US regulators back multi-cancer blood test – but Hong Kong doctors remain cautious
Efforts to detect multiple cancers through a single blood draw are gathering momentum after US regulators endorsed the technology for the first time, although experts say wider adoption in Hong Kong still faces challenges as doctors remain cautious about its clinical value. In a landmark decision for the emerging field of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) blood tests, a US Food and Drug…
In a significant development, Hong Kong has experienced a more than 40% reduction in its cancer-related death rate over the past three decades, according to the city's Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau. Delivering this information at the World Cancer Congress held in Hong Kong for the first time, Lo expressed that the achievement demonstrates the city's substantial progress in combating cancer.
Lo attributed the remarkable decrease to a combination of government policy support, strategic planning, coordination, and investment. Among the key measures responsible for this success, he highlighted antenatal hepatitis B screening, newborn vaccination, and antiviral treatment, which have played a crucial role in curbing liver cancer, the city's third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
The number of new liver cancer cases in Hong Kong has decreased by 8.2% over the past decade, while deaths from this disease have declined by 7.6%. Lo emphasized the city's commitment to further strengthening cancer control efforts through evidence-based approaches, biotechnology, and policy innovation.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, in a pre-recorded speech at the congress, echoed Lo's sentiments, stating that Hong Kong's approach to cancer prevention and control aligns with global standards. He reiterated the city's dedication to making sustained advancements in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases.
During the three-day congress, over 2,000 healthcare delegates from more than 124 countries gathered in Hong Kong. Notable attendees included Dr He Jie, director of China's National Cancer Centre, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Lee himself. The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society is hosting the biennial World Cancer Congress this year.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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