Cancer has become one of the most important public health issues than ever. It was reported that the incidence rate of cancer was 235.0/100 000 and the mortality rate was 144.3/100 000. In China, cases of deaths and new cases of cancer accounted for 26.9% and 21.8% of the world's total numbers. The seven papers included in this issue had elaborated the cancer morbidity, mortality and attributable years of life lost at national and provincial levels since 1990, as well as explored the risk factors and strategies on prevention and control of cancer. Information on burden of cancers is important in determining the target population on prevention and control of cancer, for the adequate arrangement of health resources and evaluation on the effects of intervention measures.