Cancer, also referred to as malignant neoplasms, is a general term describing a large group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth. This growth has the potential to invade nearby healthy tissues and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. The disease arises when normal body cells undergo transformation into tumor cells, a process often driven by multiple risk factors.
The primary danger of cancer lies in its uncontrolled growth and invasion. Unlike normal cells, which perform specific functions essential for bodily operation, cancer cells often lack proper function and can directly damage healthy tissues and organs, potentially leading to organ failure.
Symptoms
While signs and symptoms vary significantly depending on the specific type of cancer,some general indicators are commonly associated with the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include:
● Fatigue
● Lump or area of thickening under the skin
● Unexplained weight changes (loss or gain)
● Skin changes (yellowing, darkening, redness, sores that won’t heal, changes to moles)
● Changes in bowel or bladder habits
● Persistent difficulty swallowing
● Persistent hoarseness
● Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
● Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
● Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Cancer Burden in Hong Kong
Cancer represents a major health challenge in Hong Kong. According to the Centre for Health Protection, malignant neoplasms were the leading cause of death in 2023, claiming 14,867 lives (8,489 male and 6,378 female). Furthermore, the Hong Kong Cancer Online Resource Hub reported 35,373 new cancer diagnoses in 2022 alone. Notably, more than half of these new cases occurred in individuals aged 65 or above.
The distribution of new cancer cases in Hong Kong for 2022 highlights the most common types:
1. Lung Cancer: 5,707 cases (16.1%)
2. Breast Cancer: 5,208 cases (14.7%)
3. Colorectal Cancer: 5,190 cases (14.7%)
4. Prostate Cancer: 2,758 cases (7.8%)
5. Liver Cancer: 1,612 cases (4.6%)
Risk Factors
Cancer development is influenced by numerous risk factors, some specific to certain cancer types (e.g., smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer). However, several general risk factors increase overall cancer risk:
● Tobacco use
● Alcohol consumption
● Unhealthy diet
● Physical inactivity
● Air pollution
● Exposure to carcinogens:
○ Physical carcinogens: (e.g., ultraviolet and ionizing radiation)
○ Chemical carcinogens: (e.g., contaminants in food and water)
○ Biological carcinogens: (e.g., infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites)
Managing Cancer Risk
Managing cancer involves both prevention and early detection. Minimizing exposure to known risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are fundamental preventive strategies. Additionally, regular cancer screenings are crucial for individuals at higher risk (e.g., lung cancer screening for current or former smokers). Early detection through screening significantly improves treatment response and disease management outcomes.
Cancer Management in Hong Kong
Diagnosis and early detection in Hong Kong leverage advanced medical infrastructure. The Hong Kong Cancer Registry coordinates population-wide data, while public hospitals offer subsidized screening like mammography at Breast Centres and colonoscopy through the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme according to the Department of Health. Private clinics provide faster access to PET-CT scans and liquid biopsies, though cost remains prohibitive for many according to the Hospital Authority.
Treatment reflects a dual-track system. Public hospitals deliver chemotherapy and surgery with minimal fees, but face wait times (e.g., 6–8 weeks for radiotherapy). Targeted therapies like osimertinib (for EGFR+ lung cancer) are subsidized under the Samaritan Fund, while CAR-T therapy remains largely experimental as reported by the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. Private oncology centres offer cutting-edge immunotherapy, yet out-of-pocket costs average HKD$500,000/year according to Hong Kong Cancer Patients Alliance.
Human impact is exacerbated by density and aging:
● Financial toxicity affects around 60% of patients, with 30% forgoing optimal treatment as reported from a HK Cancer Patients Alliance survey published in 2021.
● Psychological support gaps: In 2023 the Legislative Council had reported that there were Only 1 clinical psychologist per 200 patients in public hospitals.
● Survivorship challenges: Limited rehabilitation services for 100,000+ survivors as reported by the Hong Kong Cancer Registry in 2022.
Conclusion
Cancer, defined by uncontrolled cell growth and invasion, remains a leading cause of death globally and particularly in Hong Kong, as evidenced by recent statistics. Understanding the diverse symptoms, significant burden in specific populations like Hong Kong, varied risk factors (including behavioral and environmental carcinogens), and the critical importance of prevention and early detection through screening, is essential for reducing the impact of this
complex group of diseases.
Sources:
- https://www.patientpower.info/navigating-cancer/why-cancer-can-be-deadly
- https://www.cancer.gov.hk/en/hong_kong_cancer/overview_of_cancer_statistics_in_hong_kong.html
- https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
- https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/statistics/data/10/27/340.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20370588
- Department of Health, HK SAR. (2023). Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme Biennial Report 2021–2023.
- Hospital Authority. (2022). Hospital Authority Statistical Report 2021–2022.
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, HKU. (2023). CAR-T Cell Therapy: Progress and Challenges in Hong Kong. Press Release.
- Hong Kong Cancer Patients Alliance. (2022). Financial Burden of Cancer Treatment Survey.
- Centre for Health Protection. (2023). Hong Kong Population Health Survey 2022.
- CUHK Cancer Centre. (2023). Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research: Genomic Insights for Southern Chinese Populations. Annual Report.
- Legislative Council Secretariat. (2023). LC Paper No. CB(2) 1234/2022–23: Support Services for Cancer Patients