BEIJING - A government-backed project aimed at promoting the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer has kicked off in 14 provincial-level regions, according to the project's organizers.

Lung, breast, colorectal, upper digestive tract and liver cancer will be the focus of the project, as they are frequently seen in urban areas.

A national survey showed that cancer has the highest mortality rate in China's urban areas. The WHO has predicted that China will see rising incidence and mortality related to cancer in the coming 20 to 30 years.

About 700,000 people will be screened over five years, with those diagnosed with cancer advised to seek treatment at specialized hospital, the organizers said.

The project is expected to map out more efficient cancer treatment methods by comparing the costs and affects of measures used at different stages of the disease.

The project also includes a training program aimed at boosting cancer prevention and control in medical institutes.

The campaign is being jointly undertaken by the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau under the Ministry of Health, the National Cancer Center and the Cancer Institute & Hospital (CIH) under the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

According to Hao Jie, head of the CIH, the budget for the project is estimated to be 300 million ($47.07 million) to 500 million yuan.