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The Star
13-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Top Chinese oncologist and director of Jilin Cancer Hospital, Cheng Ying, has passed away
A top Chinese oncologist and physician-scientist, Cheng Ying, has died suddenly aged 62, according to multiple sources. There has been no official statement about the doctor's death, and the cause of death is not known. Cheng was director of the Jilin Cancer Hospital and according to their outpatient records, she last appeared at the specialist team clinic she led on the morning of July 2. Subsequently, her appointment schedule was removed from the hospital's outpatient information sheet, and news about her from the past year has been removed from the hospital's website. The most recent publicly documented appearance by Cheng was on May 10 at the annual meeting of the small-cell carcinoma committee of the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association in Changchun. Cheng served as chairwoman of the committee at the meeting, where she presented and released a report on research into small-cell carcinoma. Cheng was a top-tier cancer expert in China. In July 1986, she graduated from Bethune Medical University, now called the School of Medicine, Jilin University. She then held positions including director, deputy president, president and party secretary at Jilin Cancer Hospital. In 2009, she received the Chinese medical profession's highest honour, the Chinese Physician Award, and in 2014, was named Outstanding Hospital President by the Chinese Hospital Association. Cheng was a pioneer in clinical trials for tumour diseases, especially small-cell lung carcinoma. From 2018, she ranked first nationally for seven consecutive years in the number of newly initiated registration clinical trials. The 2019 China Principal Investigator Tumor Clinical Trial Undertaking Report ranked Cheng No 1 nationally across multiple statistical dimensions. On September 13 last year, results from the ADRIATIC clinical study led by Cheng as principal investigator were published in The New England Journal of Medicine, an esteemed international medical journal. The study, funded by AstraZeneca, showed that patients with small-cell carcinoma who received adjuvant duvalizumab – a type of therapy involving the immunotherapy drug durvalumab given after primary treatment – had significantly longer overall and progression-free survival than those who received placebo. Duvalizumab, a PD-L1 immunosuppressant, was approved in China in December 2019 for the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma patients and has since been expanded for the treatment of small-cell carcinoma, either as a single agent or in combination. In October, AstraZeneca revealed that its global executive vice-president international and president of AstraZeneca China, Lei Wang, was under investigation by Chinese authorities. In January, a letter of opinion issued by Shenzhen Customs indicated that AstraZeneca was suspected of evading import taxes on duvalizumab worth US$900,000. AstraZeneca said it 'declined to comment'. There has been no official statement on Cheng's death from either Changchun city authorities or the Jilin Cancer Hospital. Top hospital directors in China hold power and influence but have also borne the pressure of rapid growth in the medical and health sectors in recent years. In 2016, Shi Yingkang was the longest-serving president in the history of West China Hospital, having led the top-tier Chinese hospital for 20 years, when he died suddenly. The Chinese government has targeted the sector as part of an anti-corruption campaign. By August 2023, investigators reported netting more than 160 hospital bosses that year alone. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
China confronts senior cancer surge with early detection, TCM
A robot conducts moxibustion therapy on a senior resident at Shenzhen Nursing Home in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, March 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Liang Xu) BEIJING (July 8): With a rapidly aging population, China is facing a pressing new public health challenge: cancer among the elderly. According to the latest data, people over the age of 60 now account for 60.7 per cent of all new cancer diagnoses in the country, making senior cancer care one of the most urgent priorities in China's efforts to deliver health for all. To promote cancer awareness among the elderly, China has launched a week-long national campaign. Medical experts are urging earlier detection, evidence-based treatment, and greater public education to counter myths that often cause seniors to delay or avoid care. China's demographic shift is accelerating: those aged 60 and above now make up more than 20 percent of the population. By 2035, that figure is expected to reach 30 percent, with the elderly population surpassing 400 million. A report by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association shows that lung and gastrointestinal cancers are the most prevalent among older adults, accounting for roughly 65 percent of malignant tumors in this age group. Other commonly diagnosed cancers include liver, lymphoma, prostate, and various blood cancers. 'Cancer among seniors is not uncommon, and it's closely tied to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time,' said Xue Dong, a specialist in senior oncology at Peking University Cancer Hospital. Xue explained that aging cells, a declining immune system, and long-term exposure to carcinogens significantly increase vulnerability. Early detection remains the most powerful tool in fighting cancer, experts say. In response, China's National Health Commission has called for enhanced public health services, including nationwide health checkups for adults aged 65 and older, with more frequent screenings for high-risk groups. Local initiatives are also underway. In Yancheng, east China's Jiangsu Province, residents aged 60 to 69 now receive free testing for 12 common tumor markers. In Daqing, the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, authorities offer free screening for five major cancers — lung, breast, liver, upper gastrointestinal, and colorectal — to citizens aged between 45 and 74. Beyond cancer screenings, physicians also promote healthier daily routines. Zhang Tong, a cancer specialist at Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, encourages seniors to maintain a balanced diet and practice traditional Chinese fitness exercises, such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin, which are known to enhance energy and immune function. Doctors also emphasize that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play a supportive role in conjunction with Western medical treatments. During chemotherapy, therapies like acupuncture and acupoint patches help relieve side effects such as nausea, appetite loss, and constipation. For radiation-related symptoms like skin damage and mouth ulcers, herbal baths and steam therapy offer relief. Li Yuanqing, a colleague of Xue at the same hospital, noted that clinical experience shows these approaches can ease patient discomfort during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Additionally, experts warn of deep-rooted misperceptions. Many older patients place faith in miracle cures or folk remedies, while others fear that conventional treatments like surgery or chemotherapy will only accelerate their decline. 'Treating elderly cancer patients requires balance,' said Xue. 'We can't simply apply treatments designed for younger people, nor should we dismiss care due to age. The key lies in personalized treatment, guided by both medical need and the patient's physical and emotional readiness.' 'With science and compassion as our prescription, more elderly cancer patients can look forward to a dignified late life,' Xue said. – Xinhua cancer China elderly healthcare
Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
China confronts senior cancer surge with early detection, TCM
Early detection remains the most powerful tool in fighting cancer, experts say. PHOTO: AFP BEIJING - With a rapidly aging population, China is facing a pressing new public health challenge: cancer among the elderly. According to the latest data, people over the age of 60 now account for 60.7 per cent of all new cancer diagnoses in the country, making senior cancer care one of the most urgent priorities in China's efforts to deliver health for all. To promote cancer awareness among the elderly, China has launched a week-long national campaign. Medical experts are urging earlier detection, evidence-based treatment, and greater public education to counter myths that often cause seniors to delay or avoid care. China's demographic shift is accelerating: those aged 60 and above now make up more than 20 per cent of the population. By 2035, that figure is expected to reach 30 per cent, with the elderly population surpassing 400 million. A report by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association shows that lung and gastrointestinal cancers are the most prevalent among older adults, accounting for roughly 65 per cent of malignant tumors in this age group. Other commonly diagnosed cancers include liver, lymphoma, prostate, and various blood cancers. 'Cancer among seniors is not uncommon, and it's closely tied to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time,' said Dr Xue Dong, a specialist in senior oncology at Peking University Cancer Hospital. Dr Xue explained that aging cells, a declining immune system, and long-term exposure to carcinogens significantly increase vulnerability. Early detection remains the most powerful tool in fighting cancer, experts say. In response, China's National Health Commission has called for enhanced public health services, including nationwide health checkups for adults aged 65 and older, with more frequent screenings for high-risk groups. Local initiatives are also underway. In Yancheng, East China's Jiangsu province, residents aged 60 to 69 now receive free testing for 12 common tumor markers. In Daqing, the northeastern province of Heilongjiang, authorities offer free screening for five major cancers - lung, breast, liver, upper gastrointestinal, and colorectal - to citizens aged between 45 and 74. Beyond cancer screenings, physicians also promote healthier daily routines. Dr Zhang Tong, a cancer specialist at Xiyuan Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, encourages seniors to maintain a balanced diet and practice traditional Chinese fitness exercises, such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin, which are known to enhance energy and immune function. Doctors also emphasise that traditional Chinese medicine can play a supportive role in conjunction with Western medical treatments. During chemotherapy, therapies like acupuncture and acupoint patches help relieve side effects such as nausea, appetite loss, and constipation. For radiation-related symptoms like skin damage and mouth ulcers, herbal baths and steam therapy offer relief. Dr Li Yuanqing, a colleague of Dr Xue at the same hospital, noted that clinical experience shows these approaches can ease patient discomfort during chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Additionally, experts warn of deep-rooted misperceptions. Many older patients place faith in miracle cures or folk remedies, while others fear that conventional treatments like surgery or chemotherapy will only accelerate their decline. 'Treating elderly cancer patients requires balance,' said Dr Xue. 'We can't simply apply treatments designed for younger people, nor should we dismiss care due to age. The key lies in personalised treatment, guided by both medical need and the patient's physical and emotional readiness.' 'With science and compassion as our prescription, more elderly cancer patients can look forward to a dignified late life,' Dr Xue said. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
