Introduction
Oesophageal cancer is relatively common in our locality. It was the fourteenth commonest cancer in Hong Kong , accounting for 1.9% of all cancer new cases in 2008.
New cases
There were 458 new cases of oesophageal cancer in 2008, with 369 cases of males and 89 cases of females. The disease is more common among male population and the male to female ratio is about 4.1 to 1. The crude incidence rates were 11.2 for male and 2.4 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized incidence rates were 7.5 for male and 1.5 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 oesophagus by sex, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of oesophagus by sex, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of oesophagus by sex, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of oesophagus 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
Oesophageal cancer caused 328 deaths in 2009, accounting for 2.6% of all cancer deaths. It was the eighth fatal cancer in Hong Kong. The crude death rates were 8.2 for male and 1.6 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized death rates of oesophageal cancer were 5.2 for male and 0.8 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 oesophagus by sex, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of oesophagus by sex, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of oesophagus by sex, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of oesophagus 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.
Oesophageal cancer corresponds to codes 150 in ICD-9 and C15 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
The main symptom is usually difficulty in swallowing. It may progress from difficulty in swallowing solid food to liquid food at the later stage. Other possible symptoms may include vomiting, central chest discomfort behind the sternum, back discomfort between the shoulder blades, malnutrition and significant weight loss.
Risk factors
Oesophageal cancer occurs more commonly in men and in the elderly. Smoking and heavy alcohol drinking are major preventable risk factors.
Prevention
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake can reduce the chance of developing oesophageal cancer. 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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