NCD Watch

Excess Body Fat and Colorectal Cancer Risk

5 March 2024 (Tue)

The World Health Organization defines obesity and overweight as excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Being obese or overweight is one of the important risk factors for many types of cancer, including colorectal cancer that develops in the colon or rectum.

The Population Health Survey 2020-22 conducted by the Department of Health (DH) observed that 32.6% of local non-institutionalised persons aged 15-84 were obese and another 22.0% were overweight. By waist measurement, 37.8% of persons aged 15-84 were classified as centrally obese. The prevalence of central obesity increased with age from 15.7% among persons aged 15-24 to 49.2% among persons aged 65-84.

The local burden of colorectal cancer has been increasing over the past 10 years. Between 2012 and 2021, the number of newly diagnosed colorectal cancer cases increased from 4 563 to 5 899. In 2021, colorectal cancer was the second commonest cancer locally and accounted for 15.3% of all new cancer cases. As the second most common cause of cancer death, there were 2 270 registered deaths attributed to colorectal cancer in 2022.

To reduce the risk of obesity as well as colorectal cancer, members of the public are urged to lead a healthy lifestyle. Screening for colorectal cancer can bring health benefit through early detection and treatment. For asymptomatic individuals aged 50-75 at average risk of developing colorectal cancer (e.g. those without hereditary bowel diseases), they should undergo annual or biennial faecal occult blood test; or sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; or colonoscopy every 10 years.

To reduce the burden of colorectal cancer, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (CRCSP) subsidises asymptomatic Hong Kong residents aged between 50 and 75 to receive screening service in private sector for prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer. Eligible persons are urged to join the programme. For further details, please visit the thematic website at www.colonscreen.gov.hk. The SAR Government is committed to reducing the impacts of obesity and cancer among local population. The DH will continue to promote healthy living for the prevention of obesity and colorectal cancer as well as work with various sectors of the community to promote the uptake of the CRCSP.

Source: NCD Watch March 2024