Cancer Prevention and Screening
HIV/AIDS and Related Cancers
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the immune system caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is transmitted from person to person most commonly in blood and bodily secretions, such as semen. A person with HIV is highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions because HIV severely weakens the body’s immune system. When HIV infection causes symptoms and specific disease syndromes, the disease is called AIDS. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can access treatments and information to help you manage the condition and delay the onset of AIDS. For more information on free testing of HIV can be found here.
About HIV/AIDS-related cancer
People with HIV/AIDS have an increased risk of developing the following cancers:
For people with HIV, these 3 cancers are often called “AIDS-defining conditions.” This means that if a person with an HIV infection has 1 of these cancers, it can mean that AIDS has developed. Learn more about prevention and screening of these three cancers by clicking on the three names of the cancers above.
Colorectal Cancer
Prevention and Screening
Primary prevention is of utmost importance for prevention of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) as many of the risk factors are modifiable.
Since CRC arises predominantly from precancerous adenomatous polyps developed over a long latent period, it is one of the few cancers that can be effectively prevented through organized and evidence-based screening.
The Cancer Expert Working Group (CEWG) of Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection recommends that average risk people aged 50 to 75 should consult their doctors to consider one of the following screening methods:
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annual or biennial faecal occult blood test (FOBT);
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sigmoidoscopy every 5 years;
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colonoscopy every 10 years.
Learn more about prevention and screening for colorectal cancer by clicking here.
Screening Programme and Screening Locations
Hong Kong has a Government-subsidised Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme with large number of applicable screening location for free. Find out if you are eligible and screening locations for Primary Care Doctor and Colonoscopy Specialist.
Lung Cancer
Primary prevention
Smoking cessation or avoidance of smoking is the most effective measure for preventing lung cancer. Smoking cessation at any age is beneficial to health of all smokers. An individual’s risk of lung cancer would drop by about half that of a smoker 10 years after quitting smoking. A prospective study of one million women in the UK found that former smokers who stopped smoking at about 30 and 40 years of age had their risk of dying from lung cancer reduced by 97% and 90%, respectively.
Avoiding or reducing exposure to known carcinogens such as asbestos, radon and radiation in occupational setting by following recommended occupational safety practices (such as wearing protective gears) would result in a decrease in the risk of developing lung cancer.
Early detection
In the early stages, lung cancer usually has no noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of lung cancer include persistent cough, haemoptysis, recurrent or persistent chest infections, hoarseness, chest discomfort or pain when coughing or taking a deep breath, loss of appetite and weight, and fatigue. Individuals with suspicious symptoms should seek medical assessment and investigation promptly.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC)
Primary prevention
Some preventive measures can help reduce the risk of NPC:
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Do not smoke
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Do not eat preserved and fermented food
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Observe occupational safety and health rules and take precautionary measures to minimise exposure to causative agents for NPC at workplace
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Avoid burning incense sticks
Early detection
Common signs and symptoms of NPC include swollen neck lymph nodes, decreased hearing, tinnitus, recurrent ear infection, unexplained headache, double vision, stuffiness, nose bleeding, facial paralysis, hoarseness of voice and dysphagia. Individuals with these signs and symptoms should be investigated for NPC.
Questions or Concerns?
Whether it’s you, a friend or a relative is concerned about or affected by cancer, we’re here for you. Contact us at info@empiricushealth.org and leave your email or call back number, and we will get back to you promptly. Whether you’re looking for professional advice, additional information, or simply want a friendly ear to listen, consider us a friend you can contact us for help.