Cancer Prevention Research in China

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing in developing countries, posing a significant challenge to China.
• China faces a dual burden of traditional and emerging cancer types, with alarming increases in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.
• Lifestyle and environmental shifts due to economic development and an aging population contribute to rising cancer rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review past achievements in cancer prevention research in China.
• To identify current needs and challenges in cancer prevention.
• To suggest future research directions, focusing on major emerging cancers.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article, synthesizing existing research and data on cancer prevention in China.
• Analysis of cancer incidence and mortality trends in China.
• Examination of contributions to traditional and emerging cancer prevention research.

Main Results:

• Cancer is the leading cause of death in China, with incidence rates of 174.0 per 100,000 and mortality rates of 122.2 per 100,000 in 2012.
• A significant increase in "Western" cancers (lung, breast, colorectum) alongside traditional Chinese cancers (stomach, liver, esophagus, cervix, nasopharynx).
• A substantial proportion of these cancers are preventable, highlighting the importance of prevention strategies.

Conclusions:

• Cancer prevention research in China has made progress, particularly for traditional cancers.
• There is an urgent need for enhanced cancer prevention research and implementation, especially for prevalent and emerging cancer types.
• Future research should prioritize major emerging cancers and address lifestyle and environmental factors contributing to the cancer burden.