簡介
Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15
Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.
(Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)
最新
Dr. Anthony Ying, the Chairman of the Cancer Prevention/Early Detection Subcommittee of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society
I am Dr. Anthony Ying, the Chairman of the Cancer Prevention/Early Detection Subcommittee of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society as well as an oncologist in Hong Kong. As pioneers in promoting cancer education, we, at the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society, recognise the significance of May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As summer approaches, let us emphasise the critical importance of raising awareness about this form of cancer.
Skin cancer is a prevalent disease and skin cancer is actually the commonest human cancer. Its global incidence rate is rapidly increasing. Although the rate in Hong Kong is comparatively lower than in the West, the number of new cases continue to rise each year. This can be attributed to increased participation in outdoor activities and an ageing population. In fact, there were 1200 new cases of skin cancers reported in Hong Kong in 2021.
It is crucial to dispel the misconception that skin cancer only affects individuals with fair skin. Regardless of skin color, anyone can develop skin cancer. In fact, certain factors increase the risk, including having numerous moles especially atypical moles, a history or family history of melanoma, prolonged exposure to sunlight, a history of severe sunburns with skin peeling and fair skin that easily burns.
Recognising the signs and symptoms of skin cancer is important. Different types of skin cancer can present varied appearances, but common symptoms include the presence of a new spot that differs from surrounding skin, a non-healing sore, or a mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color. It is important to be vigilant for moles that exhibit asymmetry, irregular or indistinct borders, uneven color distribution, a diameter exceeding 6 mm, or a raised surface with an irregular shape.
While the incidence of skin cancer is high, its mortality rate is relatively low, provided it is not melanoma. Since our skin is a visible organ, skin abnormalities should be visible and detectable. Early detection plays a vital role in increasing the chances of successful treatment. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, I urge you to visit your doctor without delay. Prompt consultation is critical. If your doctor suspects skin cancer, a biopsy will be recommended—a quick and simple procedure that removes a small piece of skin from the suspicious area under local anesthesia. The sample will then be sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination.
Research indicates that 80% of skin cancers are preventable. Protecting our skin from the sun is the best preventive measure. Here are some essential tips to follow: Avoid the sun when the UV Index is high and when the sun rays are strongest near mid-day. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15+ and PA++ on all exposed skin, including the lips.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 to 3 hours.
Seek shade under trees or umbrellas when the sun is very strong.
Wear hat, sunglasses, and suitable clothing that protect your skin.
Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society offers comprehensive cancer care and education, including services for skin cancer. To assess your risk of developing skin cancer, I encourage you to join our free cancer screening programme. Our dedicated nurses will conduct a cancer risk assessment and provide personalised advice and referrals. Free leaflets on various types of cancers and short videos about cancer are also available on our website www.hkacs.org.hk and our YouTube channel.
For those diagnosed with skin cancer requiring additional support, please dial 3921 3777 to connect with our Cancer Survivorship Care Project for free. Our professional social workers and nurses are available to provide counselling and support during your journey. Our publication "A-Z Guide for Caregivers," edited by Ms. Janet Wong, also offers comprehensive information for cancer caregivers.
Or if you require rehabilitation, our Cancer Rehabilitation Centre offers holistic care services tailored to your needs. We particularly have a Charity Bed Program that provides free in-patient care services for those in need.
All the cancer support and services mentioned above are made possible through generous donations. We welcome you to donate to our cause if you would like to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Lastly, I would like to dedicate the inspiring song 'We Are the Champions' to highlight the importance of solidarity and collective effort in the fight against skin cancer. Let this song serve as a cheerful reminder that together, we stand united, cheering on these brave fighters!
重溫
Faride Shroff, the Founder and CEO of SENsational Foundation
Hello, My name is Faride Shroff, the Founder and CEO of SENsational Foundation. Disability inclusion is an increasingly important field that has gained prominence and attention in recent years. Despite this, people with disabilities often referred to as PwDs, remain a marginalised and often neglected group in society, as well as an untapped talent pool, with limited access to opportunities and resources, especially in Hong Kong.
There are a number of prominent problems that PWDs are facing in the workplace and in education. Whether this be a lack of knowledge on disability inclusion or the sheer disinterest in hiring people with disabilities, there is a large gap in disability awareness in Hong Kong.
To begin with, let’s talk about accessibility, there are so many buildings, offices, public facilities and educational institutions where accessibility measures have not been kept in mind. This can be solved by adhering to the principles of human centred universal design for urban development. Even new buildings that are meant to be fully accessible for all, have limitations such as cargo lifts for wheelchair users, smaller lift door sizes that hinder movement, lift buttons without sensory and tactile accommodations, and heavy access doors that only have a handle. Accessible restrooms ironically are still not accessible to all PwD’s.
Making physical spaces, transportation, information, and communication accessible to individuals with diverse disabilities are very important. Some real time examples could be installing ramps, elevators, and handrails and designing websites and digital content to be accessible to people with visual or hearing impairments. Advocating for their rights through public campaigns, workshops, and training programs that educate the general public, employers, and educators about disabilities ignites the conversation about disability inclusion and hopefully sparks action from society we live in.
Discrimination and social isolation are another factor that affect PwD’s on a daily basis. Whether that discrimination is from peers or from the general community, whether this is intentional or not, it manifests due to unconscious bias, judgment and fear. Due to this, PwD’s face stigmatisation leading to social isolation and limiting their social interactions. This isolation can impact their well-being and mental health, interfering with their integration into the workplace and educational environment.
Limited opportunities in education, services and employment are also affected in Hong Kong. It is an ongoing journey where we all have a part to play. Each student has a right to be given equitable opportunities to thrive in the learning environment, to receive a fair education regardless of disabilities. Along with lack of accommodations, many schools and companies do not provide assistive technologies such as braille displays or speech to text software. PwD’s often face multiple barriers when seeking employment, which stems from the stigma and negative preconceived opinions about their capabilities. Due to these perceptions, companies tend not to consider PwD’s when posting job vacancies.
It is a learning process for everyone. The first step is acknowledging the problems that PwD’s face on a daily basis and educating yourself on how you can make a difference whether that be in the workplace, educational environment or in your community. Collaborative efforts and activating allyship need to be done to address these challenges. The mindset of promoting accessibility, implementing inclusive policies and most importantly raising awareness about disability inclusion needs to happen every day. Even the smallest change can make a PwD’s daily experiences more positive. By breaking barriers of stigma that surrounds PwD’s, it is already a step in the right direction.
At SENsational Foundation, we believe that disability inclusion is not only a matter of social justice but a human right. Investing in disability inclusion, we will be able to create a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone can participate and reach their full potential. Remember, we all are SENsational! I would now like to dedicate this song for all PwD’s saying I am Alive by Celine Dion.
