China reports declining incidence and mortality rates for several common cancers, with a rising five-year survival rate driven by nationwide prevention and screening initiatives.
BEIJING: China has recorded notable declines in the incidence and mortality rates of several common cancers, with the overall five-year survival rate for patients steadily rising.
The National Cancer Centre announced that the incidence and mortality rate of esophageal cancer fell by around 4.5% annually, while death rates for lung cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer dropped by an average of about 2% per year.
National Cancer Centre head He Jie stated that China has achieved steady progress in cancer prevention and control, bringing more confidence and hope to patients and their families.
These positive results follow a raft of measures guided by the principle of prevention first, with research indicating over 40% of cancers can be prevented through primary measures like healthy lifestyles.
Authorities issued 2023 guidelines targeting an 80% public awareness rate for core cancer prevention knowledge by 2030, complemented by a national “cancer prevention manual” of 15 lifestyle tips.
The country has built a multi-tiered prevention network with cancer registry sites now covering 98.6% of all counties and districts nationwide.
Screening coverage for cervical and breast cancer among women has reached 98% at the county level, and the early diagnosis rate for major cancers in key areas has surpassed 55%.
Peking University Shenzhen Hospital’s Liu Jixian said early screening leads to early treatment, offering an effective path to long-term survival for patients with malignant tumours.
Breakthroughs in treatment include a Chinese-developed CAR-T drug expected to break new ground for advanced gastric cancer, reflecting the industry’s burgeoning innovation capacity.
China currently accounts for around one-third of the world’s innovative drugs in development, with 14 new innovative drugs approved so far in 2026 for conditions including cancer.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a greater role, with Alibaba’s DAMO PANDA system showing promise in the early detection of lethal pancreatic cancer.
National Health Commission official Liu Wen pledged greater support for scientific research to accelerate the development of related technologies and drugs.
The official added that digital and smart technologies should be further applied to ensure more standardised and equitable cancer care nationwide.
