A government-subsidized colorectal cancer screening program has diagnosed over 2,900 cases of colorectal cancer in Hong Kong, with about 57 percent of cases having been detected in the early stages, health authorities said on Thursday, urging more people to join the program.

Launched in 2016, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme subsidizes asymptomatic Hong Kong people aged from 50 to 75 to undergo screening services in the private sector for prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer.

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Colorectal cancer is the second-most deadly cancer in Hong Kong, accounting for 2,270 deaths in 2022. 

Launched in 2016, the screening program has detected over 2,900 cases of colorectal cancer and 33,000 cases of colorectal adenoma

As of the end of 2023, over 420,000 people, or 5.6 percent of the city’s total population, had participated in the program, said the Department of Health.

The program requires participants to submit feces samples for a fecal occult blood test. If the result is positive, participants need to receive a colonoscopy examination to find out the cause of the bleeding. The department said that among the people who submitted feces samples, around 63,900 people, or around 16.3 percent, had tested positive. 

In total, the program has detected over 2,900 cases of colorectal cancer and 33,000 cases of colorectal adenoma. Among the cancer cases found, around 57 percent were in the earlier stages — stage two or below — in the five-level system, and were able to receive early treatment.

A spokesperson for the department encouraged more people to join the program, especially those aged 50 or above. Those participating are also encouraged to invite their friends and relatives to do the same.

As of the end of 2023, the program was provided in around 1,960 locations across the city by around 1,040 primary care doctors. Over 90 percent of the providers do not charge participants any additional fees as the program is heavily subsidized by the government.

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Around 240 colonoscopy specialists have also joined the program to provide colonoscopy examination services at around 770 locations, with over 70 percent of them not charging extra fees for a colonoscopy and polyp removal, if needed.

To prevent colorectal cancer, the department advises residents to exercise regularly, eat more fruit and vegetables, maintain a healthy body weight, and stop smoking and drinking.

Contact the writer at fangxue@chinadailyhk.com