The World Health Organization has advised the Chinese populace to embrace a healthier lifestyle due to the high rate of deaths caused by cancer in China.

The WHO noted in a statement released prior to World Cancer Day (Feb. 4) that China has a very high rate of cancer deaths, reports Xinhua. The WHO noted that in 2015 more that 2.8 million people in China died of cancer – this roughly translates to an average of 7,500 cancer deaths per day.

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Dr. Bernard Schwartlander, the WHO representative in China, said that more than just the numbers, the real tragedy is that most of these deaths could have been prevented.

"The real tragedy is that most of these cases are preventable," he said.

Of the deaths caused by cancer, 30 percent are comprised of those who died from lung cancer.

"There are over 315 million smokers in China, and the number continues to rise,” Schwartlander explained. “Nearly half of all Chinese men smoke."

"Unsurprisingly, lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer among men," he said.

Lung Cancer Most Prevalent in China

A team of researchers from the National Cancer Center in Beijing looked at medical data from 2009 and 2011 and made estimates regarding China's cancer problem, reports Medical Daily. They found that lung cancer is the most common form of cancer that has killed millions of people in China.

“Cancer incidence and mortality have been increasing in China, making cancer the leading cause of death since 2010 and a major public health problem in the country,” the researchers wrote in the report.

Four of the most common cancers reported in China are lung, stomach, liver and esophageal cancers.

Smoking Problem

WHO's Schwartlander added that the problem with smoking affects the whole Chinese nation.

"Cancer is not just an individual health issue -- it reaches into all aspects of society, including the economy and the public health system,"he said.

The WHO representative suggested that China should focus on helping its people embrace healthy lifestyles, and stop smoking. He added that China's ongoing health reforms should help lessen the problem.

China's Efforts

China has been working on improving the public health network and its services, most especially in the less developed rural areas. These improvements in services include free screenings for cervical and breast cancer among rural women.

Chinese capital Beijing, along with some other cities, has already prohibited smoking in public places.

A Chinese hit film titled 'Go Away Mr. Tumor; was also shown last summer.

TagsCancer, Lung Cancer, smoking, World Health Organization (WHO)