News

Hong Kong Cancer Day

On 2018-12-09, the Asian Fund for Cancer Research will be supporting and participating in the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society’s full day of Hong Kong Cancer Day programming. Actress Sonija Kwok will be serving as event ambassador, and among the special guests will be Hong Kong Secretary of Food and Health Sophia Chan, Ph.D. Come join the full slate activities, running from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, being held at the Kowloon Park Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui!

This year’s Hong Kong Cancer Day theme, “Anti-cancer, say no to alcohol,” echoes much of the public health information that AFCR regularly cites in its print and digital communications. In short, with respect to alcohol’s causal relationship with cancer, it is incumbent upon each adult individual to make wise and informed choices on their consumption. At the very least, moderation should certainly serve as a basic guiding principle. Indeed, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, the following cancers have been found to have concrete causal links to alcohol consumption:

  • Cancers of the head and neck: major risk for those who consume 50g (grams) (3.5 drinks) or more per day.
  • Liver cancer: alcohol consumption is viewed as a primary cause.
  • Cancer of the esophagus: a major risk factor in cases of squamous cell carcinoma and those born with a deficiency in the enzyme which breaks down alcohol.
  • Breast cancer: extensive studies show a hard link. A study spanning almost 60,000 women shows those who drank greater than 45g daily increased their risk 1.5 times over non-drinkers, and the risk of breast cancer was elevated across all levels of alcohol consumption.
  • Colorectal cancer: a moderate increase in risk for those consuming 50g or more per day.

On Sunday, 2018-12-09, learn this and more, all while enjoying fine and fun food, entertainment, information sessions, exercise demonstrations, discussions and cancer screenings being presented on Hong Kong Cancer Day. It’s a family-friendly event, and AFCR hopes to see you there!