Various habits and environmental changes in daily life might increase the risk of developing cancer. Timely identification of cancer risk is instrumental in swiftly amending lifestyle practices to mitigate the likelihood of cancer onset. However, the question arises: is there a genuine need for regular cancer screenings? To address this, let’s first understand the factors influencing individual cancer risk.Certain cancers may be hereditary, transmitted through familial genes. It is crucial to stay mindful of any familial history of cancer. Furthermore, the majority of genetic mutations typically stems from lifestyle choices and environmental factors, encompassing behaviors like smoking and drinking, susceptibility to viral infections, and exposure to carcinogenic substances. Various lifestyle habits and bodily changes in everyday life can affect your risk of cancer development.The Phenomenon of Cancer Afflicting the Younger PopulationThere is an observable trend of cancer affecting younger individuals. Data from the Hong Kong Cancer Fund shows an increase in cancer patients aged 20 to 44 in recent years. In 2000, there were 96 patients per 100,000 people in this age group, which rose to 109 per 100,000 in 2018, marking a 13% increase. This rise could be due to work-life stress and increased health awareness among young people regarding bodily changes, leading to proactive seeking of cancer-related information and screenings.According to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, here are the risk data for the top 5 cancers in Hong Kong:Lung Cancer:In 2020, there were 5,422 new cases, accounting for 15.9% of total cancer cases. The male-to-female ratio was approximately 1.5:1. There were about 72 new lung cancer cases per 100,000 people. The median age of onset was 70 for males and 68 for females. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, accounting for 26.4% in 2020. Smoking is a major risk factor, associated with about 90% of lung cancer cases. However, there’s a rising trend in non-smokers being diagnosed, suggesting other influencing factors.Colorectal Cancer:In 2020, there were 5,087 new cases, making up 14.9% of total cancer cases. Among them, 2,905 were males and 2,182 were females. There were about 68 new cases per 100,000 people. The median age of onset for males was 68 and for females was 69. The incidence sharply rises in specific age groups after 50. Over the past few decades, there has been a continuous increase in colorectal cancer incidence among individuals aged 20 to 39.Liver Cancer:There were 1,735 new cases in 2020, accounting for 5.1% of total cancer cases. About 23 new cases per 100,000 people. In 2020, it caused 1,530 deaths, representing 10.3% of cancer-related deaths. The male-to-female ratio was about 2.7:1, with a median age of onset at 68.Breast Cancer:In 2020, there were 4,956 new cases among females, comprising 28.4% of female cancer cases. The median age of onset was 58. There were about 122 new cases per 100,000 females. Breast cancer ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, causing 751 deaths in 2020, accounting for 12.2% of female cancer-related deaths. Diagnoses of breast cancer in the 30 to 40 age group are also increasing, indicating a trend towards younger cases.Prostate Cancer:There were 2,315 new cases in 2020, accounting for 13.9% of male cancer cases. The median age of onset for males was 71. There were about 68 new cases per 100,000 males. Prostate cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, causing 484 deaths in 2020, representing 5.6% of male cancer-related deaths. In recent years, there has been a 55% increase in the incidence of prostate cancer compared to other common male cancers.If you want to know more cancer statistics, you can visit the Hospital Authority Hong Kong Cancer Registry for detailed information.Regular Cancer Screenings for a Healthier LifeAs cancer affects younger individuals and various lifestyle habits and environmental changes increase the risk, it’s important to note that cancer risks are omnipresent. Studies show that the five-year survival rate after detecting stage one cancer is 60% higher than stage four. Early detection significantly improves treatment success rates. To maintain a healthy body, regular cancer screenings are essential.There are diverse methods for cancer screening, including ultrasound, CT scans, PET-CT scans, MRI scans, biopsies, and liquid biopsy for blood, and urine analyses. The government also provides subsidized body checks for eligible individuals, such as Colorectal Cancer Screening (CRC) Programme,and Cervical Screening Programme. These screenings help individuals detect their cancer risk earlier. When considering cancer screenings, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, understand one’s risk factors, and choose a testing method that suits individual needs. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.Recently, CanTell CTC test developed by the City University of Hong Kong covers multiple cancers, including common ones like lung, colorectal, breast, prostate, and liver cancers, even detecting hard-to-find cancers like pancreatic cancer. It’s comprehensive, safe, precise, and particularly suitable for regular monitoring. CanTell CTC testing, applied in early cancer detection, can detect cellular changes early, help alert about cancer risk in advance, and take appropriate measures to prevent cancer development. For more details, check it out with this link: CanTell CTC test service.