Cancer is the leading cause of death in China, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. This study analyzed data from 72 local, population-based cancer registries (covering 6.5% of the population) to estimate the number of new cancer cases and deaths in 2015. The results indicated that there would be approximately 4,292,000 new cancer cases and 2,814,000 cancer deaths in China in 2015, with lung cancer being the most common incident cancer and the leading cause of cancer death. Rural residents had significantly higher age-standardized incidence and mortality rates for all cancers combined compared to urban residents. For all cancers combined, incidence rates were stable for males but increased significantly for females between 2000 and 2011. In contrast, mortality rates decreased significantly for both males and females during the same period. The study highlights the need for targeted policies and interventions to reduce the burden of cancer in China, particularly in rural and disadvantaged populations.Cancer is the leading cause of death in China, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. This study analyzed data from 72 local, population-based cancer registries (covering 6.5% of the population) to estimate the number of new cancer cases and deaths in 2015. The results indicated that there would be approximately 4,292,000 new cancer cases and 2,814,000 cancer deaths in China in 2015, with lung cancer being the most common incident cancer and the leading cause of cancer death. Rural residents had significantly higher age-standardized incidence and mortality rates for all cancers combined compared to urban residents. For all cancers combined, incidence rates were stable for males but increased significantly for females between 2000 and 2011. In contrast, mortality rates decreased significantly for both males and females during the same period. The study highlights the need for targeted policies and interventions to reduce the burden of cancer in China, particularly in rural and disadvantaged populations.