Abstract: Objective To analyze the distribution pattern of malignancy mortality in urban and rural areas of China,and to provide scientific basis for cancer prevention and control.Methods Data on malignancies was collected from national disease surveillance system of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2004-2008.Results The total mortality of malignant tumor from 2004 to 2008 was 135.71/100 000,136.04/100 000,118.00/100 000,131.83/100 000,and 134.00/100 000.The top five causes of cancer death were lung,liver,stomach,esophageal cancer,and intestinal and anal cancer.Gastric,esophageal,and colorectal cancer mortality showed a downward trend.From 2004 to 2006,liver cancer mortality presented a downward trend,but increased after 2006;lung cancer mortality showed upward trend.The mortality of lung,intestinal,and anal cancer were higher in urban than in rural areas(P<0.000 1).The overall mortality of liver,stomach,and esophageal cancer were higher in rural than in urban areas(P<0.000 1).There was no statistically significant difference in mortality of liver cancer between urban and rural areas(P>0.05).Conclusion The major malignancies to be controled were lung,intestinal,and anal cancer for urban areas,while those were liver,stomach,and esophageal cancer in rural areas in China.