Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in China, posing persistent challenges to public health and the healthcare system. In recent years, notable progress has been made in cancer prevention and control, with steady improvements in the five-year survival rate, early detection and treatment rates, and the standardization of clinical care. Screening programs have expanded in coverage, and primary-level prevention networks have been gradually strengthened. Nevertheless, cancer incidence continues to rise, the overall prevention and control system remains incomplete, medical resources are unevenly distributed, and the translation of research findings into clinical practice is still insufficient. Guided by the framework of the three levels of prevention, this paper systematically reviews the current status and key challenges of cancer control in China through literature review and policy analysis. It further proposes policy recommendations to optimize prevention and control mechanisms, strengthen early screening and diagnostic systems, promote the equitable allocation of medical resources, accelerate research translation, and enhance full-cycle cancer management, offering actionable support for achieving the goals of “Healthy China 2030”.
