April 15 marks the start of China's National Anti-Cancer Week, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and knowledge about cancer's impact on the nation. The event highlights the country's commitment to increasing the overall five-year survival rate for cancer patients to 46.6 percent by 2030. As of 2022, this rate has already improved to 43.7 percent from 40.5 percent in 2015, according to the National Health Commission (NHC).
Continuous monitoring by the National Cancer Center (NCC) from 2000 through 2018 has shown an average annual decrease of 1.3 percent in the age-standardized mortality rate from malignant tumors. In 2022 alone, China reported 4.82 million cases of malignant tumors, with lung, colorectal, thyroid, liver, and gastric cancers being the most prevalent.
Useful Tips for Cancer Prevention
While cancer remains a complex disease influenced by various factors, there are proactive steps individuals can take to reduce their risk. NHC experts suggest that up to 40 percent of cancers could be avoidable through lifestyle changes and managing risk factors. Additionally, early detection through regular screenings plays a crucial role in improving treatment outcomes.
Reference(s):
Anti-Cancer Week: What can I do to keep tumors away from me?
cgtn.com
