The state of cancer in the world and in China and the interpretation of its prevention and control strategy
I. Global cancer profile
Today, in the twenty-first century, cancer has become one of the major challenges facing global public health. According to the most recent data released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the number of new cancer cases around the world in 2022 was close to 20 million (the figures varied slightly from one data source to another, but were generally accepted between 1996 and 20 million), and behind this alarming figure was about 9.7 million cancer deaths per year. These data clearly show that, despite continuous advances in medical science and technology, cancer continues to pose a significant threat to human health and is a major public health problem that needs to be addressed globally.
II. Global cancer and mortality patterns
Globally, lung cancer is at the top of the cancer list with high morbidity and mortality rates. The number of new cases of lung cancer is about 2.5 million per year, accounting for nearly 1/8 of the total number of new cancer cases (12.4 per cent), and it is also the leading cause of cancer deaths, with deaths accounting for nearly 1/5 of the total number of cancer deaths (18.7 per cent). This critical situation reminds us of the importance that must be attached to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
In addition, female breast cancer should not be overlooked. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, with new cases following lung cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women. This situation highlights the importance of health protection for women, particularly with regard to early screening and intervention in breast cancer.
At the same time, the incidence of cancers such as colon cancer and prostate cancer is increasing year by year, becoming an important part of the global cancer burden. The rising trends in these cancers may be closely related to changes in lifestyles, dietary habits and environmental factors, suggesting that we need to take a multifaceted approach to strengthening cancer prevention and control.
It is worth noting that there are significant regional differences in the incidence and mortality of cancer globally. In developed countries, the incidence of cancers such as breast cancer and colon cancer is high, while in developing countries the risk of cancers such as liver and stomach cancer is greater. This difference reflects differences between countries and regions in terms of levels of economic development, health conditions and lifestyles.
III. Cancer in China
As the most populous country in the world, China faces more complex challenges in cancer prevention and control. Data show that the number of newly diagnosed cancer cases in China reached 4.82 million in 2022, or 24.1 per cent of global cases, and that the number of cancer deaths was 2.57 million, or 26.5 per cent of global cases. These data make China a truly “cancer power”.
In China, lung, colon, thyroid, liver and breast cancer are the five most prevalent types of cancer; lung, liver, stomach, colon and oesophagus cancer are the leading causes of cancer mortality. These types of cancer not only pose a serious threat to the lives and health of the Chinese people, but also place an enormous economic burden on the State and society.
Despite an average annual increase of 1.4 per cent in the rate of all cancer species in China in recent years, the rate of nominal cancer deaths has declined by 1.3 per cent per year. This trend indicates that China has achieved some success in cancer control, but the incidence and mortality of certain specific cancers (e.g. prostate, colon cancer, etc.) are still on the rise and need to be further strengthened.
IV. Cancer control strategies
In the face of the increasing global and Chinese cancer burden, we need to take a series of measures to strengthen cancer prevention and control. First, it is essential to strengthen cancer education. The incidence of cancer can be effectively reduced by raising public awareness and attention to cancer and promoting healthy lifestyles, such as abdication of alcohol and alcohol, a reasonable diet, and an adequate amount of exercise.
Secondly, the promotion of cancer screening is also an important means of preventing and controlling cancer. Through regular cancer screening, cancer can be detected and treated at an early stage, thus increasing its cure and survival. Governments should increase their investment in and support for cancer screening projects to ensure that more people benefit from this service.
In addition, enhanced scientific research is an indispensable part of cancer prevention and control. Through an in-depth study of cancer morbidity and treatment mechanisms, we can seek new breakthroughs and innovations to provide more effective treatment for cancer patients.
Finally, the improvement of the health-care system is one of the important measures to combat cancer. The establishment of a robust health-care system can provide timely and effective medical care and financial support to cancer patients and reduce their burden and suffering. The Government should increase its investment in and reform of the health-care system to ensure that more people with cancer had access to quality health care.
In the light of the above, the global and Chinese cancer burden is still very heavy, but we must step up our efforts to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality rates and improve public health awareness and quality of life by taking active and effective preventive and control measures, and by increasing our efforts in the areas of education, screening, scientific research and health care.
