By Dominique Mosbergen
As public discontent mounts in China over the country's worsening pollution problem and the government's lack of transparency about environmental concerns, Chinese authorities have acknowledged the existence of so-called "cancer villages" in a new report this week, according to multiple media outlets.
Cancer is now the country's "top killer," according to a recent report by China Network Television. Nevertheless, Ma Jun, a leading environmentalist in China, told The Telegraph that, despite China's environmental problems and growing cancer rate, the government typically avoids making a connection between pollution and disease.
Environmental lawyer Wang Canfa told the AFP that this new environmental report is likely the first time the term "cancer village" has been used in a ministry document.
More: China Admits Existence Of 'Cancer Villages' In Report, As Pollution Concerns Mount