Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. China, as a country experiencing economic transition, faces extraordinary challenges managing increasing cancer rates caused by both infections and illnesses associated with more sedentary lifestyles and richer diets. According to the GLOBOCAN2020 report, China accounted for 24% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases and 30% of the deaths worldwide. Moreover, there were significant cancer morbidity and mortality disparities across different regions and subpopulations in China. Currently, there is not a comprehensive picture of cancer prevention and control in China. 

The primary goal of this project was to design and develop an interactive, participatory and evolving website that presents a comprehensive picture of cancer burden, disparities and practices in China to aid cancer prevention and control advocacy and research. The team used Geographic Information System (GIS) and web-based tools to organize cancer-related data, visualize cancer disparities, digitize policy and intervention documents, map current resources for cancer prevention and care, and better understand cancer experiences and challenges from different stakeholders’ perspectives by conducting interviews in China. Much of their work also focused on the engagement of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the country’s fight against cancer.

Timing

Fall 2022 – Spring 2023

Team Outputs

Digitizing China's Fight Against Cancer (Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Virtual Showcase 2023)

Digital Tools for Cancer Control Equity in China: Cancer Research and Advocacy Network (poster by Violet Pang and Meifang Chen, presented at Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase, Duke University, April 19, 2023)

CSO-Engaged Interventions for Cancer Management in China 2002-2022 (poster by Benjamin Mukumbya, Amelia Janiak, Zixuan Wu, Kate Zhang, Yunji Lee and Meifang Chen)

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the CSO-Engaged Multisectoral Cancer Support Program in China (poster by Ketong Ha and Meifang Chen)

The Role and Engagement of CSOs in Multisectoral Cancer Prevention and Treatment Interventions: A Systematic Review (poster by Yang Pei, Siran Luo, Xiaoyu Duan, Fengnan Li, Sydney Chen, Charlie Zong and Meifang Chen)

China Cancer Research and Advocacy Network (prototype website) 

This Team in the News

Collaboration for Cancer Equity

See related team, Improving Cancer Control Equity in China (2023-2024), and Data+ summer project, Analyzing the Gap in Cancer Control Equity in China (2022).

Image: Duke Kunshan University in March 2016, by Chris Hildreth