China's Top Departments: Oncology at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center
Founded in 1931 as China's first cancer hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center is now a Grade III-A cancer center with 2,177 beds, 80,000 annual surgeries, and a 72% overall 5-year survival rate — on par with developed countries. Here's what international cancer patients should know.
If you or a loved one is facing a cancer diagnosis, choosing the right treatment center is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center — founded in 1931 as China's first cancer hospital — is one of the most comprehensive cancer centers in Asia, offering the full spectrum of surgical, medical, and radiation oncology under one roof.
The numbers speak for themselves: 2,177 beds, 2.5 million outpatient visits annually, 80,000 surgeries, and 420,000 radiation treatments per year. The center's overall 5-year survival rate of 72% is the highest in China and on par with developed countries — a direct reflection of its diagnostic precision, treatment protocols, and multidisciplinary approach.
Ranked #2 in Oncology and #1 in Pathology on the Fudan Hospital Rankings, with 7 National Key Clinical Specialties and deep integration with the Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center, this is where China's most complex cancer cases are treated.
At ChinaMed Select, we regularly help international cancer patients connect with Fudan Cancer Center — from initial diagnosis through treatment planning and ongoing care. Here's what you need to know.
Comprehensive Cancer Care — All Under One Roof
The center covers the full spectrum of cancer treatment:
- Surgical Oncology — 80,000 surgeries annually across all major cancer types
- Medical Oncology — Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials
- Radiation Oncology — 420,000 radiation treatments annually, including advanced techniques
- Multidisciplinary Teams (MDT) — Full-scale MDT outpatient clinics and integrated wards covering all major cancer types
Cancer Types Covered
The center leads Shanghai in 8 major cancer types: thyroid, esophageal, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer. With 7 National Key Clinical Specialties and dedicated programs for breast cancer, radiation therapy, and pathology, nearly every cancer type is covered by subspecialty experts.
Signature Strengths
Precision Oncology — World-Class Technology
The center operates 22 advanced devices that enable precision diagnosis and treatment:
- Da Vinci surgical robots — Minimally invasive surgery with superior precision
- MR-Linac — Real-time MRI-guided radiation therapy, adjusting treatment during delivery
- TOMO (Tomotherapy) — Helical intensity-modulated radiation for complex tumors
- PET-CT and PET-MR — Advanced molecular imaging for staging and treatment response
- 5.0T MRI — Ultra-high-field imaging for detailed tumor visualization
What this means for you: Precision oncology means your treatment is tailored to your specific tumor's molecular profile — not a one-size-fits-all approach. The center's 72% 5-year survival rate reflects the effectiveness of this precision approach.
Proton & Heavy Ion Therapy — World's Highest Volume
The center is deeply integrated with the Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center (SPHIC), the world's highest-volume proton/heavy ion facility. If you have a tumor near critical structures (brain, spinal cord, heart) or a pediatric cancer where minimizing radiation to surrounding tissue is crucial, proton and heavy ion therapy offers unmatched precision.
Pathology — China's #1
The center's pathology department is ranked #1 nationwide — and for good reason. Accurate pathology is the foundation of all cancer treatment. The center houses:
- Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Pathology Diagnosis
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Molecular Imaging Probes
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center for AI in Oncology
What this means for you: If your diagnosis is unclear or you need a second opinion on pathology, this is the most authoritative center in China. A correct diagnosis is essential before any treatment plan is finalized.
Key Research Laboratories
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Cancer
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology
These aren't just research labs — they directly translate discoveries into clinical treatments available to patients today.
Meet the Experts
The center has 37 national-level talents and approximately 70 experts serving as vice chairpersons or committee chairs in the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association. With 89 doctoral supervisors and 99 master's supervisors, the depth of expertise is unmatched.
Academician Workstations led by Wang Hongyang and Tian Zhigang drive the center's translational research. The Precision Cancer Center and Cell & Gene Therapy Center represent the cutting edge of cancer treatment development.
If you have a complex cancer case, you'll be treated by a team that is not only clinically experienced but actively shaping the future of oncology.
Research That Translates to Patient Care
The center's research output directly benefits patients:
- 2025 Research Funding: 339 projects totaling over ¥400 million (~$56 million)
- NSFC Grants: 100 new grants in a single year
- Clinical Trials: 695 new studies (75% principal investigator-led), total funding ~¥600 million
- Publications: Average impact factor ~9; 35 papers with IF≥20 (including 3 in BMJ and Nature)
- International Guidelines: Research findings contribute to 17 international clinical guideline revisions annually
What this means for you: The center's active clinical trial program means you may have access to cutting-edge treatments not yet available elsewhere. If standard therapies haven't worked, enrolling in a clinical trial at Fudan Cancer Center could open new options.
What International Patients Should Know
Language & Support
Fudan Cancer Center has experience serving international patients and was designated a Shanghai Public Hospital International Medical Tourism Pilot Unit. English-language consultations can be arranged. For cancer care — where precise communication about diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, and prognosis is critical — we strongly recommend working with a bilingual medical coordinator.
Appointment Process
- Appointments can be made via the center's official channels or through a medical coordinator
- For new cancer patients, the typical timeline from initial consultation to treatment start is 1–2 weeks
- The center's MDT clinics mean you can get a comprehensive treatment plan from multiple specialists in a single visit
- If you need a pathology second opinion, the #1-ranked pathology department can review your slides quickly
Cost Estimates
Cancer treatment costs vary enormously based on type, stage, and treatment plan. Here are general ranges:
| Service | Estimated Cost (CNY) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial oncology consultation | ¥300–800 | $42–110 |
| Comprehensive cancer workup | ¥5,000–20,000 | $700–2,800 |
| Pathology second opinion | ¥2,000–5,000 | $280–700 |
| Surgery (major cancer surgery) | ¥50,000–150,000 | $7,000–21,000 |
| Chemotherapy (per cycle) | ¥5,000–30,000 | $700–4,200 |
| Radiation therapy (full course) | ¥30,000–80,000 | $4,200–11,000 |
| Proton therapy (full course) | ¥200,000–350,000 | $28,000–49,000 |
| Targeted therapy (per month) | ¥10,000–50,000 | $1,400–7,000 |
These are estimates. Actual costs depend on cancer type, stage, treatment plan, and length of treatment. International patients should budget for multiple cycles/visits.
Getting There
| Campus | Address |
|---|---|
| Xuhui Campus (Main) | 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai |
| Pudong Campus | Pudong New Area, Shanghai |
The Xuhui Campus houses most clinical services and is the primary location for international patients.
How ChinaMed Select Can Help
A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming — especially in a foreign healthcare system. ChinaMed Select ensures you're supported every step of the way:
- Expert Subspecialty Matching: The center covers all major cancer types. We match you with the subspecialty team that handles your exact cancer — breast, lung, gastrointestinal, gynecological, or other
- Medical Record Preparation: Cancer consultations require pathology reports, imaging (CT, MRI, PET), biopsy slides, and prior treatment records. We help you organize and translate everything so the team can review your case efficiently
- Pathology Second Opinion: If your diagnosis is unclear, we can arrange review by the center's #1-ranked pathology department — often the most critical step before starting treatment
- Clinical Trial Screening: If standard treatments haven't worked, we can help identify relevant clinical trials at the center
- Appointment Coordination: We handle scheduling directly with the center
- Certified Medical Translation: Cancer care involves complex discussions about staging, treatment options, side effects, and prognosis. Our translators ensure you understand every detail
- End-to-End Journey Support: From airport pickup in Shanghai to accommodation near the hospital, interpreter presence at every appointment, and coordination of multi-cycle treatment visits, we handle logistics so you can focus on healing
Plan Your Visit
- Appointments: Hospital official channels or through ChinaMed Select
- Main Campus: 270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
- Pudong Campus: Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Facing a cancer diagnosis? Contact ChinaMed Select for a free, personalized consultation. We'll review your diagnosis and pathology, connect you with the right oncology subspecialty team at Fudan Cancer Center, and coordinate your entire treatment journey — from medical record translation to multi-cycle treatment support.