Editorial | Early detection key to Hong Kong’s fight against cancer

Cancer cases in Hong Kong and around the world are expected to rise significantly in the years ahead as populations age. The latest figures for the city, from 2022, seem to buck that trend with 35,373 new cases recorded, an 8 per cent drop on the previous year.

But the Hong Kong Cancer Registry statistics do not tell the full story. The decrease is likely to be due to the disruption to screening that year caused by the fifth wave of Covid-19 cases, which engulfed hospitals. There is no room for complacency.

Breast cancer has become the second most prevalent in the city after lung cancer and is the most common type for women. There were 5,208 new cases in 2022, slightly more than for colorectal cancer.

The figures serve as a reminder to us all to be aware of the risk factors for cancer and to receive screening where appropriate. A pilot scheme for breast cancer screening has been run by the government since 2021, providing assessments for women considered to be at risk.

The development of risk-based screening for prevalent cancers, including breast cancer, was promised by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in his policy address last month. This must be pursued.

Screening for hepatitis B to guard against liver cancer and exploring the use of artificial intelligence to detect lung cancer from X-rays are also on the agenda. As cases increase, more will face a diagnosis that can be devastating, bringing fear, stress and suffering.