The Cancer Foundation of China said recently that it has raised medication, funds and supplies with a total worth of 33.6 billion yuan ($4.6 billion) and brought benefits to over 5 million people in the past four decades by the end of last year.

The foundation announced the news during an event held in Beijing on Nov 22 that celebrates its 40th anniversary. The First National Conference on Tumor Public Welfare was also held on the same day by the foundation.

The foundation, established in 1984 and administered by the National Health Commission, is committed to assisting cancer patients experiencing financial strain, promoting early diagnosis and treatment in rural areas, supporting anti-cancer research projects and more.

Zhang Yong, chairman of the foundation, said that the foundation rolled out an aid program in 2008 to offer treatment support for financially struggling patients. As of the end of last year, the project had assisted 214,200 patients and distributed 30.2 billion yuan worth of drugs.

The overall cancer prevention and treatment level in China has been improving, according to official data.

For instance, health literacy on key knowledge concerning cancer has reached 70.1 percent, and the smoking rate among people aged above 15 fell from 26.6 percent in 2018 to 20.1 percent in 2022.

The nation has also expanded screening programs in key areas and released a number of diagnosis and treatment guidelines to enhance the standardization of healthcare services.

The overall standardized mortality rate has been falling at an average rate of 1.4 percent annually, and the overall five-year survival rate for cancer in China has reached 43.7 percent.

However, cancer-related deaths still account for 23.9 percent of total deaths and concerted efforts are needed to address uneven treatment capabilities across different regions and continue advancing early diagnosis and treatment, said experts.

Fang Biling contributed to the story.