Beijing’s National Cancer Center: My Guide to Cancer Hospital CAMS for International Patients

July 19, 2026

China’s top cancer hospital since 1958—leading in lung, breast, and GI cancers, with advanced radiation and clinical trials. Here’s how to get a second opinion or treatment as an international patient.

Key Takeaways

✦- National Cancer Center of China — part of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College - One of China’s earliest cancer hospitals, founded in 1958 - Location: 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing - Full-spe...
✦### Thoracic Oncology This hospital is especially famous for lung and esophageal cancer.
✦Cancer Hospital CAMS does treat international patients, but the support for non-Chinese speakers is more limited than at places like PUMCH (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) or Ruijin in Shanghai.
✦As China’s National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital CAMS offers the highest level of oncology care in the country.

When I hear from friends or readers facing a cancer diagnosis in China, the first place I tell them to look is Beijing—specifically the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (中国医学科学院肿瘤医院). This is China’s national cancer center, where the country’s top oncologists work, where national treatment guidelines are written, and where the most complex cases are sent. Think of it as the MD Anderson of China, but with a history that goes back to 1958.

Why Cancer Hospital CAMS Matters

National Cancer Center of China — part of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College

One of China’s earliest cancer hospitals, founded in 1958

Location: 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Full-spectrum oncology covering all major cancer types

National leader in cancer research — involved in international clinical trials and publishes extensively

Key Specialties

Thoracic Oncology

This hospital is especially famous for lung and esophageal cancer. They offer screening, surgery (including minimally invasive VATS and robotic-assisted), radiation, chemo, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The thoracic surgery department is one of the busiest in the country.

Breast Oncology

A leading center for breast cancer care, with a multidisciplinary team that handles surgery (including oncoplastic and reconstructive), chemo, radiation, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. I’ve heard from several expat friends who felt well cared for here.

Gastrointestinal Oncology

Comprehensive care for stomach, colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers. The surgical oncology, interventional radiology, and medical oncology teams work closely together—a real team approach.

Radiation Oncology

Top-notch equipment: TrueBeam, CyberKnife, TomoTherapy, and advanced IMRT/IGRT/SBRT. As the national cancer center, they have some of China’s most experienced radiation oncologists. If you need cutting-edge radiation, this is the place.

Cancer Prevention & Screening

They’re big on early detection. Comprehensive screening packages are available for international patients worried about cancer risk—great if you’re in Beijing for a health check.

Access for International Patients

Cancer Hospital CAMS does treat international patients, but the support for non-Chinese speakers is more limited than at places like PUMCH (Peking Union Medical College Hospital) or Ruijin in Shanghai. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Appointment booking: You can book through WeChat or by calling the hospital switchboard and asking for international services. I’d recommend using a service like Trip.com’s medical concierge or asking your hotel’s concierge for help.

Language support: English isn’t widely spoken among general staff. I strongly suggest arranging a medical interpreter (some private companies offer this) or bringing a bilingual friend or family member.

Second opinions: This hospital is excellent for second opinions. Bring all your medical records and imaging—ideally on a USB drive or CD. You can also upload scans to a cloud service before your visit.

Clinical trials: As the national cancer center, they run many trials. International patients may be eligible, depending on the protocol. Ask your doctor or the international office.

The Bottom Line

As China’s National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital CAMS offers the highest level of oncology care in the country. It’s especially strong for lung, breast, and GI cancers, and its clinical trial program opens doors to new therapies. For international patients seeking the national standard of cancer care in China, this is the definitive address. Just plan ahead for language and logistics—and you’ll be in expert hands.

Hi, I'm Peng — Your China Travel Insider

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