Combating High Cancer Rates

China Newsweek
April 7

According to a National Cancer Register Center report, incidences and mortality rates of cancer in China are increasing. Every year, 3.5 million people contract cancer while 2.5 million die of the disease. Every six minutes, a person is diagnosed with cancer and one in seven to eight people succumb to it.

What is unsettling is that the incidence of cancer has yet to reach its peak. Chen Wanqing, center deputy director, predicts that in the next 10 years, cancer rates will continue to grow and that by 2020, the number of people who die from the disease every year will reach 3 million.

In 2003, the Ministry of Health released a guideline to prevent and control cancer, recognizing its registration as an important task. By 2012, 222 cancer register centers were established, covering 200 million people. However, this is only the first step in tackling the illness.

Today, while everyone faces the risk of cancer, adequate prevention and healthy lifestyles remain the best remedies.

A War Between TV Channels

Lifeweek
April 1

While TV channels often survive by broadcasting up-to-date news alone, many additionally profit by airing entertaining programs to attract bigger audiences and deal with competitors.

Since the mid 1990s, many provinces have established satellite channels amidst tough competition.

With more people turning to computers and mobile phones for entertainment, TV channels have been forced to up their games.

In the past five years, Chinese entertainment program quality has improved significantly and competition between channels has grown increasingly fierce.

For example, Jiangsu TV bought the copyright of a German program High Diving from Banijay International while Zhejiang TV bought the copyright of Celebrity Splash from Eye Works in the Netherlands. Both shows invite popular stars to take a plunge. As a result, the two channels have to compete for stars, gymnasiums and audiences.

How to Curb Jaywalking

Beijing Youth Daily
April 9

On April 9, Beijing traffic authorities announced they would roll out fresh measures to counteract jaywalking, a problematic phenomenon in China. In east China's Zhejiang Province, similar measures have already been taken. Pedestrians ignoring zebra crossings and red lights will be fined 5 ($0.79) to 20 yuan ($3.17). A large number of traffic police have additionally been mobilized to keep people in check. The actual results of such measures are difficult to measure.

Blame should not fall on pedestrians alone. The so-called "Chinese style Jaywalking" reflects that traffic facilities and rules need to improve. In Beijing, some red lights take an unbearable amount of time switching to green, in turn affording people, especially the old, too short a period to cross the street.

Alongside a much needed increase in safety awareness, correcting traffic rules to facilitate smooth pedestrian and traffic flow, remains key.

Mass Grave Threatened

Chongqing Times
April 10

During the infamous Japanese invasion of China in the 1930s and 40s, a large number of locals were slaughtered in Pipashan, west of Ji'nan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, and dumped in a mass grave. A monument was later erected at the site as a reminder of the tragedy. However, because of development plans, it is due for removal.

In many places around China, historical and cultural heritage is suffering likewise at the hands of "urbanization." While, several years ago, the Pipashan mass grave was appointed a base for patriotic education, but now it will have to make way for property development.

Forgetting history is equivalent to betrayal. A nation that chooses to ignore and ruin its heritage will be hard pressed to achieve real revitalization. Economic growth should not be dependent on the destruction of history.