Collective prowess to curb the global burden of lung cancer

The study by CU Medicine and APRU may inform lung cancer control strategies in various countries.
(Photo courtesy of CU Medicine)

Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the most common cause of cancer death in Hong Kong. Prof. Martin Wong and Dr. Jun Jie Huang of The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, in collaboration with Prof. Mellissa Withers of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) conducted a study to investigate the distribution, risk factors and epidemiological trends of this lethal disease. The results showed that the incidence and mortality of lung cancer were the highest in Eastern Asia, and were associated with the Human Development Index, Gross Domestic Product and prevalence of smoking at a country level.

The study also found that there was an overall increasing trend in females but decreasing trend in males in lung cancer incidence and mortality over the past decade. The research team suggested tobacco-related measures and early cancer detection for high-risk populations should be implemented to control the rising numbers. Besides, evidence-based and tailored preventive strategies should be implemented by policy makers from different regions in order to control the increasing trends of lung cancer incidence and mortality in different populations.

Prof. Wong is a co-chair of a Non-Communicable Diseases Global Health Research Group of APRU. By facilitating collaboration and enhancing regional dialogue, the Global Health Programme works to bridge health divides, promoting and protecting population health and meeting shared health challenges.

Please read the press release for more details.