Gov’t expands hepatitis and cancer screening programs

The Health Bureau (SSM) is expanding disease screening and prevention programs, including hepatitis testing and cancer screening, as part of the government’s efforts to promote early detection and treatment, according to a written reply to lawmaker Song Pek Kei.

The bureau said it is implementing the “Healthy Macao Action Plan” and working with community organizations to promote healthier lifestyles and raise awareness of chronic diseases, including cancer.

For hepatitis prevention, the bureau said it is pursuing a strategy of “early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment” with the goal of eliminating hepatitis B and C. Health education activities are being conducted through Health and Wellness Stations, community health consultation posts and other outreach programs.

Since hepatitis B vaccination was added to Macau’s immunization program, the positivity rate for the hepatitis B surface antigen among residents born in the 1990s or later has fallen to about 2%, the bureau said. However, most hepatitis B patients in Macau are currently over 50.

The bureau has therefore proactively offered hepatitis B screening to residents over 40 who have no record of previous testing. More than 19,000 people had completed screening by the end of 2025, identifying more than 1,300 confirmed cases.

“In the future, notifications will be sent to eligible residents through the Macao One Account to further increase screening coverage,” SSM noted.

All health centers now provide outpatient hepatology services, with doctors arranging regular ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor indicators related to liver cancer and track patients’ conditions. The bureau is also working with the Social Welfare Bureau and nonprofit medical institutions to provide hepatitis C testing and referrals for people with drug dependence and other high-risk groups.

On cancer prevention, the bureau said Macau’s screening programs are based on international guidelines and local conditions. Current programs cover cervical, colorectal, lung and breast cancers.

The bureau introduced a pilot HPV self-sampling program in 2025 to improve the convenience of cervical cancer screening. Preliminary results showed that most participating residents responded positively.

A second phase is being prepared for the fourth quarter of 2026 and will expand the pilot to all health centers. The bureau said the results will be assessed to determine whether HPV self-sampling can be adopted more widely.

For stomach, prostate and pancreatic cancers, the bureau said there is currently insufficient international scientific evidence to support population-wide screening. Instead, doctors provide individualized assessments and follow-up for people with higher risk factors.

SSM added it will continue analyzing medical data and adjusting the scope of cancer screening when necessary to provide residents with “timely health protection.”