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Editorial
Hong Kong’s fight against cancer must begin with early screening
The city’s achievements in cutting the rate of cancer-related deaths is impressive but more can be done to ensure timely diagnosis
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Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Cities that host major international medical conferences can expect their own healthcare sector to come under attention. As a popular venue for such “mega-events”, Hong Kong is no exception.
These events are also an opportunity for the host to proclaim its achievements. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau did so at the World Cancer Congress, held in Hong Kong for the first time last week. Lo told delegates the city had cut its rate of cancer-related deaths by more than 40 per cent over the past three decades.
He said that over the past 10 years, the annual decline in the age-standardised cancer mortality rate was 2.8 per cent for men and 1.7 per cent for women. “This is a remarkable achievement, showing that Hong Kong is really making significant life-saving progress against cancer,” he said.
Hong Kong has, indeed, made great strides in the battle against cancer. But, as experts told the South China Morning Post’s Health Matters wellness series recently, there remains room for wider screening and early detection that could save or prolong even more lives.
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