​The Department of Health (DH) today (February 4) urged members of the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle and conduct regular cancer screening in support of World Cancer Day 2026.
      
     The Government attaches great importance to cancer prevention and control. Since 2004, the Cervical Screening Programme, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme (BCSPP) have been sequentially introduced to enhance the recovery rate of patients through "early prevention, early detection and early treatment". Data show that over 80 per cent of cervical cancer cases detected through regular cervical screening were in early stages. Among the colorectal cancer cases diagnosed under the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, over half were early-stage. Furthermore, 97 per cent of patients diagnosed in Phase I of the BCSPP were at early stages. This indicates that regular screening can significantly increase the detection rate of early-stage cancer cases, thereby improving the recovery rate.
      
     Over the past decade, the age-standardised mortality rate for cancer has shown a steady decline after adjusting for population age structure. Specifically, the cancer mortality rate significantly decreased by 2.8 per cent for men and 1.7 per cent for women on average every year. The five-year relative survival rate of cancer patients in Hong Kong has increased by 10 percentage points over the past decade, reaching 56 per cent, with particularly notable improvements in lung cancer survival rates. These findings demonstrate the significant effectiveness of the Government's initiatives in advancing cancer prevention and control.
      
     "Cancer has been the leading cause of death in Hong Kong for many years, causing over 15 000 deaths in 2024. It is worth noting that obesity increases the risk of various cancers, including breast, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Approximately 40 per cent of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy body weight and waist circumference," the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.

     The DH has been promoting a healthy lifestyle as the primary strategy for cancer prevention and is committed to enhancing public awareness of cancer prevention and screening. Dr Tsui reminds the public to consult their doctors to understand the benefits and limitations of screening tests in order to make an informed decision before undergoing screening. Relevant health advice is available on the website of the CHP.
      
     To prevent cervical cancer, the DH has been providing free human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to eligible primary schoolgirls under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme since the 2019/20 school year. A high vaccination rate of over 90 per cent has been maintained over the past few years, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer in Hong Kong females. The DH also launched a one-off HPV Vaccination Catch-up Programme in December 2024, offering free catch-up vaccinations to female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have not completed their HPV vaccination. At present, the estimated first-dose HPV vaccine coverage rates of eligible secondary schoolgirls and post-secondary institution female students in the first two phases are 85 per cent and 68 per cent respectively.
      
     To prevent hepatitis B infection, the Government has been providing hepatitis B vaccines to all newborn babies since 1988. The current vaccination coverage rate among school children has reached 99 per cent. According to the Population Health Survey 2020-22, the prevalence of hepatitis B among those under 35 years old has dropped to below 1 per cent. In addition, the Primary Healthcare Commission will also launch the Hepatitis B Co-care Scheme on February 7 to identify people with chronic hepatitis B in the community at an early stage and provide long-term follow-up services, with a view to reducing their risk of having cirrhosis, liver cancer and other serious complications.
      
     The District Health Centres (DHCs) set up by the Primary Healthcare Commission are actively promoting the Life Course Preventive Care Plan. A personalised preventive care plan is formulated to address the health needs of citizens across different life stages. DHCs identify and assist to continuously manage risk factors associated with cancers through conducting health assessments for DHC members. DHCs assist and refer eligible persons to doctors who have enlisted in the Primary Care Directory and enrolled in the government cancer screening programmes for screening. Meanwhile, DHCs and Women Wellness Satellites also provide members of the public with information related to breast cancer and cervical cancer prevention, related screening services, according to their needs. DHCs will arrange for women who are Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients or holders of valid medical fee waiver certificates to receive preventive care and health promotion services for women, including breast and cervical cancer screenings, at selected Family Medicine Clinics or Family Medicine Integrated Centres of the Hospital Authority (HA).
      
     The HA has implemented a host of measures to enhance cancer care services. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted for diagnostic services to provide timely investigations and diagnoses for suspected cancer patients. The HA has implemented this service model in three clusters for suspected lung cancer patients and will expand the service in phases. With the installation of new linear accelerators in HA hospitals in phases from 2024-25, the service capacity for cancer treatment will be enhanced. Meanwhile, the HA has also expanded the coverage of the Drug Formulary by incorporating new cancer treatment drugs and broadening the scope of clinical applications of existing Special Drugs. Being patient-centred, the HA has devised personalised care programmes, such as the Cancer Case Manager Programme and Systemic Anti-cancer Therapy Clinic service, to better support patients along their journey.
      
     The Government will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to promote cancer prevention and control and consolidate Hong Kong's leading position in cancer research and prevention and control. The Government is also committed to optimising services and providing appropriate treatment for all cancer patients.
      
     To learn more about World Cancer Day, please visit www.worldcancerday.org.

Ends/Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Issued at HKT 12:10

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