Chen Minhua gives an interview at her office. [Xinhua]

An ultrasound diagnosis expert at Beijing Cancer Hospital has been committed to research on liver cancer since the 80s with an aim to help improve the lives of patients affected by the disease.

Chen Minhua, 72, is the chief medical expert in her department.

In 1985, Chen and her colleagues wrote a paper on the early diagnosis of liver cancer, which was awarded a top prize at the First Oncology Conference of the Ministry of Health of China. 

The research was significant because the test she recommended for liver cancer was regarded as a taboo area in medicine at the time.

In 1999, Chen began to conduct research on treatment strategies and introduce the use of new instruments. 

In 2002, she started to take advantage of ultrasonic imaging technology, which was available in the country for the first time and led her team to work day and night.

In 2004, a guide formulated by the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology was officially introduced into China for clinical application. Through analysis and research, Chen found that the guide was unsuitable for early diagnosis of liver cancer for Chinese patients.

She then formulated the Chinese Ultrasonic Contrast guide and afterwards gave a speech at an international conference. 

As it turned out, she received high praise and was entrusted by organizers to guide the next conference. 

Though she has suffered from heart problems and high blood pressure, she has not yet retired. She works for two days a week and on other days she is totally engrossed in research materials, manuscripts and books.

Speaking of her future plan, she said she will keep working and doing research so long as she can move her body.