Ma Xiaowei, head of the National Health Commission, answers questions on March 8, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will make more effort over the next three years on the prevention and treatment of cancer, a top health threat in China, the nation's top health official said on Mar 8.

Health authorities will establish a cancer registration and report system that covers all medical institutions at county level or above, and early screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer will be promoted to reduce fatalities caused by cancer, Ma Xiaowei, minister in charge of the National Health Commission, citing a plan just approved by the State Council, China's cabinet.

Ma made the comment during the ongoing annual sessions of China's top legislative body and advisory body in Beijing.

The commission will ensure patients' accessibility to all anti-cancer drugs that have been included in the national basic medical insurance program, he said. Last year, a number of new anti-cancer drugs were added to the program and became reimbursable to basic medical insurance subscribers. The commission will ensure they are available in hospitals, Ma said.

While emphasizing cancer prevention, authorities will take more measures to improve scientific research to solve bottleneck problems in cancer prevention and treatment, he said.