Chronic diseases country's top killer

Chongqing - Chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, are the leading cause of mortality in China, representing 85 percent of all deaths, said a senior health official.

Kong Lingzhi, deputy director of the disease prevention and control bureau under the Ministry of Health, made the remarks on Saturday at the Forum of Prevention and Control of Chronic Disease.

"China is facing a great challenge from chronic diseases, which has a serious impact on both the economy and society," said Kong.