About 300,000 Chinese die of stomach cancer every year, accounting for almost half of the world's total, according to a conference concerning China's anticancer efforts in Xi'an on Tuesday.

The latest statistics released by China Tumor Prevention and Control Office showed every year China has 400,000 new stomach cancer patients and the deadly disease claimed about 300,000 lives in China each year.

Jin Maolin, doctor of Beijing University's clinical tumor school, said currently the stomach cancer is the third deadliest cancer in China following lung cancer and liver cancer.

Most stomach cancer patients in China are at the age from 50 to 80 and men are more likely to catch the deadly disease, Jin said.

The number of women suffering from stomach cancer in the rural areas has risen 25 percent in the last five years, said Jin quoting the latest figures released by National Cancer Control Office.

The doctor said frequent eating of salted food and addition to tobacco and alcohol will raise the possibilities of catching the disease, while exercise, fresh vegetables and fruits can help people prevent cancer.

(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2006)