Key facts
- Hong Kong recorded 37,953 new cancer cases in 2023.
- The number of new cancer cases in Hong Kong increased by 7% from the previous year.
- Breast cancer became the second most common cancer in Hong Kong in 2023.
- Diagnoses of breast cancer among women in Hong Kong rose by 7.8%.
- Breast cancer diagnoses surpassed colorectal cancer in Hong Kong.
- Factors contributing to the rise include an aging population, lifestyle changes, and improved screening.
Hong Kong recorded a significant rise in cancer diagnoses in 2023, with a total of 37,953 new cases, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. Among the various types of cancer, breast cancer saw a notable surge, particularly among women. Diagnoses of breast cancer increased by 7.8%, leading it to become the second most common cancer in the city. This rise means breast cancer has now surpassed colorectal cancer in prevalence. Experts point to several contributing factors for this trend, including an aging population, shifts in lifestyle habits, and advancements in medical screening technologies that allow for earlier detection. The overall increase in cancer cases highlights ongoing public health challenges in Hong Kong.