The Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme launched by the Government is designed to screen individuals aged 50 to 75 who have no symptoms of colorectal cancer (including blood in the stool or black stools, mucus in the stool, or sudden changes in bowel habits) in order to identify those at high risk for early intervention. Participants must first schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor for an initial assessment. If their physical condition and medical history are suitable for the subsidized Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme, the medical centre will process the enrolment procedures on their behalf.
To raise awareness among Hong Kong citizens about colorectal cancer screening, the Department of Health fully implemented the subsidized Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (CRC) in 2020. Hong Kong residents aged 50 to 75 can visit medical centres participating in the government-subsidized programme to undergoA faecal occult blood testto check for trace amounts of blood (occult blood) in their stool. The government will provide further subsidies for high-risk individuals to undergo a colonoscopy to help prevent colorectal cancer.
Enquiry for appointment
If you have any enquiries or wish to schedule an examination, please feel free to contact us through the following channels. Our professional team is dedicated to serving you.
CRC Screening Programme eligible persons(Updated in 2024)
Screening programs help identify patients or those at higher risk of developing the disease so that treatment can be provided earlier and the effectiveness of treatment can be improved. Persons participating in the "Colorectal Cancer Screening Program" must meet the following qualifications:
Aged 50 to 75 years old (i.e. people born between 1947 and 1973 starting from January 1, 2023 this year)
Holder of Hong Kong Identity Card or Certificate of Exemption from Registration
Has joined the government's eHealth electronic health record sharing system
Participants with the following conditions are not suitable or not necessary to enroll in the Programme:
．Record of receiving colonoscopy within the past 10 years with normal result
．Record of receiving flexible sigmoidoscopy within the past 5 years with normal result
．Record of receiving FOBT within the past 2 years with normal result
．Have symptoms of colorectal cancer
．History of colon polyps
．Have two or more first-degree relatives diagnosed with colorectal cancer
．Diagnosis of hereditary bowel syndromes, or have first-degree relative diagnosed with such syndrome
．Previously been advised against receiving colonoscopy by a doctor
Early screening for colorectal cancer can help patients detect colorectal cancer symptoms in time, allowing early treatment to avoid missing the opportunity for treatment. Wondering if you qualify for the screening program? Welcome to contact our clinic for preliminary assessment and enquiries.
Colorectal cancer screening program process
Step 1: Find a primary care doctor
Step 2: Consult a primary care doctor and collect a FOBT test kit
Step 3: Collect stool specimens at home according to instructions
Step 4: Return FOBT specimens to a designated Specimen Collection Point
Step 5: Be notify with the result by primary care doctor
(Negative result) watch out for colorectal cancer symptoms and repeat FOBT every two years
(Positive result) consult with the primary care doctor for follow up and receive referral for colonoscopy
Colonoscopy examination(A colonoscopy) is a simple exam used to diagnose lesions and diseases in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including ileum, cecum, colon, rectum and anus. It uses a 1.3cm, flexible tube with an endoscope to allow the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon. People with symptoms of colorectal cancer or who are over 50 years old without any symptoms of colorectal cancer should follow the medical advice to conduct a colonoscopy.
Governmental Subsidisation and Additional Fees
In order to raise the awareness towards colorectal health, The DOH has fully subsidised the eligible to consult a primary care doctor and conduct a FOBT. There is no additional charge for eligible persons. Contact us to make an appointment now.
If the participant's fecal occult blood test result is positive, the government will provide an additional subsidy of HK$7,800 (without polyps) or HK$8,500 ( remove polyps) for the public to go to a colonoscopy doctor for "basic colonoscopy service". Subsidy includes pre-examination consultation, colonoscopy (including intravenous sedation), and polypectomy (if any). After deducting the government subsidy for basic colonoscopy services, participants will be charged an additional fee of no more than $1,000.
Colorectal cancer screening methods
1. Fecal occult blood test
Fecal occult blood testing is a non-invasive, low-cost screening method for detecting occult blood in stool. Occult blood may be a sign of an abnormality within the large intestine, such as a tumor or polyps. Patients can collect samples at home and send them to a lab for testing. Even if there are no obvious symptoms, occult blood testing can detect early colorectal cancer or pre-cancerous lesions and improve the success rate of treatment.
2. Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is a screening method that examines the inside of the large intestine by inserting a long, flexible, tube-like instrument (colonoscope) into the rectum. This method allows direct observation of what's going on inside the large intestine, including the discovery of tumors, polyps, or other abnormal tissue. Once an abnormality is discovered, doctors can perform a biopsy or remove the abnormal tissue during the same procedure.
3. Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a screening method that specifically examines the end of the colon (sigmoid colon). This test is usually done during a colonoscopy and is designed to look for abnormalities at the end of the colon. Because the sigmoid colon is one of the most common sites of cancer in the large intestine, examination of this area is critical for early detection and management of colorectal cancer.
These colorectal cancer screening methods can help detect colorectal cancer or precancerous lesions early, thereby increasing the success rate of treatment and reducing the risk of death. Patients should discuss with their medical professional the screening plan that is best for them, based on individual risk and medical advice.
Colonoscopy Result
After the participant completes the colonoscopy, the colonoscopist will discuss the results with you. If the result is normal, there is nothing suspicious about the lining of the large intestine. If the result is abnormal, the doctor will explain the contents of the report to you and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.
FAQ for Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme (CRC)
1. How is colorectal cancer staged?
Colorectal cancer is divided into stages 0 to 4, and the stage is determined based on the depth of tumor invasion (T stage), the presence of local lymphatic metastasis (N stage), and the presence of distant organ metastasis (M stage).
2. If I have hemorrhoids, can I participate in the colorectal cancer screening program?
You can join the programme and conduct a FOBT as long as the pile does not bleed. If it does, please seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
3. What should I do if I lose or damage the fecal occult blood test collection tube?
If you lose/break one of the two FOBT tubes, you should still carry out stool specimen collection for the remaining FOBT tube. You should contact your Primary Care Doctor for a replacement if you lose or break both tubes.
4. How do I submit a stool test sample?
You will have to put the FOBT tube in a small plastic bag and seal it in the bigger bag which has the specimen form on it. You should return it to a designated specimen collection point within 4 days of its collection.
5. Does a positive fecal occult blood test result indicate colorectal cancer?
A positive FOBT result means that blood is detected in your stool. This can be due to a number of other conditions apart from colorectal cancer. You should discuss with your doctor regarding further investigations to look for the cause of the bleeding.
6. Can I have a colonoscopy on the same day?
Since colonoscopy (colonoscopy) requires no eating or drinking 6 hours before the examination, and the intestines need to be completely cleaned before the examination to avoid feces from blocking the observation of the large intestine. Therefore, same-day colonoscopy appointments will not be available. The general procedure requires an interview with a doctor to understand the patient's condition, and then arrange appropriate examinations and treatments.
7. Does colonoscopy require hospitalization?
Colonoscopy is a simple exam that only requires the patient to spend a half day in the daytime medical centre to conduct the exam.
8. Can health care vouchers be used to pay for the additional cost of colorectal cancer screening?
The programme is subsidised by the Department of Health so health care vouchers cannot be used to settle the co-payment.
