China offers cutting-edge operation for cancer patients

World experts are in China, discussing ways of combating prevalent rates of cancer in the Asia Pacific Region. Topping their agenda is breast cancer - how to beat the disease, and help survivors to cope. Tianjin Cancer Hospital is hosting the event. It says breast reconstruction is key to helping patients regain confidence.

China now offers world-class natural breast reconstruction operations, without the side effects of silicone. 

Dr. Yin Jian is a leading surgeon at Tianjin Cancer Hospital.

The procedure is non-invasive with few complications such as bleeding and hernia.

It's also a better option to breast implants. She says more and more women are expected to rely on this world-class technique.

China has 200,000 new cases each year. That number will reach 310,000 in another two years. The most common diagnosis is amongst women aged between 40 and 60. The youngest patient at Tianjin Cancer Hospital is 9-years-old. The exact causes are unknown.

Health experts say modern Chinese women are less likely to breast feed, making them more prone to cancer. Other high risk factors include a high protein and high fat diet and a lack of exercise.

Hospital authorities now say the key is prevention and that they are working with world experts on educating the public about early detection. "

They're also targeting men. Jia Xu Zhu is 1 man to 100 women diagnosed with the disease.

The 62-year-old had his left breast removed.

"I always knew breast cancer was found in women so I really surprised. I suspect it's because I had a lot of red meat and chicken in my younger days. So now I mostly eat vegetables." Jia said.

Jia says he overcame breast cancer with a positive attitude. An outlook on life shared by cancer survivor Yang Chaohua who also had a mastectomy.