"More than 200,000 people have taken part into this activity, and more than 3 million RMB (USD 375,000) have been donated to poor, isolated areas in Western China.

"Moreover, each year we send experienced doctors and nurses to the Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to provide training for local medical professionals and to give free medical examinations to the local people. This serious endeavor will continue as best as we can," said Miss Shen.

In China, it is a common practice that patients recovering from cancer spontaneously organize support groups in order to share their experiences in fighting against cancer and to provide morale support to those who are suffering from the disease.

Lin Yongping, a member of Beijing Anti-cancer Club Temple of Heaven Park branch, believes that mental fortitude and love from fellow patients, family, and friends can help overcome cancer. "We just let them (other cancer patients) know that they are not alone. We are here to support them."

In fact, as early as in April 1995, the China Cancer Foundation (CCF) -- a nonprofit organization -- proposed the first nationwide Cancer Awareness Week for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer.

The entire health community, from the Ministry of Health to city-level health and related departments, has actively responded to this campaign.

During Cancer Awareness Week, leading cancer institutes and hospitals, such as CIH, held free check-ups and screening for early detection of cancer as well as held health seminars to educate the public on how to prevent cancer.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health issued the Plan of Prevention and Control of Cancer in China (2004-2010) in December 2003 as an important part of achieving the national goal - "of building a society in which people enjoy a fairly comfortable life."

In 2000, lung cancer ranked first in cancer deaths in China. Because of the dramatic increase in high risk behavior such as tobacco use and over eating are contributing to the rise in cancer rates, the Chinese government has ratified the first-ever WHO health treaty - WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in November 2003 and approved it as part of the national law in August 2005.

Curbing tobacco consumption nation-wide and provide a smoke-free environment for the 2008 Olympic Games are regarded as an obligation and promise of the Chinese government to the Chinese people and the international community.

By establishing an invincible alliance with the media to fight against cancer, the government will provide accurate information and make accessible cancer prevention and treatment information on the basis of previous lessons learned and past experiences.

The outline of the alliance to fight against cancer in China is becoming very apparent. The sustained progress in this global alliance against cancer is no longer a dream.