Cancer types · Hong Kong

Cancer Types, Clearly Explained

Q: How many types of cancer are there?

The National Cancer Institute lists more than 100 distinct types. When subtypes are included, Cancer Research UK estimates more than 200. The exact number depends on how cancers are classified.

Q: What is the difference between carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma and leukaemia?

The difference is the cell or tissue where the cancer starts: epithelial tissue for carcinoma, connective tissue for sarcoma, the lymphatic system for lymphoma, and the bone marrow or blood for leukaemia.

Q: Which cancers cause the most deaths in Hong Kong?

In 2022, lung, colorectal, liver, pancreatic and breast cancers accounted for 50.7% of cancer deaths. Lung cancer alone accounted for 25.7%.

Q: Is cancer hereditary?

Some cancers have a stronger hereditary component, including certain breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers. A family history should be discussed with a clinician, but most cancers are not directly inherited.

Q: What should I bring to a cancer consultation?

Bring imaging reports and discs, pathology reports, recent blood tests, a medication list and any previous treatment records. A family member or interpreter can help you keep track of the discussion.

Q: Can advanced cancer still be treated?

Yes. Treatment aims may include controlling the disease, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. The appropriate pathway depends on the cancer type, stage and general health.

A clear guide to the diseases we call cancer — from the ten cancers discussed most often to a complete A–Z index. Understand the type, the warning signs and the next conversation worth having.

Reviewed against Hong Kong Cancer Registry 2022 data · Updated October 2026

Breast · Lung · Colorectal · Liver

120

cancer types indexed

14,717

cancer deaths in Hong Kong, 2022

50.7%

from the top five cancers

84%

of deaths aged 60 or older

Start here

A clear path through a complex diagnosis

Cancer is not one disease. This hub brings the common types, the Hong Kong mortality picture and the questions worth asking into one place — without simplifying away the uncertainty.

Start with the cell

Carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma behave differently because they begin in different tissues.

Look for the evidence

Symptoms, imaging, pathology and staging together define the diagnosis — not a single test on its own.

Prepare for the conversation

Bring reports, scans and a medication list so a specialist can give you a clear next step.

Top 10 cancer types

Ten common cancers, explained in plain language

Start with a clear explanation of the cancer type, then explore diagnosis, staging and the appropriate treatment pathway.

乳癌

The most common cancer among women in Hong Kong. Screening and early treatment improve outcomes.

Read guide →

大腸癌

Often linked to diet and lifestyle. Colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps.

Read guide →

子宮內膜癌

The most common gynaecological cancer. Abnormal bleeding after menopause is the key warning sign.

Read guide →

肝癌

Strongly linked to chronic hepatitis B and C. Surveillance matters in high-risk groups.

Read guide →

肺癌

Hong Kong’s leading cancer killer. Late diagnosis remains the main challenge.

Read guide →

非何杰金淋巴瘤

A group of blood cancers with many subtypes. Treatment depends on the subtype and stage.

Read guide →

胰臟癌

Often diagnosed late. Persistent abdominal or back pain needs specialist assessment.

Read guide →

前列腺癌

Common in older men. PSA testing and specialist review guide early detection.

Read guide →

胃癌

Linked to H. pylori and diet. Persistent indigestion or weight loss warrants review.

Read guide →

甲狀腺癌

Usually slow-growing. Most people have a good prognosis with appropriate treatment.

Read guide →

A–Z cancer index

Find a cancer type by name

Browse 120 cancer types, grouped by first letter. Every entry opens a dedicated guide covering symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

A

9 types

B

7 types

C

8 types

D

2 types

E

7 types

F

2 types

G

5 types

H

6 types

I

2 types

J

1 types

K

2 types

L

5 types

M

11 types

N

6 types

O

5 types

P

14 types

R

3 types

S

8 types

T

8 types

U

4 types

V

3 types

W

1 types

Y

1 types

How cancers are classified

Six families, many different diseases

Classification by the cell or tissue of origin helps explain how a cancer behaves and which treatments may be appropriate.

Carcinoma

Begins in epithelial cells that line the skin, organs and glands. Breast, lung and colorectal cancers are common examples.

80–90%

Sarcoma

A rare cancer of bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or blood vessels. Diagnosis usually requires specialist pathology review.

<1%

Lymphoma

Begins in the lymphatic system. Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the two main groups, with many subtypes.

~5%

白血病

A cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It can be acute or chronic and is the most common cancer in children.

~3%

Myeloma

A cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is the most common form.

~2%

Brain & CNS

Tumours of the brain and spinal cord. Some are benign; others need urgent specialist assessment.

~3%

Hong Kong Cancer Registry · 2022

Cancer in Hong Kong, in numbers

Cancer claimed 14,717 lives in Hong Kong in 2022 — about one in four of all deaths. The top five cancers accounted for 50.7% of cancer deaths, and 84% of deaths occurred in people aged 60 or older. The median age at death was 72.

14,717

cancer deaths in 2022

1 in 4

of all deaths in Hong Kong

50.7%

from the top five cancers

84%

of deaths aged 60 or older

Top five causes of cancer death

Share of all cancer deaths in Hong Kong, 2022.

Lung cancer · 3,782 deaths

25.7%

Colorectal cancer · 2,270 deaths

15.4%

Liver cancer · 1,412 deaths

9.6%

Pancreatic cancer · 920 deaths

6.3%

Breast cancer · 804 deaths

5.5%

The five deadliest cancers

Half of all cancer deaths, five diagnoses

In 2022, these five cancers accounted for 50.7% of cancer deaths in Hong Kong. The numbers show where early detection and timely specialist review matter most.

3,782

Lung cancer

25.7% of cancer deaths

Smoking, air pollution and late-stage diagnosis.

2,270

Colorectal cancer

15.4% of cancer deaths

Screening can detect and remove precancerous polyps.

1,412

Liver cancer

9.6% of cancer deaths

Chronic hepatitis B and C are major risk factors.

920

Pancreatic cancer

6.3% of cancer deaths

Often diagnosed late; early symptoms can be non-specific.

804

乳癌

5.5% of cancer deaths

Mammography and early treatment improve outcomes.

Source: Hong Kong Cancer Registry, 2022 data (published 2025).

From cell type to treatment

Why the classification matters

Two cancers in the same organ can behave differently. The cell of origin, molecular profile and stage all inform the treatment plan.

Carcinoma

Begins in epithelial cells that line the skin, organs and glands. It is the largest group, accounting for 80–90% of cancers.

Sarcoma

Begins in connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, fat or muscle. Sarcomas are rare, representing less than 1% of cancers.

Lymphoma

Begins in the lymphatic system. Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma together account for about 5% of cancers.

白血病

Begins in the bone marrow and affects blood cells. It accounts for about 3% of cancers and is the most common cancer in children.

Myeloma

Begins in plasma cells in the bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is the most common form and represents about 2% of cancers.

How many types?

100+

distinct types listed by the National Cancer Institute.

200+

estimated when subtypes are included, according to Cancer Research UK.

3%

of cancers begin in the brain or central nervous system.

The exact number depends on how subtypes are counted. Classification continues to evolve as research advances.

Common questions

Questions patients ask before the first consultation

Clear answers to the questions that come up most often. If your situation is different, speak with a clinician who can review your reports.

How many types of cancer are there?

The National Cancer Institute lists more than 100 distinct types. When subtypes are included, Cancer Research UK estimates more than 200. The exact number depends on how cancers are classified.

What is the difference between carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma and leukaemia?

The difference is the cell or tissue where the cancer starts: epithelial tissue for carcinoma, connective tissue for sarcoma, the lymphatic system for lymphoma, and the bone marrow or blood for leukaemia.

Which cancers cause the most deaths in Hong Kong?

In 2022, lung, colorectal, liver, pancreatic and breast cancers accounted for 50.7% of cancer deaths. Lung cancer alone accounted for 25.7%.

Is cancer hereditary?

Some cancers have a stronger hereditary component, including certain breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers. A family history should be discussed with a clinician, but most cancers are not directly inherited.

What should I bring to a cancer consultation?

Bring imaging reports and discs, pathology reports, recent blood tests, a medication list and any previous treatment records. A family member or interpreter can help you keep track of the discussion.

Can advanced cancer still be treated?

Yes. Treatment aims may include controlling the disease, relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. The appropriate pathway depends on the cancer type, stage and general health.

Next step

A diagnosis is a starting point, not a conclusion.

Speak with our patient services team about your diagnosis, reports and the next appropriate step. We can help you prepare for a specialist consultation.

For urgent symptoms, contact local emergency services. This page does not provide emergency care.

Sources

National Cancer Institute. (2023). A to Z List of Cancer Types.

Cancer Research UK. (2023). Types of cancer.

Hong Kong Cancer Registry. (2025). Overview of cancer statistics in Hong Kong.

Medical disclaimer

This page is for general information and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a registered clinician after reviewing your diagnosis, staging and general health. Reviewed October 2026.

AllCancer · Hong Kong