China faces a rising cancer burden, with lung, female breast, thyroid, colorectal and liver cancers ranking among the most common types in 2024, according to the latest national cancer survey.
An estimated 5.15 million new cancer cases and 2.58 million cancer deaths occurred in China in 2024, according to the survey led by the National Cancer Center and recently published in the Chinese Journal of Oncology.
"Compared with data from previous years, the burden of malignant cancer among the Chinese population continues to show a worsening trend," the study said, noting that population aging is a significant contributing factor.
Despite the rising burden, China's age-adjusted cancer mortality rate has declined by an average of 1.3 percent annually, the study found.
"Through the control of risk factors, the implementation of screening, early diagnosis and treatment, and standardized treatment, China has achieved significant outcomes in cancer prevention and control, but overall efforts still face a long and challenging road ahead," it said.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer cases and deaths both worldwide and in China, particularly among people aged 60 and above, the study said.
Gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal, liver and stomach cancers, remain a major health threat. Incidence rates begin rising rapidly after age 40, while mortality rates start increasing after age 50.
Thyroid cancer, meanwhile, is concentrated largely among younger people, ranking as the most common cancer among those aged 20 to 39.
"This pattern is consistent with the epidemiological trends observed in many countries worldwide and may be closely related to the widespread adoption of neck radiological imaging surveillance techniques in clinical practice and routine health examinations," the study said.
To avoid overdiagnosis, thyroid cancer screening is recommended only for high-risk individuals rather than the general population, it added.
The study also highlighted the growing number of younger women diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women aged 20 to 39 and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among those aged 40 to 59.
The findings underscore the need for targeted screening and early diagnosis and treatment strategies tailored to high-risk groups, the study said.
Han Baohui, a chief physician at Shanghai Chest Hospital, said at a news conference that people at high risk of lung cancer include those with a long history of smoking or who live with heavy smokers, patients with lung diseases, workers exposed to toxic substances such as asbestos and people with a family history of malignant tumors.
"These individuals are recommended to undergo annual low-dose spiral CT screening after reaching 50 years of age," he said.
Wu Aiwen of Beijing Cancer Hospital said people are advised to undergo their first gastroscopy at age 45, particularly those with risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. A first colonoscopy is recommended at age 40.
Wei Wenqiang, a researcher at the National Cancer Center, said the five-year survival rate for some cancers detected at an early stage, including breast, colorectal, esophageal and gastric cancers, can exceed 90 percent.
"Many early-stage tumors show no symptoms, so it is essential to adhere to regular, standardized screening," he said.
