Go to main content
 
Cancer Coordinating Committee meeting held (with photo)
*******************************************************
     The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, chaired the 12th Cancer Coordinating Committee (CCC) meeting today (April 16) to receive reports on and discuss the progress of work related to cancer prevention and screening, treatment, surveillance and research.

     At the meeting, the CCC deliberated and endorsed the updated recommendations of its Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening (CEWG) on cancer prevention and screening, which were based on rigorous assessment of the latest evidence. Based on the CEWG's recommendations on cancer prevention and screening, the Government will consider the feasibility of their implementation in the local situation, taking into account the resources available in the healthcare system, manpower and supporting facilities, and public acceptance in examining whether to accept the recommendations in their entirety.

     The CCC also reviewed the population-based cancer data for 2015 as well as the incidence and mortality trends and projections of major cancers in Hong Kong. The CCC noted the Hong Kong Cancer Registry (HKCR) has enhanced the Colorectal Cancer and Breast Cancer registries since 2015 to support planning and evaluation of public health care services and cancer research, including the Colorectal Cancer Screening Pilot Programme and the commissioned research on risk factors of breast cancer among Hong Kong Chinese women.

     With regard to the increasing service demand, the Hospital Authority (HA) has gradually increased the service capacity for cancer patients' treatment, including diagnostic tests, radiological investigations, operation theatres, chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions. The HA has also improved accessibility to new technologies and medical treatment through regular reviews and the introduction of new medical equipment, as well as updating its drug formulary. In addition, the HA has enhanced patient services through better co-ordination of cancer case managers and improved patient care for cancer drug related issues through the clinical pharmacist programme. The HA will also develop the Strategic Service Framework for Cancer Service to enhance the existing cancer service quality, and to guide the relevant service developments in the HA, over the next five to 10 years.

     The Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) administered under the Food and Health Bureau (FHB) supports research and development for cancer control. Since its establishment in 2011, the HMRF has funded over 200 cancer-related research projects covering different aspects of epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Under the Health Care and Promotion Scheme of HMRF, funding was also provided to support evidence-based health promotion programmes for the prevention of cancer.

     "In view of the overall rising cancer burden as well as trends and projections in incidences of different cancers, the Government will implement relevant aspects of cancer work in a more strategic, co-ordinated and proactive approach in order to cope with the challenges imposed by the cancer burden on population health and society at large. Members also agreed that the Government should consolidate and enhance a comprehensive strategy on cancer prevention and control," said Professor Chan.

     In addition, the CCC opined that lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and obesity are closely related to cancer. The meeting supported the Government's current strategy in promoting awareness on cancer prevention through channels including mass media, the Healthy League Facebook fanpage and other social media, as well as through collaboration with community partners.

     The CCC was established in 2001, comprising cancer experts and doctors from the public and private sectors, academics and public health professionals, to advise the formulation of strategies on cancer prevention and control and steer the direction of work in relation to cancer prevention and screening, treatment, surveillance and research. Under the CCC, the CEWG regularly reviews international and local evidence and makes recommendations on cancer prevention and screening in the local context. In addition, the HKCR, the HA and the Research Office of the FHB oversee cancer surveillance, treatment and research respectively.
 
Ends/Monday, April 16, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:30
NNNN
Today's Press Releases  

Photo

The Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan (third left), chairs the 12th Cancer Coordinating Committee meeting today (April 16) to receive reports on and discuss the progress of work related to cancer prevention and screening, treatment, surveillance and research.