Shanghai has seen a rising incidence of cancer in recent years, with 300 cases reported among every 100,000 people, new statistics have show.

The ratio is very close to that in some developed countries, according to the Shanghai Municipal Disease Control and Prevention Center, adding cancer has become the second leading cause of death following cardiovascular disease in the city.

The city now has more than 110,000 cancer patients and the number is likely to rise by more than 50,000 annually by 2015, with 400 cancer patients reported among every 100,000 people by then.

Lung cancer and breast cancer are the two major causes of death of local cancer patients, the center said. The incidence of lung cancer is 56.6:100,00 in Shanghai and that of breast cancer among females in the city rose by two over the last 30 years, with 60 cases reported in every 100,000 people.

Experts with the center said that higher incidence of cancer has much to do with aging, unhealthy lifestyles and the environment.

85 percent of lung cancer patients are found to have smoked. In Shanghai, more than 70 percent of males smoke.

Experts suggest that people should smoke less, eat healthier, exercise more and reduce fat so as to keep healthy and prevent from contracting cancer.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2005)