The threat posed by cancer to the world is becoming increasingly severe, and the number of global cancer deaths has increased from 8.8 million in 2017 to 9.6 million in 2018. According to figures provided by the Hospital Authority, there were more than 31,400 cases in Hong Kong in 2016, an increase of nearly 4% compared with 2015. In 2017, the number of new cancer cases reached 33,075, a record high, with a year-on-year increase of 5.1%. The five most common cancers in Hong Kong are colorectal cancer,Lung Cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and liver cancer. Cancer has become the number one killer. Even with the rapid development of science and technology, as Hong Kong's population ages, it is not difficult to find that new cases of cancer have increased unabated in the past few years. What's more, Hong Kong people lead a busy life, eat more meat and less vegetables, and lack exercise, which greatly increases the risk of cancer. Precisely because personal living habits are an indispensable part of preventing cancer, improving public awareness of cancer is an issue of global concern.
According to a report by the World Health Organization, at least one-third of cancers are preventable. Engaging in more physical activities and maintaining a healthy diet can prevent about 40% of cancers.
To prevent cancer, it is important to pay attention to the following:
– Avoid tobacco and alcohol
- Consume more high-fibre foods such as whole grains, brown rice, fresh vegetables and fruits
– Eat less red meat and processed meat
– Avoid eating fried and pickled foods
– Control your weight and avoid being overweight or underweight
– Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight
– Keep a happy mood
– Regular health check-ups and cancer screenings
Cancer screening is an examination for people who are asymptomatic. It also refers to examination and evaluation before there are obvious symptoms to find cancer as early as possible.Preventive Carealso helps identify those at higher risk and is currently very effective in preventing cancer. Take colorectal cancer screening as an example. Fecal occult blood tests and fecal DNA tests (targeting certain oncogenes) are non-invasive and simple examination methods. If DNA lesions or polyps are found, they can be tested immediately, which can help reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by 3-8 times. Women should also remember to get regular breast and cervical cancer screenings and do not take it lightly.
Source:
https://www.hkacs.org.hk/tc/activities_detail.php?id=299
https://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/tc/
https://www.canceraway.org.tw/page.asp?IDno=3499
https://www.news.gov.hk/chi/2020/02/20200204/20200204_115448_491.html
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202002/04/P2020020400221.htm
https://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/pdf/overview/Summary%20of%20CanStat%202017_tc.pdf
