Project Overview
The free government-funded "Colorectal Cancer Screening Program" has been fully expanded since January 1, 2020, to include Hong Kong residents aged 50 to 75 who are asymptomatic.
For more details about the colorectal cancer screening program, please visit the government website: https://www.colonscreen.gov.hk/tc/public/index.html
Participants can first undergo a fecal occult blood test at Ren Sheng Hospital to check for trace amounts of blood that are invisible to the naked eye. If present, a colonoscopy will be arranged to check for potential colon polyps, preventing them from developing into cancer.
Advantages of Ren Sheng Services
- Safety
The main screening tool for the program is the fecal occult blood test, which is simple, hygienic, and safe. - Effectiveness
The program can identify patients and high-risk individuals early, allowing for timely follow-up and treatment. - Convenience
reVIVE Tumor and Cancer Center is located in the heart of Mong Kok, making it easily accessible. - Speed
The fecal occult blood test can be completed within a few days, and participants with positive results can undergo a colonoscopy within eight weeks. - Free
reVIVE does not charge any additional fees. Participants can access the services completely free of charge.
Eligibility Criteria for Participants:
- Aged 50 to 75
- Hold a Hong Kong Identity Card* or exemption registration certificate
- Have joined the electronic health record sharing system
Primary care physicians will personally meet with prospective participants to assess their suitability for the program. Participants should inform the doctor if they have any of the following conditions:
- A history of colorectal cancer
- A history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis
- Confirmed hereditary bowel disease, or a direct relative with such a condition
- A direct relative with colorectal cancer
- A history of colorectal polyps
- Symptoms of colorectal cancer
- Doctor-confirmed unsuitability for colonoscopy
- A colonoscopy within the past ten years
- A sigmoidoscopy within the past five years
- A fecal occult blood test within the past two years (regardless of results)
The colorectal cancer screening program is designed for asymptomatic individuals aged 50 to 75 at average risk, aiming to identify those who are affected or at higher risk so that they can receive early treatment and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Colorectal cancer typically develops from colorectal polyps, a process that can take ten years or more. Although patients may not exhibit obvious symptoms in the early stages, their stool may already contain blood.
The program uses fecal immunochemical testing, and if there are any suspicions, participants should seek medical attention promptly. The chemical test (a modified fecal occult blood testing method) detects visible blood in the stool, and the method is simple, hygienic, and safe. Participants can collect stool samples at home using collection tubes.
If the fecal occult blood test results are negative, participants should meet with their primary care physician every two years for reassessment and further testing, while remaining vigilant for any changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, excessive mucus, or persistent bowel urges, and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.
If the fecal occult blood test result is positive, the doctor will arrange for the participant to undergo a colonoscopy, which can prevent it from developing into cancer and protect against colorectal cancer.
