CHP calls for early detection of colorectal cancer

Hong Kong health authorities are calling on residents to participate in Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March by adopting healthier lifestyles and undergoing regular screenings to prevent colorectal cancer, the city’s second leading cause of cancer deaths.

Edwin Tsui Lok-kin, Controller of the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health, emphasized the importance of early detection and prevention.

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths locally, as in 2022, there were 5,190 new cases and 2,270 deaths,” Tsui said in a government statement on Monday.

Citing the latest Health Behavior Survey, Tsui highlighted unhealthy habits among citizens: nearly 15 percent of adults lack sufficient physical activity, 97 percent do not consume enough fruits and vegetables, and 2.7 percent of those aged 15 or older engage in monthly binge drinking.

“People should establish healthy lifestyle habits, including exercising regularly, consuming two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables daily, reducing the intake of red meat and processed meats, maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding smoking and alcohol to prevent colorectal cancer,” Tsui said.

He also encouraged citizens aged 50 to 75 to join the government-subsidized Colorectal Cancer Screening Program.

Participants will consult with a primary care doctor (PCD) and undergo a Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).

If the result is positive, they are referred to a colonoscopy specialist for further examination. If negative, repeat screening is recommended every two years.

The program has seen significant participation since its launch in 2016, with a record number of 86,000 new participants in 2023, bringing the total to about 510,000 by the end of last year.

Of these, around 77,000 had positive FIT results, 40,000 were diagnosed with colorectal adenomas, and 3,400 had colorectal cancer.

Over 1,000 PCDs and 260 colonoscopy specialists enrolled. 

Most service locations do not charge additional fees for consultations, FIT screenings, or colonoscopies. Colonoscopy specialists can charge a maximum co-payment of HK$1,000 for standard services.

(Ayra Wang)