Hong Kong is emerging as a regional leader in cancer research and tobacco control, drawing international recognition for its progress in reducing smoking rates and advancing medical innovation. Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), highlighted the city’s role during the recent World Cancer Congress held in Hong Kong—the first time the event was hosted there.
Adams noted that Hong Kong’s tobacco control efforts have been especially notable, with the city’s smoking prevalence dropping from 23.3 percent in 1982 to just 8.5 percent last year. He described this decline as “unheard of around the world” and said that many global health professionals look to Hong Kong as a model for effective tobacco reduction measures.
The congress attracted over 2,000 healthcare experts from more than 124 countries, providing a platform to foster collaboration and exchange ideas. Adams emphasized the importance of situating the congress in Hong Kong to better understand developments in both the city and mainland China, where cancer research activity has been rapidly expanding. He characterized the volume of oncologists, researchers, and academics working in China as “inspirational.”
Professor Anne Lee Wing-mui, vice-chairwoman of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society and a clinical oncologist, underscored Hong Kong’s potential to make a significant impact in the global fight against cancer despite its small geographic size. Lee pointed out that certain cancers, such as liver and lung cancer, manifest differently in Asian populations compared to Western ones, creating unique research opportunities for the city. She said Hong Kong’s established credibility in conducting studies to international standards offers a solid foundation for expanding clinical trials locally.
Lee also highlighted cost advantages in running trials in the region, citing lower expenses and the chance to access diverse patient populations—key factors in generating robust clinical data. Both Lee and Adams suggested that closer research collaboration between Hong Kong and mainland China could enhance the city’s competitiveness. Adams referred to China’s large pool of oncologists, researchers, and patients as a “key competitive advantage” that could strengthen cancer treatment and care efforts.
Hong Kong’s ambitions to become a hub for medical innovation are aligned with its first five-year development plan, which aims to elevate the city’s status in cutting-edge research. The success of the World Cancer Congress in fostering international partnerships and highlighting local achievements could be a significant step toward realizing that goal.