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Cancer Guide: Most Common Cancer in Hong Kong, Causes & Risks

 

12-min read

Updated on 2026-5-19

Author: AIA Content Editorial Team

Healthcare professionals reviewing documents related to cancer health information, healthcare systems, and prevention planning in an office setting.
Cancer has long been regarded as one of the major diseases affecting public health, and the cancer risks faced by different age groups and genders also vary. Understanding the trends in common cancer incidence, the reasons behind cancer deaths, and internationally recognised carcinogenic risk factors is the first step in cancer prevention and management.

Overview of the Latest Hong Kong Cancer Statistics: Key Health Insights from Incidence and Mortality Rates

In 2023, there were 37,953 new cancer cases in Hong Kong, averaging 104 new cases per  day.¹ The data provides the public with a clearer understanding of the overall cancer situation in Hong Kong and encourages ongoing attention to personal health and preventive care.

Top 10 Cancers in Hong Kong: Changes in the Rankings of Breast Cancer and Colorectal Cancer

According to figures from the Hospital Authority,¹ the five most common cancers account for nearly 58% of all cancer cases. In order, they are lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and liver cancer. Among these, breast cancer recorded 5,603 cases, including 18 male cases. Breast cancer was described in the statistical report as having "surged," having overtaken colorectal cancer for two consecutive years to become the second most common cancer.
 
However, a high cancer incidence rate does not necessarily mean a cancer is untreatable. With medical advances, many cancers can achieve very good  treatment outcomes if detected early. Data shows that for certain cancers, such as prostate cancer, the five-year relative survival rate exceeds 97% when diagnosed at Stage 1.² This means regular health check-ups can have a highly positive impact on improving early detection and prevention.

Cancer Mortality Rankings: Why Is Lung Cancer Still the "Number One Cancer Killer"?

Despite continuous advances in medical technology, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Hong Kong. In 2023, 14,867 people in Hong Kong died from cancer, accounting for 26.2% of all deaths in the city, with more than half (57%) being men.¹ Among all cancers, lung cancer remained the leading cause of cancer death.
 
Lung cancer is so deadly mainly because its early symptoms are often not obvious. Patients usually seek medical attention only when more noticeable symptoms such as persistent coughing or coughing up blood appear, and by then, the disease is often already at a middle or late stage, missing the best treatment window.³
 
In addition, the threat of liver cancer should not be overlooked. Although liver cancer ranks fifth in overall incidence, it ranks third among the deadliest cancers in men.¹ This reminds us that while paying attention to high-incidence cancers, we should also be alert to hidden risks that have a long latent period and relatively high mortality.

Causes of Cancer: Understanding Carcinogenic Risk Factors and WHO Standards

Understanding the causes of cancer is the foundation of effective prevention. In addition to genetic factors, many substances in our lifestyle and environment may increase the risk of cellular genetic mutations.

Reference to the Carcinogen Classification of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies carcinogenic substances according to the strength of evidence that they can cause cancer in humans, helping the public identify and avoid high-risk factors.⁴
 
  • Group 1 (Carcinogenic to humans): There is sufficient evidence that these substances cause cancer in humans. Common Group 1 carcinogens in daily life include alcohol, processed meat (such as sausages and bacon), aflatoxins, and Chinese-style salted fish.
  • Group 2A (Probably carcinogenic to humans): Evidence in humans is limited, but there is sufficient evidence from animal studies. Examples include red meat (beef, pork, lamb) and very hot drinks above 65°C.⁵
  • Group 2B (Possibly carcinogenic to humans): Evidence of carcinogenicity in both humans and animals is limited. Examples include bracken fern and pickled vegetables.
In general, people can start with their daily lifestyle habits and reduce exposure to known risk factors, especially Group 1 carcinogens. For example, limiting alcohol consumption, reducing processed meat intake, and maintaining a balanced diet can all be highly beneficial for long-term health management.

In-Depth Analysis of Common Cancers in Hong Kong: Symptom Recognition and Prevention Tips

When facing different cancer threats, understanding their early symptoms and corresponding prevention methods can help us take precautions before problems arise.

Lung Cancer and Liver Cancer: The Overlooked "Silent Threats"

  • Lung cancer: There are often no obvious symptoms in the early stage. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, blood in sputum, and chest pain. The most direct way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking and stay away from second-hand smoke. High-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers, may consider consulting a doctor about undergoing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for early detection.
  • Liver cancer: Early-stage liver cancer is also difficult to detect. Common risk factors include hepatitis B virus infection, excessive alcohol consumption, and eating foods contaminated with aflatoxins. It is recommended that the public receive the hepatitis B vaccine, control alcohol intake, and undergo regular liver ultrasound and blood tests.

Breast Cancer and Colorectal Cancer: Early Screening Is Key

  • Breast cancer: Common symptoms include a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape, or abnormal nipple discharge. Women should become familiar with the normal condition of their breasts and, based on age and family history, undergo regular breast examinations and mammograms performed by doctors.
  • Colorectal cancer: If there are changes in bowel habits, such as alternating constipation and diarrhoea, blood in stool, or a large amount of mucus in stool, medical attention should be sought as early as possible. People aged 50 or above should undergo regular faecal occult blood tests or colonoscopy screening so that colorectal polyps can be detected and removed early, reducing the chance of them developing into cancer.

Risk Management Strategies: Building a Health Protection Net for an Uncertain Future

Assessing the Impact of Treatment Costs on Personal Finances

With advances in medical technology, newer anti-cancer treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy are becoming increasingly common. Although these advanced treatments can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life, they often involve substantial medical expenses. Taking colorectal cancer as an example, undergoing colonoscopy and polyp removal in a private healthcare institution may cost between HK$10,000 and HK$30,000 per session.⁶
 
If one only starts considering financial arrangements after an unfortunate diagnosis, treatment may be delayed due to cash flow difficulties. Therefore, planning medical protection early while still in good health is one of the effective strategies for managing the financial risks of major illnesses. Whether a plan is suitable depends on personal circumstances and budget, and professional financial planning advice may be sought where necessary.

Cancer FAQs

According to 2023 data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, the three most common cancers in Hong Kong are lung cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Among these, the incidence of female breast cancer has continued to rise, making it the second most common cancer in Hong Kong.

Group 1 carcinogens refer to substances for which there is sufficient evidence that they cause cancer in humans. In daily life, common Group 1 carcinogens include tobacco (and second-hand smoke), alcohol, processed meat (such as ham and sausages), and ultraviolet radiation. The public is advised to minimise exposure to these risk factors to reduce cancer risk.

Given the potentially substantial medical expenses that cancer may bring, such as surgery and targeted therapy, people are advised to review any gaps in their medical and critical illness protection while still healthy. Based on personal budget and life stage, they may consider arranging suitable medical insurance or critical illness insurance plans to transfer unexpected financial risks and avoid placing a burden on the family's finances.
*This information is owned by AIA, and may not be copied or reproduced without AIA's written consent. You may not copy or store this content on any other website or content platform.
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This information contains general information only and is intended for distribution in Hong Kong only. It does not constitute any sales advice and/or product recommendation. Before applying for any insurance product, customers must complete a Financial Needs Analysis and apply based on their actual protection needs and affordability. The product information in this document does not contain the full terms of the policy. For details on product features, terms and conditions, exclusions, and key product risks, please refer to the relevant product brochure and policy contract. This promotion is not applicable to cases involving plan changes from other insurance products to the promoted insurance products (basic plans or riders, if applicable). If you wish to review a sample policy contract before applying, you may request one from AIA. Life insurance policies are long-term contracts. If you surrender the policy in the early years, the amount you receive may be significantly less than the total premiums paid. ​    ​
  
For details on product features, terms and conditions, exclusions, and key product risks, please refer to the relevant product brochure and policy contract. 

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1. Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority. Overview of Hong Kong Cancer Statistics 2023. [Online sources]. accessed on 15 March 2026. 
2. Cancer Online Resources Hub. Common Cancers in Hong Kong - Prostate Cancer. [Online sources]. accessed on 15 March 2026. 
3. Dr. Chan Leung Cho. ​認識本港頭號癌症殺手—肺癌​ . [Online sources]. accessed on 15 March 2026. 
4. Centre for Food Safety. Food Safety Focus (114th Issue, January 2016). [Online sources]. accessed on 15 March 2026.
5. Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong. ​經常喝熱飲會導致食道癌?​. [Online sources]. accessed on 15 March 2026.
6. Canossa Hospital. Services - Endoscopy Centre. [Online sources]. accessed on 15 March 2026.

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