The Health Bureau (SSM) announced during a press conference yesterday that since the government’s colorectal cancer screening programme was launched in 2016, a total of 44,956 residents had participated in it by last month, with 4,714 individuals (10.5 pct) testing positive in the initial faecal occult blood test.
The press conference, themed “World Cancer Day - Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer”, took place at the Public Health Emergency Personnel Accommodation Building in Pátio da Guia.
According to the press conference, 3,550 participants underwent colonoscopies, which led to the discovery of 383 high-risk polyps* and 208 confirmed cases of colorectal cancer, resulting in a detection rate of around 4.6 cases per 1,000 people screened; one-third of the cancers detected through the programme were at the “carcinoma in situ”** stage. With a post-treatment five-year survival rate exceeding 95 percent for the early stage, the programme demonstrates the vital importance of early detection and intervention, Lei Wai Kei, a senior official at the SSM Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, pointed out that the eligibility age for the screening programme has been lowered from 55 to 50 years, remaining unchanged at up to 69 years. The change took effect on July 1 last year. She urged all eligible residents aged 50 to 69 to enter the screening programme promptly via the APP “Macau One Account”, after which they will get a home testing kit from a local health centre.
Lei noted that early-stage colorectal cancer often presents no obvious symptoms, making regular screening essential rather than relying on physical feeling alone, adding that most colorectal cancers develop slowly from precancerous polyps over many years. Screening allows for the identification and removal of these polyps, effectively preventing cancer development.
Cancer prevention consultation stations to start weekend
Meanwhile, in observation of World Cancer Day on February 4, the Health Bureau, in partnership with local community organisations, will establish 10 colorectal cancer prevention consultation stations across the city; the stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday, aiming to educate the public on colorectal cancer prevention and facilitate screening appointments through interactive games, on-site health consultations, and the distribution of promotional gifts, Dr Ng Ka Kei, who is head of SSM gastroenterology department, said during yesterday’s press conference.
According to yesterday’s SSM statement, the 10 consultation stations will be located in Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, colloquially known as “Three Lamps” (三盞燈), Praça de Ponte e Horta (司打口公園), Pak Gap Chaau Garden ( (白鴿巢公園), Wang Hoi and Wang Kin Leisure Area , Lok Yeung Garden Rest Area, Rua Quatro do Bairro Iao Hon, Hac Sa Van Park, Lotus Square, Flower City Park in Taipa , and Block 4 of Lok Kuan Villa in Seac Pai Van.
SSM Chinese medicine practitioner Mo Hui noted that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can offer a supportive approach focused on “reinforcing health” to balance the body and mind, adding that TCM should serve as a complementary therapy alongside standard Western treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapy, not as a substitute.
According to the “2023 Macau Cancer Registry Annual Report”, colorectal cancer ranks the third most common new cancer diagnosis for both men and women. However, the mortality rate has fallen by 18 percent compared to a decade ago, highlighting the positive impact of integrated prevention, screening, and treatment programmes.
* A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue that projects (sticks out) from a mucous membrane lining a body cavity, such as the colon, nose, or uterus. – DeepSeek
** Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a term used to describe a group of abnormal cells that are located in a specific tissue but have not invaded surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. – Poe
Dr Ng Ka Kei, head of the Health Bureau (SSM) gastroenterology departments (centre), Lei Wai Kei, a senior official of the SSM Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (right), and SSM Chinese medicine practitioner Mo Hui pose during yesterday’s press conference themed “World Cancer Day - Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer” at the Public Health Emergency Personnel Accommodation Building. – Photo: Ida Cheong
This poster provided by the Health Bureau yesterday shows the locations of the 10 colorectal cancer prevention consultation stations.
