About 600,000 people die of lung cancer in China on an annual basis, representing the largest number of malignant tumor victims in the country. 

The figure was publicized at a national forum held here recently. Experts attributed the rise of lung cancer victims in the country to the expansion of smoking among students and young women, the rapid pace of life and abnormal life styles.

Sun Yan, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said lung cancer deaths ranked top among all the deaths caused by malignant tumors in 40 cities like Beijing and Shanghai and that the number of victims is growing.

Statistics from the National Office on Tumor Cure and Prevention indicated that men account for 49.6 percent of lung cancer victims and women 34 percent in cities. Currently, lung cancer patients are five to ten years younger.

Some experts said more than 80 percent lung cancer patients miss the optimal time for treatment and suffer from terminal disease when they finally see doctors.

In a declaration issued at the forum, experts called on the government to spend more on the prevention and treatment of lung cancer, enhance anti-smoking education and popularize standard clinical lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.

They also called for healthy life style, no smoking, a balanced diet, scientifically-planned physical exercises and an optimistic attitude towards life, which they said could effectively prevent lung cancer.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2005)