NCD Watch

Awareness and Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

31 Jan 2022 (Mon)

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and an important cause of cancer-related death. In Hong Kong, the number of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer increased from 4 370 cases in 2010 to 5 556 in 2019. As the second leading cause of cancer deaths locally, there were 2 287 registered deaths attributed to colorectal cancer in 2020.

Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable disease. The risk of developing colorectal cancer is influenced by various factors. While some risk factors are not modifiable (such as advancing age, having family history of colorectal cancer or having hereditary bowel diseases), many lifestyle-related factors known to increase colorectal cancer risk are modifiable (including overweight and obesity, unhealthy eating, physical inactivity or sedentary behaviours, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption). Therefore, regardless of individual’s genetic risk, adherence to a healthy lifestyle can substantially reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Since colorectal cancer typically develops from a precancerous polyp over a long period of time, screening (i.e. examining people without symptoms in order to identify individuals affected by the disease or at an increased risk of having the disease) can allow early diagnosis and treatment so as to improve the cure rate. To reduce the burden arising from colorectal cancer, the Hong Kong SAR Government launched the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (“Programme”) to subsidise asymptomatic average-risk Hong Kong residents aged between 50 and 75 (e.g. individuals without significant family history of colorectal cancer or those without hereditary bowel diseases) to undergo screening tests in the private sector.

For preventing colorectal cancer, members of the public should lead a healthy lifestyle, such as:-

• maintain a healthy body weight,
• decrease consumption of red and processed meat,
• increase intake of dietary fibre,
• take part in moderate-intensity aerobic physical activities for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes per week,
• avoid or quit tobacco smoking, and
• avoid alcohol consumption.

Eligible persons are also urged to join the Programme as soon as possible and have well-organised screenings. For more information about the Programme, please visit the thematic website at www.colonscreen.gov.hk or call 3565 6288 during office hours.

Together, we can prevent colorectal cancer and reduce the disease burden in Hong Kong！

Source: NCD Watch January 2022