Introduction
Lung cancer is the commonest cancer in men and the third commonest in women, after breast cancer and colorectal cancer. It accounted for 17.2% of new cancer cases in 2008.
New cases
In 2008, there were 4 236 new cases of lung cancer, with 2 793 cases of males and 1 443 cases of females. The male to female ratio was about 1.9 to 1. The majority of which was people of age over 50. The crude incidence rates were 84.7 for male and 39.2 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized incidence rates were 56.0 for male and 24.6 for female per 100 000 standard population. In the past two decades, the age-standardized incidence rate for both sexes had a downward trend.
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung by sex, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung by sex, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant neoplasm of trachea,
bronchus and lung by sex, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung by sex, 2001-2008
Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized incidence rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
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Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
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Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
Sources: |
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Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health
Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority |
Mortality
Lung cancer was the first leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong. In 2009, a total of 3 692 people died from this cancer, accounting for 28.8% of all cancer deaths. The crude death rates were 74.8 for male and 33.1 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized death rates of lung cancer were 47.3 for male and 18.8 for female per 100 000 standard population. In the past 29 years, the age-standardized death rate for both sexes had a downward trend.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung by sex, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of trachea, bronchus and lung by sex, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of trachea, bronchus and lung by sex, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of trachea, bronchus and lung by sex, 2001-2009
Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized death rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
|
|
Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
|
|
Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
Sources: |
|
Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health |
Classification of diseases and causes of death is based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) 10th Revision from 2001 onwards. Figures from 2001 onwards may not be comparable with figures for previous years which were compiled based on the ICD 9th Revision. Hence, caution should be exercised when interpreting the trend of diseases across 2000 and 2001.
Lung cancer corresponds to codes 162 in ICD-9 and C33-C34 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, breathlessness and continuous hoarseness of voice. One may also experience fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and repeated chest infections. Sometimes, patients are not aware of the cancer until the symptoms due to cancer spread to other parts of body such as brain, liver and bone arise.
Risk factors
Cigarette smoking is the most important cause of lung cancer. The risk of inducing lung cancer is proportional to the amount of cigarettes smoked. Environmental tobacco smoking has also been shown to be a risk factor for lung cancer. Giving up smoking leads to a gradual reduction in the risk of developing lung cancer with each year that passes after stopping. Some chemical and radiological substances such as asbestos and radon also increase the risk of the cancer.
Prevention
Never smoke. It is the most effective way to prevent lung cancer. Smokers should quit smoking to reduce their risks for lung cancer. It also protects their family members from exposure to environmental tobacco smoking. Individuals should seek early medical advice if symptoms are present.
Related information
The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening under the Cancer Coordinating Committee provides recommendations on preventive measures and screening of major cancers based on a standardised review of scientific evidence. To view the information, please click the following link.
The Department of Health provides Smoking Cessation Services for smokers including Smoking Cessation Hotline and Smoking Cessation Programme. To know more on harmful effects of smoking and tobacco control in Hong Kong, please visit the website of our Tobacco Control Office.
For general information on cancer prevention, please browse the website of the Health Zone and Men's Health Programme.
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