China's top health official urges cancer prevention: early screening and healthy lifestyles key

China's top health official has called for greater public vigilance on cancer prevention, urging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and undergo regular screenings, as early detection remains critical.

Speaking at a news conference during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress on Saturday, Lei Haichao, Minister of the National Health Commission, said that while cancer is a major health concern, it is not scary if caught early.

"The key lies in prevention and early screening," Lei said, adding that many patients are diagnosed only when the disease has reached mid-to-late stages, reducing treatment efficacy and driving up costs.

He highlighted unhealthy habits, including smoking, excessive drinking, poor diet, and physical inactivity, as key risk factors, urging self-regulation to reduce the disease burden.

Lei also issued specific screening advice. People aged 50 and above with a smoking history or family lung cancer risk should get annual low-dose CT scans. Those at risk for colorectal cancer should have a colonoscopy every three to five years. Individuals aged 45 and above with heavy alcohol use or gastric issues should consider regular gastroscopy.

"If a tumor occurs among grandparents, parents, peers, or the next generation, it should be taken very seriously. Tumors tend to have obvious hereditary characteristics," he said.