A center providing cancer patients with modern treatment and supportive therapies opened in Shanghai yesterday.

Established by Hong Kong-based AmMed Cancer Center and Ruijin Hospital, the Shanghai Ruijin-AmMed Cancer Center has a clinic providing treatment and a cancer resource branch responsible for supportive therapy, education and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

It has also established cooperation with Shanghai Cancer Recovery Club, which will send volunteers to the center to share personal experiences and medical information.

The center offers free risk analysis based on lifestyle and medical history.

"Evidence-based medicine shows about 60 percent of cancers have a close relationship with unhealthy lifestyles," said Isabella Wong, a center official.

"We want to enhance public awareness about the importance of regular checkups and the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer."

(Shanghai Daily via china.org.cn November 27, 2007)