Early Cancer Screening in China: Trends and Insights

Strategic Insights -

Research published in Scientific Reports has examined the effectiveness of early cancer screening programs in China, specifically targeting high-risk populations. A survey of 75,554 participants aged 40-74 in Nanchang, China, between 2018 and 2022 revealed an overall high-risk rate of 54.12%. The study found that lung cancer had the highest risk rate among the five cancers studied, with a risk rate of 29.54%. The participation rate for breast cancer screening was the highest, followed by lung, liver, colorectal, and upper gastrointestinal cancers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that early cancer screening is globally acknowledged as a key strategy for reducing cancer mortality and improving treatment efficacy.
  • The overall high-risk rate for cancer was 54.12%, with no significant gender difference.
  • The highest risk rate was observed in the 65-69 age group, with a risk rate of 61.88%.
  • Lung cancer had the highest risk rate among the five cancers studied, with a risk rate of 29.54%.
  • The participation rate for breast cancer screening was the highest, followed by lung, liver, colorectal, and upper gastrointestinal cancers.
  • The study observed a decrease in the overall high-risk rate and an increase in screening adherence for lung and colorectal cancers.
  • Enhancing awareness campaigns for lung cancer, refining screening methods for upper gastrointestinal cancers, and increasing participation in screening programs are crucial.

Statistics:

  • 75,554 participants were assessed between 2018 and 2022.
  • The overall high-risk rate for cancer was 54.12%.
  • The highest risk rate was observed in the 65-69 age group, with a risk rate of 61.88%.
  • Lung cancer had the highest risk rate, with a risk rate of 29.54%.
  • The participation rate for breast cancer screening was the highest, with a rate of 50.02%.
  • The participation rate for lung cancer screening was 45.12%, followed by liver cancer (41.14%), colorectal cancer (39.86%), and upper gastrointestinal cancer (38.22%).

Sources:

  • Effectiveness of early cancer screening and diagnosis in urban China. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):23160.
  • Yuanyuan Rui et al. Data on Lung Cancer Reported by Yuanyuan Rui and Colleagues (Effectiveness of early cancer screening and diagnosis in urban China). China Weekly News. July 15, 2025; p 189.