Approximately 150 million people in China are reported to have pulmonary nodules, according to state media sources. The surge in cases has been attributed to an increase in screening practices following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, skepticism surrounding the official narrative has emerged from both experts and the public, who suspect that multiple factors contribute to this alarming statistic.
The state-owned outlet, National Business Daily, reported on January 8, 2025, that the number of individuals diagnosed with pulmonary nodules surpassed the number of diabetes patients in the country, estimated to be between 120 million and 150 million. This raises significant concerns, especially as lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China, with approximately 75 percent of cases diagnosed at advanced stages, as noted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
In addressing the issue, Dr. Zhong Nanshan, a prominent pulmonologist and adviser on respiratory infectious diseases, indicated that the rise in CT scans post-pandemic has led to increased detection of pulmonary nodules. He reassured the public that most nodules are benign but cautioned that nearly 11 percent can exhibit malignant characteristics. Despite this, the report failed to elaborate on the underlying causes of the significant increase in cases.
Many experts suggest that the situation is not solely due to enhanced screening. Xiaoxu Sean Lin, an associate professor of Biomedical Science at Fei Tian College, argues that a combination of factors, including environmental pollution and the long-term effects of COVID-19, contribute to the high incidence of pulmonary nodules. He highlighted that repeated COVID-19 infections could lead to a substantial number of long COVID cases, with many individuals potentially developing pulmonary nodules without realizing it.
The concerns extend to vaccine-related issues as well. Lin pointed out that substandard manufacturing processes for domestically produced vaccines could result in adverse effects, including pulmonary nodules. He criticized the Chinese government for not disclosing the full spectrum of vaccine side effects, calling it a deliberate concealment.
Personal testimonies further illustrate the growing unease. A patient from Hebei Province, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, reported developing pulmonary nodules and several autoimmune diseases after receiving the Sinovac vaccine. He claimed that nearly everyone he knows who received the vaccine shares similar health issues, raising questions about vaccine safety and transparency.
Rights activist Qian Dalong from Beijing echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the issues related to COVID-19 vaccines are being suppressed by authorities. He noted that individuals seeking redress for vaccine-related injuries face significant challenges and potential repercussions, including arrest.
In response to the rising number of pulmonary nodules, National Business Daily highlighted a new insurance initiative launched by West China Hospital of Sichuan University, aimed at providing digital therapy for comprehensive management of pulmonary nodules. While this initiative claims to cover millions, critics like Lin argue that it simply shifts public dissatisfaction with healthcare shortcomings into a new commercial insurance model.
The implications of the substantial number of pulmonary nodules in China raise critical questions about public health, vaccine safety, and government transparency. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic, the health of millions remains a pressing concern.
