The Health Bureau (SSM) held a press conference yesterday on skin cancer at the bureau’s Public Health Emergency Personnel Residence Hall on Guia Hill, pointing out that local men face a higher skin cancer incidence than women.
Wong Chi Leong, deputy head of the Health Promotion Division of the bureau’s Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), said in a speech that, according to the 2024 Annual Report of the Macao Cancer Registry, skin cancer ranked seventh in terms of new cases, with a total of 94 cases and four deaths recorded that year.
Over the past decade, the incidence has shown an upward trend, with men recording a higher rate than women, Wong said, adding that this may be related to lower awareness of sun protection and increased ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to global warming.
According to Wong, skin cancer is mainly linked to long-term exposure to UV radiation. The public is urged to follow the “ABC” sun-protection principles: Avoid – stay out of the sun during peak hours (10:00 to 16:00), when UV radiation is strongest; Block – use physical barriers such as long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat; Cream – apply sunscreen, reapplying it every two hours.
Wong also clarified two common misconceptions, noting that children have thinner skin and that UV damage accumulates over a lifetime, and that on cloudy days, up to 80 per cent of UV rays can still penetrate clouds, making sun protection essential.
Kuok Wai Seng, a medical assistant at the bureau Porto Interior Health Centre, said that skin cancer often develops early on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the head, face, neck and limbs. Melanoma can be identified using the “ABCDE” rule: Asymmetric shape, irregular Border, Colour variation, Diameter larger than 6 mm, and Evolving changes over time, Kuok said, adding that medical attention should be sought promptly if any suspicious lesions are found.
Cheong Si Leong, a dermatologist at the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre (CHCSJ), noted that surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment for skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and early-stage squamous cell carcinoma have an extremely high cure rate. Melanoma, on the other hand, is the most aggressive form and can metastasise in advanced stages, requiring a combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, Cheong said. He emphasised that regular follow-up appointments and sun protection are essential for preventing recurrence.
Wong also said that the Health Bureau, in collaboration with community associations, will set up skin cancer information booths at five locations across Macau on Saturday, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Through quizzes and games, the booths will promote sun protection, and participants who complete the activities will receive a souvenir, according to Wong.
Health Bureau (SSM) Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) Health Promotion Division Drputy Head Wong Chi Leong (centre), SSM’s Porto Interior Health Centre Medical Assistant Kuok Wai Seng (right) and the public Conde de São Januário Hospital Centre (CHCSJ) Dermatologist Cheong Si Leong look on during yesterday’s press conference at the SSM Health Emergency Personnel Residence Hall on Guia Hill. – Photo: Armindo Neves
