In a city known for its world-leading life expectancy, understanding the primary threats to health is essential for long-term wellness. While Hong Kong boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure, certain chronic diseases remain a significant challenge for the population.

Quick Answer

The number one cause of death in Hong Kong is cancer (malignant neoplasms). According to the Department of Health, cancer accounts for approximately one-third of all registered deaths in the territory, followed by pneumonia and heart disease as the next leading causes.

Understanding Mortality Trends in Hong Kong

Step 1: Identify the Leading Cause

Cancer has remained the top killer in Hong Kong for decades. The prevailing data indicates that malignant neoplasms are responsible for roughly 30% to 33% of annual mortality.

• Gender Prevalence: While cancer affects the entire population, the most common types vary by gender. Lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and liver cancer are highly prevalent among men, while breast cancer and colorectal cancer are the leading concerns for women. According to JPSM Journal research, the burden of cancer remains the dominant factor in mortality statistics regardless of the city’s population growth.

Step 2: Reference Official Mortality Statistics

To ensure international comparability, Hong Kong utilizes the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) as its reporting standard. This coding system, managed by the Department of Health, allows policymakers to track disease trends accurately and formulate data-driven health policies. You can view the full guidelines for medical coding and certification here.

Step 3: Compare Secondary Causes of Death

While cancer leads the statistics, other conditions contribute significantly to mortality rates: * Pneumonia: Often the second leading cause, particularly affecting the elderly population. * Heart Disease: Including coronary and hypertensive heart diseases. * Cerebrovascular Disease: Commonly referred to as stroke.

The impact of Hong Kong’s aging population cannot be understated; as the median age rises, the incidence of these chronic and degenerative diseases increases, placing higher demand on the public healthcare system.

Step 4: Follow Legal and Administrative Protocols

When a death occurs, specific administrative steps must be taken to record the cause within the legal framework of Hong Kong. * Medical Certificate (Form 18): This is the official “Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death” issued by a medical practitioner. * Registration: Following the issuance of Form 18, the death must be registered with the Immigration Department to obtain a “Certificate of Registration of Death” (Form 12).

Detailed resources on these legal requirements can be found in the FEHD Guide to After-Death Arrangements.

Prevention and Health Policy Impacts

Early Detection and Screening

The Hong Kong government has introduced several initiatives to combat the high cancer rate through early detection. This includes the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme for specific age groups and enhanced Breast Cancer Screening services. Early intervention is the most effective way to reduce the “one-third” mortality statistic.

Lifestyle Adjustments for the HK Population

Lifestyle factors play a critical role in preventing chronic disease: * Diet and Exercise: Reducing high-sodium and processed food intake can lower the risk of both cancer and heart disease. * Vaccination: High vaccination rates are vital for preventing secondary mortality factors. Hong Kong maintains a 95% or higher coverage rate for the MMR vaccine, effectively eliminating many infectious diseases as primary causes of death. * Tobacco Control: Aggressive anti-smoking campaigns continue to be a pillar of Hong Kong’s strategy to reduce lung cancer rates.

Resources & Downloads

• Medical Certificate Guidelines (PDF): Official Department of Health document on ICD-10 coding and death certification.
• After-Death Arrangements Guide (PDF): A comprehensive manual by the FEHD covering legal forms (Form 18, Form 12, etc.) and burial/cremation procedures.
• Health Facts 2024 (Scribd): A summary of recent health statistics, including vaccination rates and leading causes of death.

🏁 Summary & Action Plan

🚀 The 30-Second Roadmap

• 🩺 #1 Cause of Death: Cancer (~30–33% of all deaths)
• Men: Lung, colorectal, liver

• Women: Breast, colorectal

• 📊 Top 3 Causes Overall:

• Cancer (malignant neoplasms)
• Pneumonia (esp. in elderly)

• Heart disease & stroke

• 🧓 Key Driver: Aging population → ↑ chronic/degenerative diseases

• 🛡️ Prevention Strategies:

• ✅ Screening: Gov’t programs for colorectal & breast cancer
• 🚭 Tobacco control: Reduces lung cancer risk
• 🥦 Healthy lifestyle: Low-sodium diet, exercise

• 💉 Vaccination: >95% MMR coverage → prevents infectious deaths

• 📝 Death Certification (HK Protocol):

• Doctor issues Form 18 (Medical Certificate)

• Register with Immigration → get Form 12 (Death Registration)

• 🔗 Key Resources:

• ICD-10 & Death Cert Guidelines (PDF)
• FEHD After-Death Guide (PDF)
• Health Facts 2024