Introduction
Breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the commonest cancer
among females in Hong Kong since the early 1990's. It accounted for 22.8% of
all new cancers in females diagnosed in Hong Kong in 2008. Rarely, it may also
occur in males. In 2008, there were 17 new cases of breast cancer in males.
New cases
In 2008, 2 616 new cases of female breast cancer were diagnosed
and the crude incidence rate was 71.1 per 100 000 female population. The age-standardized
incidence rate was 49.9 per 100 000 standard population. In the past two decades,
the age-standardized incidence rate had an upward trend.
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of breast in female, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of breast in female, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of breast in female, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of breast in female, 2001-2008
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Notes:
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*
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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. |
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Sources:
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Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health
Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority
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Mortality
Breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among female
in Hong Kong, after lung and colon and rectum cancers. In 2009, a total
of 555 women died from this cancer, accounting for 10.8% of all cancer
deaths in females. The crude death rate of breast cancer was 15.0 per
100 000 female population. The age-standardized death rate of breast cancer was
9.8 per 100 000 standard population. In the past 29 years, the age-standardized death rate of female breast cancer had no significant trend.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate
of malignant
neoplasm of breast in female, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate
of malignant
neoplasm of breast in female, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of breast in female, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of breast in female, 2001-2009
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Notes:
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*
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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.
Breast cancer corresponds to codes 174 in ICD-9 and C50 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
Breast cancer may produce inconspicuous symptoms at early stage. Possible
symptoms may include breast lump, changing in shape or symmetry of the
breasts, in-drawing of the nipple, abnormal discharge or bleeding from
the nipple, 'orange-skin' appearance of the breast and lumps (lymph nodes)
in the armpit.
Risk factors
A woman's risk of developing breast cancer increases with age but the
rate of increase slows markedly after the menopause. Breast cancer is
commoner among nulliparous women or women having their first child late.
Women who have early menarche and late menopause are also at higher risk.
Other risk factors include family or personal history of breast cancer
and previous history of certain benign breast diseases. Behavioural or lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity,
alcohol consumption, overweight or obesity are also associated with a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Prevention
Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by having regular physical activity, avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption, having childbirth at earlier age and breastfeeding each child for a longer duration. Avoidance of obesity also reduces the
risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.
Women should know about the early warning signs and symptoms of breast
cancer and seek prompt medical advice should they occur. Women can also
consult their doctors about the need for mammography screening, particularly
if they are at high risk of developing breast cancer.
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.
For further information about women's health, please visit the website
of the Health Zone. Health promotion
and disease prevention services for women are available from the Family
Health Service of the Department of Health.
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