Jockey Club gives further support for bowel cancer screening

04/06/2013

Bowel cancer is the second biggest killer in Hong Kong, with more than 4,300 new cases per year reported and there’s a rising trend in its mortality rate. To boost public awareness of the disease, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has approved a further HK$15.89 million to support the CUHK Jockey Club Bowel Cancer Education Centre on bowel cancer prevention and screening for five years.

Today (6 April), the Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Charities, Douglas So joined Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing Man, Hospital Authority New Territories East Cluster Chief Executive Dr Fung Hong and Founding Director of the Centre Professor Joseph Sung at the programme launch ceremony at the Fu Shin Piazza, Tai Po.

Mr So said the Jockey Club and The Chinese University of Hong Kong launched the Bowel Cancer Education Centre five years ago to increase public awareness of bowel cancer, so as to encourage the public to prevent and treat the disease sooner. In view of its significant success, the Trust was delighted to further support the Centre in raising public awareness of bowel cancer. “In the next five years, the programme will enhance training for 50 medical professionals, who will also provide training for 500 volunteers. In addition, 5,000 eligible high-risk people will receive bowel cancer screening,” Mr So noted. “We hope this programme will collect sufficient medical data to assist the government in formulating long-term policies regarding prevention of bowel cancer in future.”

Eligible people were invited to register for the screening at today’s event, Bowel Cancer Awareness Day 2013. In addition, interactive game booths and exhibition boards were displayed and videos about bowel cancer were shown on site. Professor from the CUHK Centre of Liver Health and Chinese medicine practitioner of Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council also delivered health talks about bowel cancer to those attending.

Made possible by the Trust’s funding of HK$16.1 million, the “Bowel Cancer in Hong Kong: Education, Promotion and Screening” project was launched and the Bowel Cancer Education Centre established by the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2007.  The project allows asymptomatic people to undergo free faecal occult blood tests or colonoscopies. Since its establishment, more than 10,000 eligible Hong Kong citizens have undergone bowel cancer screening and 200 volunteers have been trained as health ambassadors. The project also covers public awareness campaigns, training for peer educators and talks to increase public understanding of the causes, symptoms, cures and prevention of the disease.  Further details are available at www.idd.med.cuhk.edu.hk/bowelcancer.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.