NCD Watch

Obesity-Related Cancer: A Unique Health Challenge Requiring United Effort

13 January 2026 (Tue)

Obesity is the third leading risk factor for cancer globally and is linked to an increased risk of at least 13 types of cancer. Among them, colorectal cancer accounted for the highest number of deaths and disability-adjusted life years, followed by liver cancer and breast cancer.

Of the 20 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2022, almost half (46%) were associated with obesity. Notably, the global obesity epidemic may have partly contributed to a rising incidence of early-onset obesity-related cancers.

Hong Kong, like other regions, is increasingly burdened by cancers linked to obesity. Of the 37 953 new cancer cases diagnosed in 2023, obesity-related cancers accounted for 53%. Overall, the top five obesity-related cancers were female breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, corpus uteri cancer and stomach cancer, which showed an upward trend.

Weight management plays a vital role in lowering obesity-related cancer risk. Everyone should keep a healthy weight and waist circumference throughout life. This is particularly important for children, as overweight and obesity in childhood often follows through into adulthood. For individuals who are overweight or obese, even modest weight reduction can yield significant health benefits.

Maintaining healthy weight and lifestyle along with implementing evidence-based public health prevention measures could prevent 30–50% of cancers.

The Department of Health will continue working closely with relevant stakeholders to raise public awareness of the importance of healthy living in cancer prevention, promote cancer-related vaccinations and the uptake of cancer screening by populations as the Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening recommended.

Source: NCD Watch January 2026 (https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/ncd_watch_jan_2026_en.pdf)