World Book Day | When Words Serve as a Prescription for Healing Life: There Might Be Light within Books
Guangzhou, April 23 — April 23 marks World Book Day, a celebration of reading and knowledge across the globe. The day’s official declaration carries a heartfelt message: “We hope that people scattered around the world, whether young or old, rich or poor, sick or healthy, can enjoy the pleasure of reading, respect and thank the great masters who have contributed to human civilization, and protect intellectual property.”
For patients, reading is like a beam of light. It offers a new perspective, helping them confront illness, reflect on the meaning of life, and find strength in the wisdom of words. Books become a source of warmth and courage, piercing through the haze of disease and serving as a spiritual beacon in the fight for life.
To mark the occasion, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center hosted a special event themed “Reading for Life: Books as a Light on the Cancer Journey.” The gathering featured a dialogue between Professor Qian Chaonan, President of Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, and veteran journalist and author of Patients Without Borders, Mr. Shi Yonggang.
During the discussion, Mr. Shi shared his profound insights gained from battling illness, as well as his valuable treatment experience at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of America’s leading cancer hospitals. He also offered an in-depth comparison of the healthcare systems in China and the United States, providing patients and families with practical knowledge and meaningful inspiration.
Mr. Shi Yonggang, a journalist and author of Patients Without Borders, shared his inspiring story of fighting rare cancer for over ten years, spanning both China and the United States, at Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center’s World Book Day event.
Throughout more than 3,000 days of treatment, Mr. Shi underwent two surgeries, five relapses, six rounds of radiotherapy, and participated in three clinical trials for new cancer drugs. Against all odds, he emerged with renewed life.
In his book, Patients Without Borders, Mr. Shi reflects on his tumultuous treatment journey and also documents the stories of Chinese patients who sought life-saving treatment in the U.S. His book offers real-life case studies, invaluable insights on cancer treatment, and profound reflections on the human spirit in the face of illness.
One reader at the event, Ms. Nie, expressed her admiration: “The author shares his decade-long experience of battling cancer in both China and the U.S. Despite facing five relapses, he ultimately achieved tumor stability. The twists and turns in his story are astounding, and I am deeply impressed by his resilience and immense courage in fighting the disease.”
In Patients Without Borders, the book is filled with thought-provoking "golden quotes" that reflect Mr. Shi Yonggang's cross-border medical experiences, human observations, and profound realizations about life and death. These insights are not only medical guides but also spiritual bandages for the soul.
Clinical studies have shown that reading books on health and wellness can enhance cognitive function and uplift the spirit. Such reading acts as a mental remedy during the treatment process, promoting recovery and even sparking hope for a new lease on life.
At Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center, the power of spiritual healing is embodied in the pervasive aroma of books throughout the hospital. Around every corner of the inpatient corridors, in the morning light of the waiting areas, and beside the sofas in the radiotherapy zones, shelves of books are within arm's reach. Nearly 10,000 books form a spiritual ark, enriching both body and soul. As President Qian Chaonan aptly puts it, “Medicine heals the body, while words heal the soul. When medicine reaches the limits of the body, words become another light to illuminate the dark chambers of life.”
If the length of life is immeasurable, then let the depth of the spirit serve as the armor against pain. The battle against illness is never a lonely one. The sparks of thought that leap from the pages and the courage embedded in the written word always stand beside every patient. In the days when flowers bloom, we find the most resilient strength of life through reading.
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The “Reading Corners” Found Throughout Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center
At the “Reading for Life: Books as a Light on the Cancer Journey” event, Mr. Shi Yonggang shared a wealth of invaluable medical insights and advice drawn from his personal years of battling cancer. His firsthand experiences equipped patients with practical knowledge, helping them avoid unnecessary detours and make more informed decisions on their cancer journey.
Many patients, when seeking medical care, often prioritize hospitals with higher reputations. However, some general hospitals may not have top rankings in specific specialized departments. Based on my personal experience over the years, specialized hospitals, expert departments, advanced treatment techniques, and international treatment philosophies play a crucial role in the treatment process.
I recommend that patients refer to Fudan University’s rankings of domestic hospital departments and, depending on their condition, select the most suitable hospital. This ensures a solid foundation for effective disease treatment.
In many cases, patients do not adequately prepare for doctor’s visits. They often forget to record important details explained by the doctor, and only realize after leaving the hospital that there were questions left unanswered, or key information was forgotten. Every time I visit a doctor, I make sure to prepare specific questions based on my previous test results and any changes in my health condition. For example, if the last CT scan showed a nodule in my lungs, I would ask whether the nodule has grown compared to the previous scan, or whether the liver issue has been resolved.
Only by asking detailed and targeted questions can a doctor provide a more precise and satisfactory answer. Sometimes, the questions may be pointed or difficult, but a dedicated and responsible doctor will take the time to discuss and explore them thoroughly with you.
In the treatment of certain cancers, such as lung cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, domestic medical expertise may have certain advantages. However, for rare and complex conditions, the gap between domestic and international medical capabilities can be significant. If circumstances allow, patients should consider seeking the most suitable hospitals and doctors globally for their specific conditions.
When domestic treatment options are limited, international telemedicine consultations can offer a broader range of treatment recommendations. For example, Guangzhou Concord Cancer Center has partnered with Mayo Clinic International to offer teleconsultation services, providing patients with convenient access to world-class medical expertise, even while receiving care in China.
In the field of cancer treatment in China, the importance of radiotherapy is often underestimated, with many patients only considering it after undergoing surgery and chemotherapy. However, internationally, advanced radiotherapy techniques such as stereotactic radiotherapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy are widely used.
From my own treatment experience, I can attest to the crucial role that radiotherapy played in my battle against cancer. During my treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center, I underwent six cycles of radiotherapy. The treatment helped “extinguish” rapidly growing tumors, buying valuable time and opportunities for further systemic therapy.
Proton therapy, as a high-end, precise cancer treatment technology, offers significant advantages. I highly recommend that patients give it due consideration and actively explore its use.