Cancer statistics in China: Epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention

Cancer is a leading cause of death in China, and its epidemiological profile has shifted markedly in recent years. This review summarizes contemporary trends in cancer incidence and mortality, delineates the major modifiable risk factors, and highlights recent national efforts to ease the burden of cancer. In 2022, China recorded 4.8 million new cancer cases (crude rate: 341.7 per 100,000) and 2.5 million cancer deaths (182.3 per 100,000). Lung, colorectal, thyroid, liver, stomach, and female breast cancers accounted for 65% of all diagnoses, while lung, liver, stomach, colorectal, and esophageal cancers constituted 67.5% of cancer deaths. Notable shifts in sex-specific rankings underscored the rising mortality burden of prostate, female breast, and cervical cancers. China has made measurable progress in cancer control. Between 2000 and 2018, the age-standardized mortality rate for all cancers declined by approximately 1.3% annually, and the age-standardized 5-year relative survival improved from 30.9% in 2003-2005 to 43.7% in 2019-2021. According to Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023, nearly half of cancer deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were attributable to modifiable risk factors such as tobacco, air pollution, high alcohol use, dietary risks, and unsafe sex. In response, the government has implemented a suite of prevention-oriented policies, including expansion of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, strengthened tobacco control, sustained air pollution reduction, enhanced health education, and broadened cancer screening coverage. Collectively, these initiatives demonstrate a sustained national commitment to reducing the cancer burden.