Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) — With its rapidly aging population, China is facing a new pressing health problem: cancer among the elderly.
According to the latest data, people over 60 now account for 60.7 percent of all new cancer cases in the country, making cancer care for the elderly one of the most urgent priorities in China’s efforts to ensure health for all.
A week-long national campaign has been launched in China to raise awareness of cancer among older people. Medical experts are calling for earlier detection, evidence-based treatment and more public education to combat myths that often cause older people to delay or avoid treatment.
China’s demographic shift is accelerating: People aged 60 and over now make up more than 20 percent of the population. That figure is expected to reach 30 percent by 2035, with the elderly population surpassing 400 million.
A report from the Chinese Cancer Association shows that lung and gastrointestinal cancers are most common among older adults, accounting for about 65 percent of malignancies in this age group. Other commonly diagnosed cancers include liver, lymphoma, prostate, and various blood cancers.
“Cancer is not uncommon among the elderly, and it is closely related to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time,” says Xue Dong, a specialist in geriatric oncology at Peking University Cancer Hospital. Cell aging, decreased immunity, and long-term exposure to carcinogens greatly increase vulnerability, Xue Dong explains.
Early diagnosis remains the most powerful tool in the fight against cancer, experts say.
In response, China’s National Health Commission has called for expanded public health services, including nationwide health checks for adults aged 65 and above, with more frequent screenings for high-risk groups.
Local initiatives are also underway. In Yancheng, east China’s Jiangsu Province, residents aged 60 to 69 are now being tested for 12 common tumor markers for free. In Daqing, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, authorities are offering citizens aged 45 to 74 free screening for five major cancers – lung, breast, liver, upper gastrointestinal tract, and colon.
In addition to cancer screenings, doctors also promote healthy living. Zhang Tong, an oncology specialist at Xiyuan Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medicine, advises older adults to eat a balanced diet and engage in traditional Chinese fitness exercises such as tai chi and baduanjin, which are known to boost energy and immune function.
Doctors also emphasize that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play a supporting role in combination with Western treatment methods.
During chemotherapy, treatments such as acupuncture and spot treatments can help reduce side effects such as nausea, loss of appetite, and constipation. Herbal baths and steam therapy can help with radiation-related symptoms such as skin damage and mouth sores.
Li Yuanqing, Xue Dong’s colleague at the same hospital, noted that clinical experience shows that these approaches can ease patient discomfort during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Experts also warn of deeply ingrained misconceptions. Many older patients believe in miracle cures or folk remedies, while others fear that traditional treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy will only accelerate their deterioration.
“Treating older cancer patients requires a balance,” Xue Dong said. “We can’t just apply treatments designed for younger people, nor should we discard treatments because of age. The key is individualized treatment based on both the patient’s medical needs and physical and emotional readiness.”
“Thanks to the science and compassion we use, more and more elderly cancer patients will be able to live a dignified life,” says Xue Dong. -0-