More Cancer Cases But Fewer Deaths In Hong Kong

What happened: Hong Kong reduced its age-adjusted cancer mortality rate between 1983 and 2023 even as annual new cancer cases rose, according to the South China Morning Post. Key numbers: New cases rose from about 15,000 Why it matters: Medical professionals say further progress depends on prevention, earlier diagnosis and better access to treatment. Low screening participation, high drug costs, limited public subsidies and treatment delays remain concerns, and experts have raised doubts about reaching the international goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

Hong Kong reduced its age-adjusted cancer mortality rate between 1983 and 2023 even as annual new cancer cases rose, according to the South China Morning Post.

Medical professionals say further progress depends on prevention, earlier diagnosis and better access to treatment. Low screening participation, high drug costs, limited public subsidies and treatment delays remain concerns, and experts have raised doubts about reaching the international goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.