All of us remember with sadness the relatives and friends we have lost to colon or rectal cancer. It is the most common cancer in Hong Kong and the second worst cancer killer. Yesterday (30 July) the Department of Health announced details of its subsidies for older people who undergo colorectal cancer screening. The programme starts in one week.
The department will pay $280 to help cover your cost of consultation with an approved doctor (see below). If polyp removal is necessary the subsidy is $8500. If no polyp removal is required, treatment is subsidised at $7800.
A total of 2089 people died of colorectal cancer in 2016. That was one in seven cancer-caused deaths. You can reduce your risk of this cancer by cutting back on red meats and avoiding processed meats such as hotdogs and luncheon meats. A diet of mainly vegetables, fruits and whole grains will lessen your chances of contracting the killer disease.
Early warning signs of the cancer include: changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation or consistency of stools lasting longer than four weeks; rectal bleeding or blood in stools; or persistent abdominal discomfort, eg cramps, gas or pain.
Dr Wong Ka-hing, controller of the Centre for Health Protection, said up to 2.5 million people could benefit from the screening programme. From 6 August, residents aged 61 to 75 can join in the screening checks. In the second phase the age of people who can be screened drops to 56 and later, in the third phase, to 50.
To benefit from the subsidies, you make an appointment to see a “primary care doctor”. A list of these can be found at www.colonscreen.gov.hk There is also a hotline 3565 6288.
An educational slide show can be viewed here.
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