Preventable forms of cancer are killing far too many people in China, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the eve of World Cancer Day, the body urged people in China to give up smoking, get more exercise, moderate their alcohol intake, and eat healthier food.

The WHO noted that more than 2.8 million people died of cancer in China last year, with an average of 7,500 such deaths per day.

"The real tragedy is that most of these cases are preventable," said Dr Bernhard Schwartlander, representative for the WHO in China.

Smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diets and lack of physical activity all greatly increase the risk of cancer.

About 30 percent of cancer deaths in China are caused by lung cancer.

"There are over 315 million smokers in China, and the number continues to rise.

"Nearly half of all Chinese men smoke. Unsurprisingly, lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among men."

Schwartlander also stressed the broader national impact of not controlling smoking on cancer.

"Cancer is not just an individual health issue — it reaches into all aspects of society, including the economy and the public health system," he said.

The medical expert urged the country to focus on raising people's awareness of healthy lifestyles, promoting early diagnosis and improving treatment, saying that China's ongoing health reforms should help to improve the situation.

The country has been restructuring the public health network and improving services in less developed rural areas, including free screenings for cervical and breast cancer for rural women.

Beijing and a number of other cities have also banned smoking in public places.

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