Cancer was the number one killer in Hong Kong, accounting for 31.3% of all registered deaths in 2017, according to the Hong Kong Health Department. A total of 33,075 new cancer cases were diagnosed in 2017, hitting a historical high with 1,607 more cases than a year earlier.
Top 5 Cancers in Hong Kong
| Rank in 2017 |
Cancer Type |
Relative frequency across both genders (%) |
| 1 |
17.0 |
|
| 2 |
15.7 |
|
| 3 |
13.3 |
|
| 4 |
6.8 |
|
| 5 |
Liver |
5.5 |
Source:Hong Kong Cancer Registry
More men than women were diagnosed with cancer in 2017.
Colorectal is the most common cancer among men, accounting for almost a fifth of the cases. In total, the number of colorectal cancer rose 3.6% year-over-year to a historical high of 5,635 cases during 2017. For women, breast cancer was the most common type of cancer, accounting for 27% of the cases.
Top 5 Deadliest Cancers in Hong Kong
| Rank in 2017 |
Cancer Type |
Relative frequency across both genders (%) |
| 1 |
Lung |
30.6 |
| 2 |
Colorectal |
15.0 |
| 3 |
Liver |
13.3 |
| 4 |
Prostate |
5.2 |
| 5 |
Stomach |
4.9 |
Source:Hong Kong Cancer Registry
What are the causes of cancer?
Cancer is caused by mutation to genetic materials within the cell. Some of the cancers are hereditary, where the patient may be born with a genetic mutation.
However, there are other risk factors that are associated with cancer, including:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Radiation
- Lack of exercise
- Exposure to carcinogens
How to prevent cancer?
Taking care of yourself with greater cancer awareness can help with prevention and early detection of cancer.
Here are the lifestyle habits that can lower the risk of cancer:
- Healthy eating. A diet high in fruits and vegetables, with less red and processed meat, for instance, can help to prevent colorectal cancer
- Quit smoking
- Moderate intake of alcohol
- Regular exercise. Adults are encouraged to take 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week
- Regular body check-up. Cancer screening for those at high risk, such as lung cancer screening for those with a history of heavy smoking and are aged between 55 and 80. Yearly pap smear test can help women with early detection of cervical cancer
When to see a doctor?
Consult a doctor if you show any persistent signs or symptoms such as fatigue or lump that can be felt under the skin. Change in bowel habits, for example, can be an early sign of colorectal cancer.
Types of cancer treatment
Treatment for cancer varies by the type of cancer and the stage, from Stage 0, carcinoma in situ, where the cancer cells have not spread from the location they first formed, to Stage 4, the most advanced stage. Here are the common treatments of cancer:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Stem cell therapy
Cost of cancer treatment
According to a survey in 2018, the cost of cancer treatment in public hospital could exceed HK$270,000; target therapy and immunotherapy excluded as it’s not subsidized Hospital Authority. Cancer treatment cost in private hospital is estimated to be whopping HK$1.3 million, which might not be affordable for everyone. The survey further reveals that 50% of the respondents have not set aside any fund for cancer treatment. Cigna's HealthFirst Elite 360 Medical Plan offers comprehensive coverage for hospitalization and surgical needs with no lifetime limit, including cancer treatment and palliative care.
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Sources:
- Hospital Authority - Top Ten Cancers
- Hospital Authority - Overview of Hong Kong Cancer Statistics of 2017
- Healthy HK, Department of Health, HKSAR - Leading Causes of Cancer Deaths
- Hong Kong Cancer Registry
- Mayo Clinic - Cancer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine - An Overview of Current Physical Activity Recommendations in Primary Care
- The Standard - Citizens unaware of cancer treatment costs
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