Key facts
- Hong Kong recorded 37,953 new cancer cases in 2023.
- The total number of new cancer cases in 2023 represents a 7% increase from the previous year.
- Breast cancer became the second most common cancer in Hong Kong.
- Diagnoses of breast cancer among women rose by 7.8%.
- Breast cancer diagnoses now surpass colorectal cancer diagnoses in Hong Kong.
- Factors contributing to the rise include an aging population, lifestyle changes, and improved screening.
Hong Kong recorded a significant increase in new cancer cases in 2023, with a total of 37,953 diagnoses, marking a 7% rise from the previous year. Among the various cancers, breast cancer has emerged as the second most prevalent, notably seeing a 7.8% increase in diagnoses among women. This surge means breast cancer diagnoses now surpass those of colorectal cancer in the region. Experts point to several contributing factors for this upward trend, including the city's aging demographic, shifts in lifestyle patterns, and advancements in cancer screening technologies and accessibility. The improved detection capabilities likely play a role in identifying more cases, while lifestyle changes may influence cancer development. The aging population also naturally correlates with a higher incidence of various diseases, including cancer.