NCD Watch

Awareness of Lung Cancer

6 June 2024 (Thu)

Lung cancer (including cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lung) is one of the most frequently occurring malignancies and associated with a poor outcome, both globally and locally. Smoking any kind of tobacco products is the most important cause of lung cancer. There is no safe level of tobacco exposure; even smoking occasionally increases the risk of cancer.

In Hong Kong, lung cancer is the most common cancer. In 2021, the Hong Kong Cancer Registry recorded 5 978 new cases of lung cancer, representing a 35.8% increase from 4 401 new cases in 2011. Such increases might be partly attributed to the growing and ageing population. Among all newly diagnosed lung cancer cases in 2021, two-thirds (66.0%) of them were diagnosed at age 65 or above and over half (56.9%) of the cases belonged to the most advanced stage at time of diagnosis. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Hong Kong as well. In 2022, a total of 3 782 persons died from lung cancer, accounting for 25.7% of all cancer deaths.

Not smoking tobacco is the most effective strategy to prevent lung cancer. Epidemiological studies showed that cessation of tobacco smoking could reduce the risk of developing lung cancer in both men and women, as well as among light and moderate to heavy smokers. Thus, non-smokers should never start smoking and current smokers are urged to quit smoking immediately. In addition to no smoking, healthy living by eating sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables and being physically active can reduce lung cancer risk.

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Government) recognises the significant impact of cancer including lung cancer on the health of local population. In 2019, the Government launched the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy with a holistic plan for cancer prevention and control for Hong Kong. As smoking is the main culprit of lung cancer, the Government has been taking a multi-pronged approach to strengthen tobacco control through legislation, enforcement, publicity, education, smoking cessation services and taxation. The Government will continue to push ahead with its tobacco control work and strive to further reduce the smoking prevalence among the local population.

To fight against lung and other lifestyle-related cancers, the Department of Health will continue to work in collaboration with various sectors to promote a smoke-free culture in Hong Kong so as to safeguard the health of the community, organise health campaigns and engage the general public to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Source: NCD Watch June 2024