Search
What are you looking for?
Start main content

Press Releases

Press Releases

https://med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/results-of-the-first-3-500-participants-of-the-cuhk-jockey-club-multi-cancer-prevention-programme-demonstrate-that-one-stop-multi-cancer-screening-is-effective
https://med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/results-of-the-first-3-500-participants-of-the-cuhk-jockey-club-multi-cancer-prevention-programme-demonstrate-that-one-stop-multi-cancer-screening-is-effective

Results of the First 3,500 Participants of the CUHK Jockey Club Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme Demonstrate that “One-stop Multi-Cancer Screening” is Effective

Supported by the donation of over HK$35 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announced the results of the early phase of the CUHK Jockey Club Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme (the Programme) today. Since the commencement of the Programme in 2018, it has already provided screening services to over 3,000 eligible citizens. More than 70% of the participants were diagnosed either with adenoma or advanced adenoma through colonoscopy, while ten persons were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

 

For those who underwent colorectal cancer screening, almost all of them were willing to be screened for another type of cancer. Subsequently, 15 participants were diagnosed with breast cancer and another 37 participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer. The research team believes that the screening results demonstrated the effectiveness of the “one-stop multi-cancer screening” model and advocates the implementation of this model to the cancer screening programme in the future.

.
Multi-Cancer Screening Programme

Results of the early phase of the CUHK Jockey Club Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme were announced today. Since the commencement of the Programme in 2018, 3,500 eligible citizens have received their service. 7.9% of the participants were diagnosed either with adenoma, advanced adenoma or even colorectal cancer; 0.8% of female participants were diagnosed with breast cancer while 2.4% of male participants were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

 

(From left) Prof. Simon NG, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, CUHK; Dr. Polly CHEUNG, Founder of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation; Ms Tse, a patient who was diagnosed with early-phase breast cancer through the Programme; Prof. Joseph SUNG, Director of CUHK Jockey Club Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme; Mr. Leong CHEUNG, Executive Director, Charities and Community, The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Professor Samuel WONG, Director of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care; and Professor Anthony NG, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery; Faculty of Medicine, CUHK.

Around one-third of Hong Kong's population over the age of 15 are obese

According to the Population Health Survey conducted by the Department of Healt[1], there are 29.9% of the Hong Kong’s population within 15 to 84 years old are defined as obese and 20.1% of the population are defined as overweight. Obesity is the most common in the age group of 65 to 84 and 45 to 54 in females and males respectively. 

 

For the Chinese adults in Hong Kong, it is defined as overweight if the body mass index (BMI) is between 23 kg/m2 and less than 25 kg/m2, while obese is defined as BMI equals to 25 kg/m2 or above. There are studies showing that obesity and overweight are related to some cancers. The table below illustrates the obesity-induced risk for colorectal cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

 

Colorectal Cancer

The risk of developing colorectal cancer or adenoma for obese (BMI ≥ 25kg/m2) people is 1.5 times of normal people.[2]

Breast Cancer

  • A 5-unit increase in BMI is associated with a 12% increase in risk.
  • Among postmenopausal women, a 5-unit increase in BMI is associated with a 20% to 40% increase in risk.[3]

Prostate Cancer

The relative risk is 1.09 for every 5-unit increase in BMI[4]

 

 

Latest figures of colorectal, breast and prostate cancer – top ten most common cancers in Hong Kong

Latest figures of the top ten cancers released by the Hospital Authority[5] show that there are 5,635 colorectal cancer cases in 2017, which placed the top among all cancers for five consecutive years. Meanwhile, breast cancer has been the most common women's cancer since 1994, with 4,373 cases. Prostate cancer placed the fourth with 2,240 cases in the top ten cancers, with the greatest increase in incidence rate of 17.2% from 2016 to 2017.

 

In view of the increasing severity of obesity and cancer in Hong Kong, the Programme aims to decode the relation between obesity and the above three cancers. The Programme was funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in 2018 for five years and targeted to recruit 10,000 Hong Kong residents at the age between 40 and 75 who are free of cancer symptoms. In addition to colorectal cancer screening, male and female participants are provided with prostate cancer and breast cancer screening respectively.

 

Prof Joseph Sung

Prof. Joseph SUNG states that the aim of the CUHK Jockey Club Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme is to raise public awareness on cancer in order to nip it in the bud.

Prof Simon Ng

Prof. Simon NG points out that adenoma and advanced adenoma are pre-cancerous conditions of colorectal cancer. Without timely diagnosis, these conditions will develop to colorectal cancer. 

Programme results of the early phase

 

As of 18 August 2020, there were 3,446 eligible subjects enrolled in the Programme and were provided with cancers screening together with metabolic syndrome screening. There are 3,018 participants (approximately 90%) who are either overweight or with central obesity. As some of the participants have cancer symptoms or with contraindications, they were only able to join one of the three cancer screenings. The screening results are as below:

 

Colorectal cancer

 

There were 3,230 participants suitable for colorectal cancer screening. Among them, 367 subjects showed positive results in fecal immunochemical tests and were referred for undergoing colonoscopy as a follow-up. Among 347 colonoscopy reports, 151 subjects were found to have adenoma; 95 subjects have advanced adenoma and ten people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Adenoma and advanced adenoma are pre-cancerous conditions of colorectal cancer. Without timely diagnosis, these conditions will develop to colorectal cancer.

 

Prostate cancer

 

There were 1,516 subjects suitable for prostate cancer screening. Among them, 98 subjects were tested for prostate specific antigen or prostate health index and referred for undergoing prostate ultrasound and prostatic biopsy test. Among 91 prostatic biopsy reports, 37 prostate cancer cases were found.

 

Breast cancer

 

There were 1,846 subjects suitable for breast cancer screening. Among them, there were 45 subjects with positive mammogram results and were referred for undergoing breast ultrasound and biopsy test. Among 41 breast biopsy reports, 15 breast cancer cases were diagnosed.  

 

Dr Polly Cheung

Dr. Polly CHEUNG (right) reminds that women in general should undergo breast cancer screening every two years.  .

 

Prof Anthony Ng

Prof. Anthony NG states that early-stage prostate cancer does not have many obvious symptoms, and one fourth of the cancer cases found in this screening programme are already in stage three or even stage four.

 

Continual of recruitment

 

Professor Joseph SUNG, Director of the CUHK Jockey Club Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme and Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine of CUHK stated, “The recruitment of our programme has been ongoing. Apart from fighting against COVID-19, cancer is a life-threatening disease that we need to nip it in the bud. The aim of the Programme is to raise the awareness of the residents who are in our targeted age group on their colorectal health and overweight or obese issues. The problem of COVID-19 should fade out one day, yet the problems of cancer and weight control will continue in our society.”

 

“The Hong Kong Jockey Club believes that prevention is better than cure. Cancer screening is an effective way of cancer prevention as it allows early detection such that patients can receive treatment as soon as possible. The Club is a strong supporter of cancer prevention, treatment and support services. We are also working with different institutions and universities to strengthen Hong Kong’s cancer research and treatment standards by providing diversified services as well as timely and appropriate assistance to patients and their carers,” said Mr Leong Cheung, Executive Director, Charities and Community of The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

 

In addition to cancer screening, there were 50 diabetes mellitus (DM) cases newly diagnosed through the Programme. Not only these DM cases are provided with referrals, but the overweight or obese subjects are also supported by the Programme with classes on exercises and diets which will be started in 2020. These classes aim to assist participants in weight management in order to reduce their risk in developing cancers. For further information of the Programme, please feel free to visit https://mcp.cuhk.edu.hk.

 

Please visit https://mcp.cuhk.edu.hk/form/ for registration of the Programme.

 

Ms Tse and Prof Samuel Wong

Ms. Tse (left) was diagnosed with breast cancer stage one through the CUHK Jockey Club Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme in 2019. She wishes to draw more attention among the public to the risk of cancer through sharing her experience. On the right is Prof. Samuel WONG.

CUHK Team

A group photo of the CUHK team and representatives from The Hong Kong Jockey Club participating in the CUHK Jockey Club Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme.

[1] Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, HKSAR https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/25/8802.html

 

[2] Wong MC, Lam TY, Tsoi KK, et al. A validated tool to predict colorectal neoplasia and inform screening choice for asymptomatic subjects. Gut. 2014;63(7):1130-6.

 

[3] Harvie M, Hooper L, Howell AH (2003) Central obesity and breast cancer risk: a systematic review. Obesity Reviews 4: 157-173.

 

[4] Cao Y, Giovannucci E (2016) Obesity and Prostate Cancer. Recent Results Cancer Res 208: 137-153.

 

[5] Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority https://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/topten.html

More Press Releases

CUHK Launches Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme Providing Free Screening to 10,000 HK Residents to Study Links with Obesity

CUHK Launches Multi-Cancer Prevention Programme Providing Free Screening to 10,000 HK Residents to Study Links with Obesity

Health Campaign
CUHK and HKBU Launch Spermine Risk Score for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

CUHK and HKBU Launch Spermine Risk Score for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Research
CUHK Successfully Performed World’s First Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection  Using Flexible Endoscopic Robotic System

CUHK Successfully Performed World’s First Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Using Flexible Endoscopic Robotic System

Surgical advancement
CUHK Successfully Conducted the World’s First Multi-Specialty Clinical Trial Using the Next Generation Single Port Robotic Surgical System

CUHK Successfully Conducted the World’s First Multi-Specialty Clinical Trial Using the Next Generation Single Port Robotic Surgical System

Surgical advancement
CUHK Study Sees Increasing Global Incidence of Colorectal Cancer Among Younger People

CUHK Study Sees Increasing Global Incidence of Colorectal Cancer Among Younger People

Research
CU Medicine receives the Li Ka Shing Foundation’s donation of Asia’s first Histotripsy 2.0 system 30 patients sponsored to receive novel treatment for liver tumours

CU Medicine receives the Li Ka Shing Foundation’s donation of Asia’s first Histotripsy 2.0 system 30 patients sponsored to receive novel treatment for liver tumours

Donation
CUHK study demonstrates a significant benefit from en bloc resection of bladder tumours in reducing tumour recurrence over conventional transurethral resection

CUHK study demonstrates a significant benefit from en bloc resection of bladder tumours in reducing tumour recurrence over conventional transurethral resection

Research
CUHK identifies Streptococcus anginosus as a pathogen that promotes gastric tumour formation

CUHK identifies Streptococcus anginosus as a pathogen that promotes gastric tumour formation

Research
CUHK launches The Jockey Club We WATCH Healthy Lifestyle Project – Hong Kong’s first lifestyle medicine initiative to fight chronic disease among the middle-aged

CUHK launches The Jockey Club We WATCH Healthy Lifestyle Project – Hong Kong’s first lifestyle medicine initiative to fight chronic disease among the middle-aged

Health Campaign
CUHK introduces a new modular robotic surgery system in the Greater China region Initial trials in radical prostatectomy show satisfactory outcomes

CUHK introduces a new modular robotic surgery system in the Greater China region Initial trials in radical prostatectomy show satisfactory outcomes

Surgical advancement
CU Medicine leads new clinical practice guidelines on use of non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening with international experts

CU Medicine leads new clinical practice guidelines on use of non-invasive biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening with international experts

Research
CU Medicine launches the Jockey Club “Confront Pain with Ease” Project Introducing innovative pain interventions and self-help measures to the community

CU Medicine launches the Jockey Club “Confront Pain with Ease” Project Introducing innovative pain interventions and self-help measures to the community

Research
CUHK study advises residential care homes for the elderly to maintain current infection control practices

CUHK study advises residential care homes for the elderly to maintain current infection control practices

Research
Study led by CUHK shows robotic-assisted bladder removal with intracorporeal urinary diversion reduces blood loss and enhances post-operative recovery

Study led by CUHK shows robotic-assisted bladder removal with intracorporeal urinary diversion reduces blood loss and enhances post-operative recovery

Research
CUHK Develops a Novel Faecal Test that can Detect Polyps and Early Colon Cancers  with Sensitivity Over 90%

CUHK Develops a Novel Faecal Test that can Detect Polyps and Early Colon Cancers with Sensitivity Over 90%

Research
CUHK Develops Biohybrid Soft Microrobots with a Rapid Endoluminal Delivery Strategy for Gastrointestinal Diseases

CUHK Develops Biohybrid Soft Microrobots with a Rapid Endoluminal Delivery Strategy for Gastrointestinal Diseases

Research
CUHK Identifies Outcome Indicators for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients Receiving Prostatic Artery Embolisation

CUHK Identifies Outcome Indicators for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients Receiving Prostatic Artery Embolisation

Research
CUHK Study Shows Exposure Settings Impact COVID-19 Transmission With Entertainment Setting Showing Propensity for Widespread Dispersion

CUHK Study Shows Exposure Settings Impact COVID-19 Transmission With Entertainment Setting Showing Propensity for Widespread Dispersion

Research
CU Medicine Studies Highlight Smoking as a Contributing Factor for Bladder Cancer and  Develop an International Collaborative Consensus on En Bloc Resection to Treat the Disease

CU Medicine Studies Highlight Smoking as a Contributing Factor for Bladder Cancer and Develop an International Collaborative Consensus on En Bloc Resection to Treat the Disease

Research
CUHK Established the Institute of Health Equity Investigates Housing Affordability Effects on Physical and Mental Health

CUHK Established the Institute of Health Equity Investigates Housing Affordability Effects on Physical and Mental Health

Research
CU Medicine Announces the Community Response Study Results During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Hong Kong

CU Medicine Announces the Community Response Study Results During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Hong Kong

Research
CUHK-Jockey Club Pain Relief Project for the Seniors Preliminary Data Shows 90% of Interviewed Elderly Have at Least Two Pain Sites

CUHK-Jockey Club Pain Relief Project for the Seniors Preliminary Data Shows 90% of Interviewed Elderly Have at Least Two Pain Sites

Health Campaign
CUHK Thomas Jing Centre for Mindfulness Research and Training Established

CUHK Thomas Jing Centre for Mindfulness Research and Training Established

Research
CUHK Study Shows Behavioural Activation with Mindfulness Lower Major Depression Risk

CUHK Study Shows Behavioural Activation with Mindfulness Lower Major Depression Risk

Research
CUHK-DGIST-ETH Zurich Establish Joint Laboratory on Nano-technology for Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular Diseases

CUHK-DGIST-ETH Zurich Establish Joint Laboratory on Nano-technology for Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular Diseases

International collaboration
CUHK Announces World’s First Systematic Review of the Global Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in the 21st Century Reveals Surge in Hong Kong in past 30 years

CUHK Announces World’s First Systematic Review of the Global Incidence and Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in the 21st Century Reveals Surge in Hong Kong in past 30 years

Research
CUHK Collaborates with Australian Experts to Untangle Mystery of Eastern Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gut Microbiota

CUHK Collaborates with Australian Experts to Untangle Mystery of Eastern Inflammatory Bowel Disease Gut Microbiota

Research
CUHK and ETH Zurich Forge an Alliance on Innovative Technologies for Gastrointestinal Diseases

CUHK and ETH Zurich Forge an Alliance on Innovative Technologies for Gastrointestinal Diseases

International collaboration
CUHK Organizes First ‘Bowel Cancer Awareness Month’

CUHK Organizes First ‘Bowel Cancer Awareness Month’

Health Campaign
World’s First Large-scale Epidemiological Survey on Adolescents by CUHK Reveals Abuse of Methamphetamine Associated with Increased Risk of Developing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

World’s First Large-scale Epidemiological Survey on Adolescents by CUHK Reveals Abuse of Methamphetamine Associated with Increased Risk of Developing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Clinical service
CUHK World’s First Study Confirms A New Colorectal Cancer High Risk Group

CUHK World’s First Study Confirms A New Colorectal Cancer High Risk Group

Research
CUHK’s New Prostatic Artery Embolization Shows 90% Success Rate in Relieving Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

CUHK’s New Prostatic Artery Embolization Shows 90% Success Rate in Relieving Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Clinical service
The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Imperial College Collaborate on Healthcare Innovation and Biomedical Robotics

The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Imperial College Collaborate on Healthcare Innovation and Biomedical Robotics

International collaboration
CUHK Establishes State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases

CUHK Establishes State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases

Research
CUHK Opens S.H. Ho Urology Centre to Promote Earlier Diagnosis and Management of Prostate Cancer to the Territory

CUHK Opens S.H. Ho Urology Centre to Promote Earlier Diagnosis and Management of Prostate Cancer to the Territory

Clinical service
CUHK Assessed and Treated Over 300 Young Ketamine Abusers with Urinary Tract Dysfunction Latest Research Reveals Effectiveness of Integrated Anti-inflammatory Therapy

CUHK Assessed and Treated Over 300 Young Ketamine Abusers with Urinary Tract Dysfunction Latest Research Reveals Effectiveness of Integrated Anti-inflammatory Therapy

Research
CUHK Received Four Ministry of Education Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards The Highest Share among Hong Kong Institutions

CUHK Received Four Ministry of Education Higher Education Outstanding Scientific Research Output Awards The Highest Share among Hong Kong Institutions

Awards and honors
CUHK will hold 'SARS A Decade On: A Conference for the Health Professionals'

CUHK will hold 'SARS A Decade On: A Conference for the Health Professionals'

Symposium
Bowel Cancer Will Become Top Cancer in Hong Kong CUHK Introduces Colon Pill Camera to Prevent Bowel Cancer

Bowel Cancer Will Become Top Cancer in Hong Kong CUHK Introduces Colon Pill Camera to Prevent Bowel Cancer

Surgical advancement
CUHK's Youth Urological Treatment Centre Opens Today Territory's First Centre to Provide Urological Assessment and Treatment to Young Drug Abusers

CUHK's Youth Urological Treatment Centre Opens Today Territory's First Centre to Provide Urological Assessment and Treatment to Young Drug Abusers

Donation
CUHK Discovers Up to 30% of Asymptomatic Subjects in Hong Kong Suffered from Pre-cancerous Bowel Tumors

CUHK Discovers Up to 30% of Asymptomatic Subjects in Hong Kong Suffered from Pre-cancerous Bowel Tumors

Research
CUHK Discovers High Prevalence of Colorectal Polyps among Fatty Liver Patients

CUHK Discovers High Prevalence of Colorectal Polyps among Fatty Liver Patients

Research
Why is Liver Cancer More Prevalent in Men than in Women? CUHK Discovers a Sex Hormone-controlled Gene that Promotes Liver Cancer

Why is Liver Cancer More Prevalent in Men than in Women? CUHK Discovers a Sex Hormone-controlled Gene that Promotes Liver Cancer

Research
Predicting Your Colorectal-polyp Risk with CUHK Colorectal-polyp Prediction Index (CU-CPI)

Predicting Your Colorectal-polyp Risk with CUHK Colorectal-polyp Prediction Index (CU-CPI)

Clinical service

Our Expert List

Many experts under the Faculty of Medicine are available for media interview.
Please click here for the expert list or contact us.