Cancer – Hong Kong's No. 1 Killer
About Cancer
When facing a killer such as cancer, even if a patient does survive, they are confronted with the burden of huge medical expenses as well as having to face the risk of recurrence at anytime. Therefore, a critical illness policy which offers comprehensive protection and multiple benefits is crucial so you can rest assured your medical needs are covered.
Source:
1.
Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority
2. American Cancer Society, 2012 Cancer Facts and Figures
3. Mingpaohealth.com
Source: Hong Kong Cancer Registry (2010), Hospital Authority
Cancer is a disease of the body's cells. Our bodies are composed of countless cells that are constantly generating new cells in order to replace old or damaged cells. This body's natural mechanism is controlled by certain genes but when damage is done to these genes, it's the cause of cancer.
This breakdown can occur over a lifetime and a certain number of people can also inherit this damaged gene from their parent. A malignant tumour contains cancer cells and in its very early stage is confined to where it originates - hence the name "carcinoma in situ". However, if cancer cells are not treated they may spread to the surrounding tissue and other organs where they became invasive.
Source: Cancer Fund (2010)
- • Genetic
- • Smokers
- • Weight reduction
- • Hepatitis or stomach disease
| Fee (Public hospital) | Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemotherapy Medication is injected into the body and will travel through the blood stream to the tumour site. |
Per session HK$ 2,600-4,000 |
On average, 4 to 8 sessions of treatment are required |
| Radiotherapy This treatment involves the use of radiation beams targeting a particular area of the body to destroy malignant cancer cells. |
Per session HK$ 2,600-4,000 |
On average, 30 treatment sessions are required |
| Surgery Surgery involves operating to remove a tumour or the organ which has been invaded by cancerous cells. |
HK$30,000-40,000 per operation | - |
Source: Hospital Authority and Mingpaohealth.com
One of the scariest aspects of dealing with cancer is the constant risk of recurrence. For example, lung cancer patients who have received treatment still have an 80% chance of metastatis. Patients therefore need to be prepared to battle against cancer for multiple times.
Source: Mingpaohealth.com
The above information is for reference only.