Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
China confronts senior cancer surge with early detection, TCM
Early detection remains the most powerful tool in fighting cancer, experts say. PHOTO: AFP BEIJING - With a rapidly aging population, China is facing a pressing new public health challenge: cancer among the elderly. According to the latest data, people over the age of 60 now account for 60.7 per cent of all new cancer diagnoses in the country, making senior cancer care one of the most urgent priorities in China's efforts to deliver health for all. To promote cancer awareness among the elderly, China has launched a week-long national campaign. Medical experts are urging earlier detection, evidence-based treatment, and greater public education to counter myths that often cause seniors to delay or avoid care. China's demographic shift is accelerating: those aged 60 and above now make up more than 20 per cent of the population. By 2035, that figure is expected to reach 30 per cent, with the elderly population surpassing 400 million. A report by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association shows that lung and gastrointestinal cancers are the most prevalent among older adults, accounting for roughly 65 per cent of malignant tumors in this age group. Other commonly diagnosed cancers include liver, lymphoma, prostate, and various blood cancers. 'Cancer among seniors is not uncommon, and it's closely tied to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time,' said Dr Xue Dong, a specialist in senior oncology at Peking University Cancer Hospital. Dr Xue explained that aging cells, a declining immune system, and long-term exposure to carcinogens significantly increase vulnerability. Early detection remains the most powerful tool in fighting cancer, experts say. In response, China's National Health Commission has called for enhanced public health services, including nationwide health checkups for adults aged 65 and older, with more frequent screenings for high-risk groups. Local initiatives are also underway. In Yancheng, East China's Jiangsu province, residents aged 60 to 69 now receive free testing for 12 common tumor markers. In Daqing, the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, authorities offer free screening for five major cancers - lung, breast, liver, upper gastrointestinal, and colorectal - to citizens aged between 45 and 74. Beyond cancer screenings, physicians also promote healthier daily routines. Dr Zhang Tong, a cancer specialist at Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, encourages seniors to maintain a balanced diet and practice traditional Chinese fitness exercises, such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin, which are known to enhance energy and immune function. Doctors also emphasise that traditional Chinese medicine can play a supportive role in conjunction with Western medical treatments. During chemotherapy, therapies like acupuncture and acupoint patches help relieve side effects such as nausea, appetite loss, and constipation. For radiation-related symptoms like skin damage and mouth ulcers, herbal baths and steam therapy offer relief. Dr Li Yuanqing, a colleague of Dr Xue at the same hospital, noted that clinical experience shows these approaches can ease patient discomfort during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Additionally, experts warn of deep-rooted misperceptions. Many older patients place faith in miracle cures or folk remedies, while others fear that conventional treatments like surgery or chemotherapy will only accelerate their decline. 'Treating elderly cancer patients requires balance,' said Dr Xue. 'We can't simply apply treatments designed for younger people, nor should we dismiss care due to age. The key lies in personalised treatment, guided by both medical need and the patient's physical and emotional readiness.' 'With science and compassion as our prescription, more elderly cancer patients can look forward to a dignified late life,' Dr Xue said. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Borneo Post
29-04-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Traditional Chinese medicine 'a cross-cultural avenue' in NYC
Wang Lepeng (R), an associate professor from the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM), checks a visitor's pulse during a free clinic hosted by BUCM and New York-based Smart Health TCM Medical Center (Smart Health TCM) in Manhattan, New York, the United States, on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Ada Zhang/Xinhua) NEW YORK (April 30): A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) event was staged Friday in Manhattan, New York, as part of broader efforts to promote TCM and enhance international understanding of traditional healing arts. The event, cohosted by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM) and New York-based Smart Health TCM Medical Center (Smart Health TCM), featured a TCM lecture, a free TCM clinic, a demonstration of traditional Chinese aerobic exercise Baduanjin or Eight Pieces of Brocade, herbal tea tasting and herbal sachet-making workshops. Jonathan Papish, one of scores of participants at the event, joined in practicing Baduanjin. Papish used to live in China for six years and now works as an acupuncturist in New York. While living in Beijing, he turned to acupuncture for relief from a chronic cough and neck pain. 'It helped me,' he told Xinhua. After returning to the United States, he tried Western treatments and other therapies but found them less effective. 'Nothing helped as much as acupuncture and Qigong. I find it very effective for myself,' he said, adding that the TCM pulled him out of a 'dark place' of health challenges and eventually motivated him to study the practice. 'It's a long journey with studying here for a long time,' he said. Visitors practice traditional Chinese aerobic exercise Baduanjin or Eight Pieces of Brocade, at New York-based Smart Health TCM Medical Center (Smart Health TCM) in Manhattan, New York, the United States on April 25, 2025. (Photo by Ada Zhang/Xinhua) Papish now operates his own acupuncture and herbal clinics. 'Acupuncture is bridging two different cultures and countries,' Papish said. 'The TCM has become a cross-cultural avenue for mutual understanding.' Friday's event marked the final stop of the BUCM's week-long U.S. tour, which included a 'Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Open Day' in Washington, D.C., as well as visits to the West Chester University and the United Nations. Acupuncture has gained significant mainstream acceptance in the United States in recent years. Major insurance providers, including Medicare and private insurers, now cover acupuncture treatments for specific conditions such as chronic pain and migraines. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has officially recognized acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment option for various conditions. 'Just go outside and look — there are a lot of acupuncture clinics in New York and across the West. It's become part of the wellness industry, focusing on stress management, anxiety and relief from overwhelming feelings,' said Papish. Alan Breitman, another participant at Friday's event, has similar experiences with the TCM as Papish's. Suffering from eczema and allergies, Breitman said his TCM treatment is 'a steady progression' that requires patience. 'It's very incremental, unlike Western medicine where you expect big results quickly,' he told Xinhua. 'With the TCM, it's a process.' – Xinhua healthcare New York City traditional chinese medicine
