Introduction
Cervical cancer has been the tenth commonest cancer among females
in Hong Kong in 2008. It accounted for 3.1% of all new cancers in females in
2008.
New cases
In 2008, 358 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed and
the crude incidence rate was 9.7 per 100 000 female population. The age-standardized
incidence rate was 6.9 per 100 000 standard population. In the past two decades,
the age-standardized incidence rate of cervical cancer had a downward trend.
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of cervix uteri, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate
of malignant
neoplasm of cervix uteri, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of
malignant
neoplasm of cervix uteri, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of cervix uteri, 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
Cervical cancer is the ninth leading cause of female cancer deaths in
Hong Kong. In 2009, a total of 128 women died from this cancer, accounting
for 2.5% of female cancer deaths. The crude death rate of cervical
cancer was 3.5 per 100 000 female population. The age-standardized death rate of cervical cancer was 2.2 per 100 000 standard population. In the past 29 years, the age-standardized death rate had a downward trend.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of cervix uteri, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of cervix uteri, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of cervix uteri, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of cervix uteri, 2001-2009
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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.
Cervical cancer corresponds to codes 180 in ICD-9 and C53 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
Cancer of the cervix is often asymptomatic at early stage. The commonest
symptom is irregular vaginal bleeding, such as vaginal bleeding between
menstruations or following sexual intercourse.
Risk factors
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an established cause of cervical
cancer. Women who began sexual life early and women with multiple
sexual partners have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
In addition, smoking, increasing
age and lack of fruits and vegetables in diet are also risk factors of
cervical cancer.
Prevention
HPV vaccines offer more than 90% protection for women
against HPV types 16 and 18 infections and their related cervical
precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Safer sexual practices (e.g. use
of condoms, have single sex partner, etc.), a diet rich in vegetables and
fruits, and avoidance of smoking
can reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Regular cervical smears can
prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is usually preceded by particular
pathological changes even without causing any symptoms. Cervical smear can
identify this pre-cancerous stage so that early medical treatment can be
applied to stop it from progressing to cervical 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 "Topical Health Report No 4: The Prevention and Screening of Cervical
Cancer" provides detailed information about Cervical Cancer. To view the
report, 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 further information, please visit the website of the Cervical
Screening Programme. 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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