China” used to boast the world’s largest population, and since it is a neighboring country of Japan, some people may be curious about it.
In this blog, I have often introduced the U.S. as a country other than Japan, but this time I will focus on China and summarize my research.
China is the world’s largest cancer country
China is the world’s largest cancer country, with approximately 4.3 million new cases diagnosed and 2.8 million deaths in 2015.
By 2020, about 4.58 million new cases will be diagnosed and about 3 million will die.
This figure accounts for about one-third of the total number of cancer patients worldwide.
In Japan, on the other hand, about 1 million people were newly diagnosed and about 300,000 died.
Incidence in China
Males
Top 5 sites: (approx. 110,000/100,000)
Lung cancer (approx. 110,000/100,000)
Stomach cancer (approx. 37,000/100,000)
Esophageal cancer (approx. 24,000/100,000)
Colorectal cancer (approx. 22,000/100,000)
Liver cancer (approx. 18,000/100,000)
Female
Top 5 sites
Breast cancer (approx. 37,000/100,000)
Lung cancer (approx. 28,000/100,000)
Stomach cancer (approx. 22,000/100,000)
Cervical cancer (approx. 11,000/100,000)
Colorectal cancer (approx. 10,000/100,000)
Mortality in China
Males
Top 5 sites:.
Lung cancer (approx. 84,000/100,000)
Liver cancer (approx. 24,000/100,000)
Stomach cancer (approx. 19,000/100,000)
Esophageal cancer (approx. 14,000/100,000)
Colorectal cancer (approx. 12,000/100,000)
Female
Top 5 sites
Lung cancer (approx. 21,000/100,000)
Liver cancer (approx. 15,000/100,000)
Stomach cancer (approx. 13,000/100,000)
Cervical cancer (approx. 0.4 million/100,000)
Colorectal cancer (approx. 0.4 million/100,000)
morbidity and mortality
In China, lung, stomach, liver, esophageal, and breast cancers are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
In Japan, stomach, colon, lung, breast, and prostate cancer account for the highest incidence and mortality rates.
In China, lung cancer is the most common cancer in both men and women, accounting for about 40% of all lung cancer deaths worldwide.
In Japan, stomach cancer has long ranked first, but in recent years colorectal cancer has taken the top spot.
A comparison of cancer incidence and mortality rates between China and Japan shows that the following cancers are more common in China
Men: lung, stomach, esophagus, and liver cancer
Women: lung, stomach, and cervical cancer
This may be due to China’s high smoking rate, severe air pollution, and dietary differences.
On the other hand, the incidence rates of colorectal and prostate cancer in Japan are higher than in China.
This can be attributed to Japan’s aging society and dietary changes.
A comparison of cancer incidence and mortality rates between China and Japan shows that the following cancers are more common in China
Men: lung, stomach, esophagus, and liver cancer
Women: lung, stomach, and cervical cancer
This may be due to China’s high smoking rate, severe air pollution, and dietary differences.
On the other hand, the incidence rates of colorectal and prostate cancer in Japan are higher than in China.
This can be attributed to Japan’s aging society and dietary changes.
regional disparities
In China, there is a significant difference in cancer incidence and mortality rates between the eastern coastal regions and the western inland regions.
The eastern coastal areas tend to have higher rates of lung, colorectal, and breast cancer due to their more advanced economic development and more westernized lifestyles.
In the inland west, where economic development is slower and lifestyles are more traditional, incidence rates of stomach, esophageal, and liver cancers tend to be higher.
In Japan, regional disparities are relatively small, but there are differences in incidence rates of stomach and colorectal cancer between urban and rural areas.
prevention and early detection
In China, lifestyle habits such as smoking, air pollution, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise are thought to contribute to the high incidence of cancer.
Stomach and esophageal cancers are thought to be caused by Helicobacter pylori and excessive salt intake.
Liver cancer is thought to be caused by infection with hepatitis B or C viruses.
In Japan, smoking, aging population, and unhealthy diet are thought to contribute to the high incidence of cancer.
In recent years, the incidence of stomach and esophageal cancer has been decreasing, while the incidence of colorectal and lung cancer has been increasing.
Early detection and early treatment are important to reduce cancer mortality, but are not yet fully implemented in China.
This is believed to be due to limited access to medical care in many areas and lack of knowledge about cancer.
In Japan, the importance of early detection and treatment has been recognized, and screening for stomach, colorectal, and cervical cancer has become widespread.
access to treatment
China has made remarkable progress in cancer treatment in recent years, introducing state-of-the-art therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and molecular targeted drug therapy.
However, the high cost of treatment has become a major burden for many patients.
The Chinese government is making efforts to improve access to treatment for cancer patients by expanding the medical insurance system and introducing a medical cost support system for low-income people.
In Japan, the universal health insurance system allows patients to receive medical care at a relatively low cost.
In recent years, systems such as the high-cost medical care cost system have been introduced, and efforts are underway to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients.
government measures
The Chinese government has formulated a national cancer control plan and is stepping up its efforts in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and research.
Specifically, it is promoting anti-smoking campaigns, air pollution control, promotion of healthy eating habits, popularization of cancer screening, training of medical professionals, and investment in cancer research.
The Japanese government has also formulated the Basic Act on Cancer Control and is promoting initiatives aimed at conquering cancer.
Specifically, it is enacting anti-smoking laws, promoting cancer screening, promoting research and development of cancer treatments, and enhancing patient support.
Summary
I learned for the first time from my own research that China is the “world’s number one cancer country” only because of its large population.
It seems that air pollution and a large population of smokers are related to this, and the Chinese government will strengthen its efforts to reduce the number of cancer patients in the future.
The number of cancer patients in China is quite large, accounting for 1/3 of the world’s cancer patients.
In recent years, Chinese companies and the government have been putting considerable effort into the development of treatment methods and anti-cancer drugs, so we have high expectations for the future!