Digestive cancers in China: A two-decade burden with uneven gains in life expectancy
Peer-Reviewed Publication
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 15-Dec-2025 14:11 ET (15-Dec-2025 19:11 GMT/UTC)
A nationwide study published in eGastroenterology reveals that while age-standardised mortality from digestive system malignancies (DSMTs) has declined in China between 2004 and 2021, significant disparities persist by cancer type, gender, and region. Oesophageal, gastric, and liver cancer rates decreased, reflecting effective public health interventions. In contrast, mortality from pancreatic and colorectal cancers rose, especially in males and rural populations. The study also highlights improvements in life expectancy and reductions in premature mortality from DSMTs. However, persistent inequities underline the need for targeted cancer prevention, improved screening, and equitable healthcare access.
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