Chinese health authorities have raised alarm over the rising number of lung cancer patients diagnosed annually in China with more than 800.000 people expected to be hit by the disease yearly by 2020.

According to the latest forecast by medical experts, nearly 700,000 people out of the projected 800,000 lung cancer  patients will die from the illness each year by 2020.

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Lung cancer is the top killer among all cancer types in China with heavy smog, smoking, and aging population as the immediate causes of the disease. Up to 600,000 deaths from lung cancer are recorded in the country each year.

This year alone, around 700,000 new cases were recorded by the Chinese health ministry.

Zhi Xiuyi, head of the Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center of the Capital Medical University in Beijing, warned that the rapid increase of  newly-diagnosed cases will likely last for at least 20 years.

Respiratory experts have likewise predicted that the poisonous PM2.5, a major cause of smog, will replace smoking as the top risk factor of lung cancer.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has already placed China as the country with the highest lung cancer prevalence and deaths each year worldwide.

WHO said lung cancer and its corresponding death rate have been on a  decline in most Western countries in the world. Despite this, lung cancer continues to rise dramatically in China and health experts have expressed concern over the situation.

Although the Chinese government has launched 'health initiative programs' such as a campaign to stop smoking, Zhi said this is not enough. He reiterated that the government should drastically  address the smog problem that has been enveloping the country for a long time.

Shi Yuankai, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital, said continuous exposure to particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, could be a major health hazard.

Shi said the government health and environment agencies should do more research to come up with effective interventions to fight smog and air pollution.

The National Health Ministry and Family Planning Commission said a nationwide network monitoring the impact of pollution to human health is currently being set up.

The monitors have already been established in 16 provinces and municipalities that are often hit by heavy smog. The result of the monitors will form part of the agencies' research program to find feasible means to solve the smog problem.

TagsLung Cancer, China PM2.5 air pollution, 700, 700.000 Chinese, year 2020, smoking, Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Center, anti-smoking campaign, 'health initiative programs', Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital, China Air Pollution, China Air Pollution Health Effects