Free service updates:

*The cancer risk assessment surveys are temporarily available in Chinese only.

One out of Four Persons In Hong Kong Runs The Risk Of Cancer
According to WHO statistics in 2024, in 2022, there were around 20 million of new cases and approximately 10 million of deaths found all over the world. It is believed that the projected figure would soar up to 24.6 million by 2030. In Hong Kong, the number of new cases recorded in 2021 was 38,462 , hitting a record high. The five most commonly diagnosed cancers in 2021 were lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and liver cancer. The overall average age of onset was 69 for men and 63 for women. About 1 in 4 men and 1 in 4 women in Hong Kong are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.

Prevention of Cancer starts from oneself. The most pragmatic way of preventing cancer is by change of lifestyle
Researches indicate that the causes of cancer are related to our genes, the environment, our lifestyles and eating habits. Never starting smoking or quitting smoking, limiting alcohol drinks, being physically active, paying attention to a regular lifestyle, maintaining a healthy diet and a healthy weight can considerably reduce the risk of developing cancer.



Can cancer be detected before symptoms occur?
Cancer detection refers to examinations conducted before the appearance of suspected symptoms with a view to making a prompt diagnosis of cancer. Cancer screening refers to the carrying out of these examinations in a systematic manner In order to identify cancer patients among people who are not showing any symptoms of cancer.
Cancer detection/screening enhances treatment results by early diagnosis of cancer. However, there are pros and cons to cancer detection /screening, medical advice are strongly recommended before taking any medical examinations.

Age   Male   Female
Begins at age 25       Women aged 25-64 who ever had sexual contacts should have screening by cytology every3 years after 2 consecutive normal annual screenings.Women aged 30 to 64 may also choose to have HPV testing or co-testing (cytology and HPV testing) every 5 years.
Begins at age 30 Family members of nasopharyngeal cancer patients should have EBV blood test and nasopharyngoscopy at age 30-70.
Begins at age 40       Based on individualized breast cancer risk factors, women aged 44-69 may consider taking mammogram every 2 years.
Begins at age 50 People age 50-75 should consider one of the following as colorectal cancer screening:
  1. annual faecal occult blood test,
  2. flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years,
  3. Colonoscopy every 10 years.
Any age Chronic hepatitis carriers should receive AFP blood test and liver scan every 6-9 months.
 *Individuals with higher risk should consult doctors to determine the time to start and the frequency of tests.


Are You At High Risk Of Getting Cancer?

  • Have you or your family members ever had cancer?
  • Are you a Hepatitis B/C carrier?
  • Have you ever been infected with HPV or developed changes in cervical cells?
  • Have you ever infected with Helicobacter pylori?
  • Are you a smoker or passive smoker?
  • Are you overweight or obese?
  • Are you age 50 or above?

90% of colorectal cancers are developed from polyps Changes in cervical cells does not necessarily mean you already have cancer.
Active participation in Cancer Counselling Service by members of the Community.

For enquiry, please contact us during office hours

Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:30pm (lunch break 1pm – 2pm)
Tel: 3921 3871
Fax: 3921 3822
Email: screening@hkacs.org.hk