Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s CheckMate scheme aims to get men checking themselves, and talking

Andrew Pong, a Hong Kong-based professional trainer, actor, martial artist and stuntman, wants other men to open up about their health, especially about cancers that affect men. Pong is the ambassador for the Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s new CheckMate initiative. Built around the slogan, “Don’t hide them, check them”, this campaign centres on encouraging regular self-examinations and medical check-ups for prostate, testicular and penile cancers. It also provides crucial emotional and support services that aim to normalise conversations about men’s health this Movember. “It’s actually a strength for men to be more aware of themselves and to ask for help. There’s no shame in that,” says Pong, who has made his health a priority after stepping into his new role. Though he puts in great effort to maintain his chiselled physique, he admits he rarely considered his reproductive health before this campaign. “One thing I never really thought about is … family planning. So I didn’t realise this, but screening myself benefits the future generation as well. Not only would it allow me to figure out if I have genetic problems. I can also plan for the health of my children and their children. Just being aware of those things could make a world of difference.” Dr Ho Lap-yin, a urologist and medical adviser for the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, says a large majority of his patients find cancer too late, with nearly a third of patients diagnosed only during the last stages. “Worst of all, those [male-specific] cancers are usually asymptomatic. They have no symptoms, not until they have metastasised, which is when the cancer has already spread everywhere.” There are more than 2,900 new cases diagnosed among men each year, taking a significant health toll in the city. Genetics are the predominant cause of male-specific cancers, with a strong family history increasing the risk six to sevenfold, but it could still affect anyone, Ho says. “So actually, 90 per cent of my patients do not have any family members suffering from prostate cancer, so it is difficult to know who is at risk. It’s by chance. We actually do not know who [is more susceptible].” Environmental factors play a comparatively minor role, he says. There are limited ways to prevent these cancers, such as by adopting a healthier diet and quitting smoking. “We cannot identify any particular type of thing we can do [to avoid it]. That’s why preventative check-ups are absolutely critical,” Ho says. Hong Kong Cancer Fund founder and chief executive Sally Lo says her goal for the initiative is to make men’s cancers “openly discussed to the same level that breast cancer is among women”. Since establishing the fund in 1987, Lo notes that the world of cancer treatment and what is possible has transformed with modern technology and medical advances. The reality has shifted with the growing number of patients living with cancer and entering long-term survivorship, which is why early detection is critical. “When I first started [the Cancer Fund], no one would ever mention the word ‘cancer’, as they always assumed the worst outcome,” Lo says. But now, “more and more people are living with cancer if they get their treatment in time”. Beyond the physical toll, a cancer diagnosis can profoundly impact a man’s mental and emotional health. The Hong Kong Cancer Fund provides free services for patients, including professional counselling, specialised nursing and rehabilitation guidance, personalised dietetic consultations, wellness programmes, and financial and family support services. CheckMate includes the “2,900 Stairs in a Month” challenge, which invites participants to register online, start a fundraising account and invite donations for each step climbed – one for each new case of male-specific cancer found each year – by the end of November. To learn more about CheckMate, visit cancer-fund.org/checkmate. For details about the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, visit cancer-fund.org. To contact their support centre, visit cancer-fund.org/contact-us. Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.

Hong Kong Cancer Fund’s CheckMate scheme aims to get men checking themselves, and talking

The initiative launched this Movember promotes pre-emptive checks for and dialogue about male-specific cancers affecting thousands each year