On August 26, 2026, the Development Department of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), China Women's Development Foundation, and Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) jointly launched at the China National Museum of Women and Children "Safeguarding Her Health, Empowering Her Strength"—the first in a series of women's cancer prevention and control awareness events. The campaign brought together experts to build stronger health safeguards for women as part of China's broader health initiative. Song Li, Secretary of the Secretariat and Member of the Leading Party Members’ Group of ACWF, and Zhang Shuyang, President of PUMCH, delivered opening remarks. Four leading PUMCH specialists gave talks on women's health. The event reached over 3.2 million viewers through livestreaming.

In her remarks, Song Li underscored the vital link between women's health and family wellbeing, as well as its significance to the “Healthy China” initiative and population quality. As the bridge connecting the Party, government, and women, ACWF has made women's health a priority. Through initiatives like "Healthy Mothers, Healthy China", ACWF conducts widespread health education, partners with the National Health Commission and other stakeholders to provide free cancer screening for age-appropriate women, supports low-income women with breast or cervical cancer, and ensures health services reach communities. All these efforts deliver tangible benefits to women and families everywhere.

President Zhang Shuyang said that PUMCH physicians continuously distill their clinical experience and insights into accessible and practical health guides, writing articles and hosting public lectures that bring medical expertise from the clinic to the public. She expressed hope that this event would equip women with credible, evidence-based health knowledge to enable prevention, early detection, and timely treatment.

During the expert presentations, President Zhang Shuyang spoke on "Rare Disease Diagnosis and Treatment: From China's Approach to Global Consensus". She elaborated on the integrated model that PUMCH has built as the sole national-level lead of the National Rare Disease Collaborative Network. The hospital has been instrumental in developing China's rare disease infrastructure, strengthening diagnosis, treatment, research, and patient support systems across the board. PUMCH also partnered with the Institute of Automation under the Chinese Academy of Sciences to create the "PUMCH-Genesis" AI platform. The platform helps primary hospitals identify rare diseases they might otherwise miss. PUMCH also uses direct-reporting data to map China's rare disease landscape and actively trains the next generation of doctors who can spot these conditions. As a result, rare diseases can be spotted earlier, diagnosed accurately, treated effectively, managed sustainably with medications accessible and affordable. It's PUMCH's way of contributing Chinese solutions to a global challenge.

▲Experts from left to right: Tan Xianjie, Sun Qiang and Wei Jing

Tan Xianjie, Deputy Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment principles for common gynecological cancers. He outlined risk factors and typical clinical presentations, explained and emphasized  standardized screening and regular checkups. Sun Qiang, head of the Teaching and Research Office under the Department of Breast Surgery, addressed breast cancer—a leading health concern, emphasizing the importance of "Don't fear, don't panic, stay calm and rational". He demonstrated practical self-examination methods, explained comprehensive treatment approaches, and dispelled the myths around breast cancer, empowering women to make informed and evidence-based decisions. Wei Jing,

Director of Psychological Medicine, emphasized psychological health as essential for female cancer patients. She discussed its definition and significance, presented assessment methods, and introduced key therapeutic interventions, equipping patients with the tools to better manage both the physical and emotional challenges their diagnosis brings.

Health education lays the groundwork for healthier communities nationwide. With public health needs always in mind, PUMCH leverages its clinical expertise and leading physicians to widely disseminate accessible, actionable health information. By bringing clear, practical knowledge directly to communities, the hospital strengthens the foundation of public wellness.

The event was organized by Life Magazine. Over 120 attendees participated, including senior leaders and staff representatives from relevant departments of the Working Committee of the Central and State Organs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the ACWF.

Written and photographed by the General Office

Edited by Wang Jingxia

Chief editor Duan Wenli

Supervised by Wu Peixin