The Department of Health (DH) today (February 4) urged members of the public to support World Cancer Day 2025 by adopting a healthy lifestyle and initiating early detection of cancer through screening.

     World Cancer Day has been designated on February 4 every year by the Union for International Cancer Control since 2000 to increase worldwide awareness of cancer and to combat cancer together. This year's theme, "United by Unique", emphasises the importance of placing people at the centre of cancer care. Every patient is unique, and it takes a united effort to help patients receive comprehensive care and lead better lives.

     "The Government has long upheld the principle of putting people at the centre of cancer prevention and control. Cancer is the top killer in Hong Kong, causing nearly 15 000 deaths registered in 2023. In 2022, more than 35 000 new cancer cases were diagnosed in Hong Kong, and the five most common cancers were lung, breast, colorectal, prostate and liver cancers. Given the ageing population, the number of new cases and healthcare demands are expected to further increase," a spokesman for the DH said.

     About 40 per cent of all cancers can be prevented through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and the reduction of exposure to major risk factors, such as refraining from smoking or alcohol consumption, being physically active, having a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy body weight and waist circumference. The DH has launched a series of health promotion programmes targeting various age groups to raise public awareness of health issues through education and publicity. To systematically and comprehensively improve public health, the "Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address" announced that the Government will formulate a life-course approach health promotion strategy having regard to Hong Kong's demographic structure and the health needs of different social groups, and will draw up health management plans according to different age groups and health statuses.

     To shift the emphasis of the healthcare system and mindset from treatment-oriented to prevention-oriented, the Government is reforming healthcare services with the establishment of the District Health Centres (DHCs) that provide health promotion, health risk factors assessment, disease screening and chronic disease management. In this regard, the DHCs and DHC Expresses (collectively referred to as "DHCs") have been established in all 18 districts across the territory. Steered by the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHCC), the DHCs actively promote the "Life Course Preventive Care plan". Based on the core principles of prevention-oriented and whole-person care, a personalised preventive care plan will be formulated to address the health needs of citizens across different life stages based on the most updated evidence. Family doctors and primary healthcare professionals collaborate to promote healthy lifestyles and disease prevention, including providing education and vaccination for cancer prevention, and advising on cancer screening services according to personal risk factors.

     On cancer screening, the Government adopts an evidence-based approach to achieve early cancer detection, which is essential for initiating early treatment and enhancing survival. So far, the Government has implemented the Cervical Screening Programme, Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, and the risk-based Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme (BCSPP). The PHCC will launch a pilot programme to subsidise hepatitis B screening by the end of this year, aiming for early detection and treatment of chronic hepatitis B to reduce the risk of complications (such as cirrhosis and liver cancer). The DH spokesman also reminds the public to talk to their doctors to understand the benefits and limitations of screening tests before making an informed decision to undergo cancer screening. Relevant health advice is available on the website of the Centre for Health Protection or via the "@DH mobile application".

     In addition to cancer prevention and screening, the Hospital Authority (HA) has implemented a host of measures to enhance cancer care services. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted for diagnostic services to provide timely investigations and diagnoses for suspected cancer patients. The HA has piloted this service model for suspected lung cancer patients and will explore suitable service expansion. With the installation of new linear accelerators in HA hospitals in phases from this financial year, the service capacity for cancer treatment will be enhanced. Meanwhile, the HA has also expanded the coverage of the Drug Formulary by incorporating new cancer treatment drugs and broadening the scope of clinical applications of existing Special Drugs. Being patient-centred, the HA has devised personalised care programmes, such as the Cancer Case Manager Programme and Systemic Anti-cancer Therapy Clinic service, to better support patients along their cancer journey.
      
     The Government will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to prevent and control cancer and is committed to providing appropriate treatment for all cancer patients. To learn more about World Cancer Day, please visit www.worldcancerday.org.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has invited Australia's Windmill Theatre Company with Grug, a celebrated picture-book character, to return to Hong Kong after a hiatus of 10 years. The Company will perform the puppetry show "Grug and the Rainbow" as the finale of this year's "Cheers!" Series from February 28 to March 2 (Friday to Sunday), bringing a colourful and heart-warming adventure to toddlers and Grug fans of all ages.

     Grug is a character from the much-loved picture books by Australian writer Ted Prior. Grug started out as the top of a burrawang tree that fell to the ground. He is fascinated by the world around him. In "Grug and the Rainbow", Grug is amazed by the vibrant colours of a rainbow after the rain stops, and wants to have a rainbow of his own. On his journey to gather the colours of a rainbow, Grug encounters a bowerbird and a crab, and sets off on trips to the beach, the city and the snowfields, where he experiences cycling, playing drums, house painting, skiing, and more. His friends Cara the carpet snake and Snoot the echidna join him to experience a series of surprises and fun happenings as he explores a world of colour. 

     With accessible storytelling, a simple yet delicate set and magical sound effects, "Grug and the Rainbow" is best suited for children aged 2 to 6. The actors skillfully manipulate the exquisite puppets, blending them with vivid and riveting voices, to bring the characters of the picture book to life. There are several audience participation bits throughout the performance, while the company ingeniously integrates daily objects and knowledge into the scenes, enabling young audiences to acquire knowledge through the theatre-going experience, unleashing their imagination and creativity.

     Founded in Adelaide, Australia, in 2002, the Windmill Theatre Company has earned a global reputation as a leading producer of theatre for children, teenagers, and families. It was hailed by newspaper The Australian as "the best children's theatre company in the country". Over the years, the Company has presented 65 productions in over 3 000 performances in more than 300 cities and towns across 30 countries. 

     The performance schedule of "Cheers!" Series: "Grug and the Rainbow" by the Windmill Theatre Company (Australia) is as follows: 

     Performances in English with simple Cantonese interpretation:
     February 28 (Friday), 5pm and 7.30pm
     March 1 (Saturday), 11.30am
     March 2 (Sunday), 2.30pm

     Performances in English:
     March 1 (Saturday), 2.30pm
     March 2 (Sunday), 11.30am

     The above-mentioned performances will be held at the Cultural Activities Hall of Sha Tin Town Hall. Each performance will run for about 35 minutes without intermission. An interactive session will be held after each performance. Tickets priced at $280 (half-price tickets for full-time students and children aged 6 or below) are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Children must be accompanied by a parent or an adult, and one ticket per person is required regardless of age (including young children). The "Cheers!" Series offers various discount schemes, such as package discounts and family package discounts. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/multi_arts/programs_1779.html.

        

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (February 4) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (February 4) reminded the public, particularly the elderly and people with chronic illnesses, to adopt appropriate measures to protect their health in view of the cold weather.

    A spokesman for the CHP said that cold weather can easily trigger or exacerbate diseases, especially among the elderly and persons suffering from heart disease, respiratory illnesses or other chronic illnesses.

     "Elderly people have less insulating fat beneath their skin to keep them warm, and their body temperature control mechanisms may be weaker. Their body may not be able to appropriately respond to thecold weather," the spokesman said.

     Some senior persons may have decreased mobility, which can impair their ability to generate and conserve body heat. Chronic illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes and endocrine disorders, may undermine the health of elderly people and lower their metabolic rate, subsequently causing their body to generate less heat. Persons with chronic illnesses, such as chronic respiratory illnesses or heart disease, are vulnerable to disease aggravation due to cold weather.

     The CHP reminded the public, in particular the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, to adopt the following preventive measures:
 

• Take note of the weather forecast. Wear warm clothing, including hats, scarves, gloves and socks, accordingly;
• Consume sufficient food to ensure adequate calorie intake;
• Perform regular exercise to facilitate blood circulation and heat production;
• Stay in a warm environment and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure;
• Use heaters with care and maintain adequate indoor ventilation; and
• Seek medical advice if feeling unwell.

     
     â€‹In addition, the public should avoid alcoholic beverages.
     
     "Drinking alcohol cannot keep you warm. Alcohol accelerates the loss of body heat through dilated blood vessels, resulting in chilling instead," the spokesman said.

     "Parents should ensure that babies are sufficiently warm, but it is also important to keep babies relatively lightly clothed to avoid overheating them," the spokesman added.

     Parents should observe the following safety measures when putting their children to bed:  

• Keep the room well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature;
• Always place babies on their backs to sleep. Leave their heads, faces and arms uncovered during sleep;
• Babies do not need pillows. Place babies on a firm and well-fitted mattress to sleep. Avoid soft objects, pillows and loose bedding;
• Let babies sleep in a cot placed near their parents' bed; and
• Maintain a smoke-free environment.

 
     In addition, many respiratory pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, may have increasing activity and community transmission during winter. Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive seasonal influenza vaccinations early. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP's website.
      
     A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important for elderly persons, especially those residing in residential care homes, to receive both a seasonal influenza vaccination and a COVID-19 vaccination. They should also receive an additional booster against COVID-19 according to recommendations as soon as possible. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against respiratory illnesses and note the following:
 

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• Wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

    
     Food-borne diseases, particularly those linked to hotpot cuisine, are also common in cold weather. The following preventive measures should be taken:
 

• Wash hands before handling and consuming food;
• Do not patronise unlicensed vendors or those with poor hygienic standards while selecting food;
• Wash and cook all food thoroughly;
• Vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean running water before cooking and consumption. When appropriate, scrub vegetables with hard surfaces with a clean brush to remove dirt and substances, including pesticide residues and contaminants, from surfaces and crevices;
• Shrimps should be fully cooked until the shells turn red and the flesh turns white and opaque;
• For shellfish such as scallops and geoduck, scrub the shells thoroughly and remove internal organs;
• Do not eat any undercooked freshwater aquatic products. To ensure that the food is thoroughly cooked, the centre of the food should reach a temperature of at least 75 degrees Celsius so as to destroy pathogen;
• Most hotpot ingredients should be stored in a refrigerator at 4 degrees C or below, while frozen food should be stored in a freezer at -18 degrees C or below;
• Never use raw eggs as a dipping sauce for hotpot; and
• Use different sets of chopsticks to handle raw and cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

    
     â€‹In addition, when using fuel-burning appliances, especially in indoor areas, the public should ensure adequate ventilation to avoid harmful exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) and prevent CO poisoning.
     
     For more health information, the public may call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) or visit the CHP's website and Facebook Fanpage.

     The public may also call Dial-a-Weather (1878 200) or visit the website of the Hong Kong Observatory for the latest weather information and forecasts, or its page on Weather Information for Senior Citizens.

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Cold Weather Warning is in force:

     The Labour Department reminds employers that as the Cold Weather Warning is in force, they should take appropriate precautions such as reminding employees who have to work outdoors or in remote areas to wear appropriately warm clothing, and make arrangements for employees to rotate from outdoor to indoor or sheltered work sites as far as possible. Employees should take note of the weather report, wear appropriately warm clothing and be mindful of their health conditions. They should notify their supervisors and seek medical help immediately if feeling unwell, such as having cold limbs and body shivering.