Education Corner

more detail for HPV Vaccination   What Is the Relationship Between Cervical Cancer and HPV? According to the Hospital Authority’s 2016 data, there are 510 new cases of cervical cancer and 151 deaths each year in Hong Kong.Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the major causes of cervical cancer. Women aged 26–30 and 46–55 are at the highest risk of infection. Both men and women can become infected with HPV and develop related diseases.Once infected, HPV can cause the following conditions: Men Women Anal cancer Anal cancer Genital warts (condyloma acuminatum) Genital warts (condyloma acuminatum) May transmit HPV to partner, increasing their risk of cancer or warts Vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and cervical cancer     How Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented? Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Use condoms to reduce the risk of HPV transmission. Undergo regular cervical screening (Pap smear). Get vaccinated with the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer vaccine).   About the Cervical Cancer (HPV) Vaccine The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine—also known as the cervical cancer vaccine—is a preventive vaccine that protects against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.Both men and women can receive the vaccine. In Hong Kong, two types of prescription HPV vaccines are commonly available: Quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4-in-1) 9-valent HPV vaccine (9-in-1) Both require prescription and administration under medical supervision.The 9-valent vaccine protects against 9 HPV types responsible for about 80–90% of HPV-related cancers and diseases, making it a more comprehensive choice.It also helps prevent genital warts and can be given to both women and men. Type HPV Types Covered Recommended Age Dosage Schedule Quadrivalent (4‑in‑1) 6, 11, 16, 18 From age 9 (male & female) 9–13 years: 2 doses / 14+ years: 3 doses 9-valent (9‑in‑1) 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 From age 9 (male & female) Before Oct 31, 2016: 9+ years – 3 doses / After Oct 31, 2016: 9–14 years – 2 doses, 15+ years – 3 doses     Frequently Asked Questions 1) How many doses are required for the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine?According to manufacturer guidelines, three doses are administered over six months: at 0, 2, and 6 months (i.e., two and four months apart). 2) Which pharmaceutical company produces the vaccine? Are there new and old versions?The vaccine used is Gardasil 9, produced by Merck & Co. (MSD), USA.There is only one version—the so‑called “new” and “old” batches refer only to packaging differences.All vaccines are legally sourced, original manufacturer products, properly stored and transported, and within valid expiry dates. 3) What’s the difference between two and three doses?According to Hong Kong’s Department of Health, adolescents aged 9–14 only need two doses, while those aged 15 and above should receive three doses to achieve the same level of immunity. 4) Who should get the HPV vaccine?The vaccine is most effective for individuals who have not been infected with HPV.However, women who are sexually active or have given birth are also encouraged to receive it.Because the vaccine protects against at least four HPV types, and most women are not infected with all of them simultaneously, vaccination remains beneficial. 5) Can I get vaccinated during pregnancy?Important notes: You can become pregnant immediately after completing the three-dose vaccination course. Vaccination during pregnancy is not recommended. It is safe to receive the vaccine after childbirth or while breastfeeding. 6) Are there side effects?The HPV vaccine is generally safe.Common mild side effects include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, mild fever, headache, or nausea.Individuals who have had severe allergic reactions to any vaccine ingredient should not receive it.If in doubt, consult your doctor.Hong Kong’s Department of Health operates a pharmacovigilance system to monitor vaccine safety. 7) Do I still need cervical cancer screening after vaccination?Yes.Even after vaccination, women should continue regular Pap smear screening, as the vaccine cannot treat preexisting HPV infections or protect against HPV types not covered by the vaccine.

Many people associate joint pain with ageing and assume it only affects the elderly.That belief is only partially true.   Isn’t Joint Pain Only for Older Adults? Older adults often suffer from degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis), while middle‑aged people are more likely to experience rheumatoid arthritis. About 60% of people aged 60 and above are affected by osteoarthritis, which is caused by joint degeneration due to ageing. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect middle‑aged adults and is related to immune system disorders.The immune cells become overactive and repeatedly attack the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation in the joints and muscles. Young, physically active individuals may also suffer joint pain due to improper exercise posture or habits. Office workers who sit for long hours or frequently cross their legs often experience pain in the lower back and knees.   Should People with Joint Pain Avoid Exercise? No. Exercise is beneficial for health, but those with joint pain should take extra care.Here are some important tips: If you have existing joint problems, consult a doctor first to determine which types of exercise are appropriate. Incorrect posture can worsen symptoms. Always warm up properly and stretch your body before starting exercise to prevent post‑workout joint pain. Avoid poor posture—for instance, leaning too far forward while running shifts the body’s centre of gravity and increases stress on the knees and spine. Do not suddenly engage in intense or high‑impact exercise, which increases joint load and may strain or injure muscles around the joints.   Can Joint Pain Be Completely Cured? Appropriate exercise and healthy eating can help relieve joint pain, but complete recovery is unlikely without long‑term effort and proper activity.Most treatments focus on pain management and symptom relief, such as: Performing light, doctor‑recommended exercises targeting specific joints—such as swimming, walking, cycling, or tai chi. Reducing body weight, as excess weight adds pressure to joints, especially the knees and spine. Taking supplements under medical advice, such as glucosamine to strengthen cartilage, and bioactive collagen peptides to help reduce inflammation and ease joint discomfort.

Many people plan to “burn fat” when they see visible fat on their bodies.However, what’s far more dangerous is the invisible fat—visceral fat, which often goes unnoticed but can lead to serious health consequences.   What’s the Difference Between Visceral Fat and Normal Fat? Most people think of body fat as the visible fat found on areas like the arms, abdomen, and thighs.But visceral adipose tissue (VAT) refers to fat stored around internal organs in the abdomen, such as the liver and intestines. This “active fat” releases various hormones and inflammatory chemicals that affect metabolism and increase insulin resistance, which in turn raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.   How Can I Know If My Visceral Fat Is Too High? Check whether you have central obesity (abdominal fat accumulation) — people with more fat around the waist tend to have higher visceral fat levels.To accurately measure visceral fat, MRI or CT scans are used, though these are primarily for medical research due to cost, time, and radiation exposure. Central obesity can be estimated by your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR): Men: WHR > 0.9 → Central obesity Women: WHR > 0.85 → Central obesity   Is Visceral Fat Only a Problem for Overweight People? No. There are slim-looking individuals with high visceral fat—especially common among Asians.They may appear lean but actually have little muscle mass and high internal fat due to poor eating habits and lack of strength training.Because visceral fat accumulates around internal organs rather than under the skin, it often goes unnoticed, posing hidden health risks.   Are there any Doctor’s Health Tips?  Ignoring high visceral fat for too long can lead to severe illnesses such as: Type 2 diabetes Heart disease Hypertension High cholesterol or triglycerides Cognitive decline Stroke Breast cancer Colorectal cancer To reduce visceral fat and maintain health: Exercise 2 to 3 times a week, engaging in aerobic activities for at least 30 minutes—such as running, cycling, or swimming. Maintain a balanced, low-fat, low-sugar diet. Choose healthy cooking methods like steaming or boiling, and avoid deep-frying, pan-frying, or stir-frying.

Why Are People Afraid of “Cholesterol”? Many people become anxious when they hear the word “cholesterol,” since it is often linked to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and vascular blockage.But is completely avoiding cholesterol the right way to stay healthy? And are slim people truly immune from cholesterol problems?   Is It True That “the Lower the Cholesterol, the Better”? No!Cholesterol is an essential substance that helps maintain the structural integrity of cells. It is a type of fat that plays a key role in forming cell membranes, bile, and various hormones, and also helps digest dietary fats. Cholesterol is divided into “good” and “bad” types: People with low good cholesterol (HDL below 1 mmol/L) People with high bad cholesterol (LDL above 3.4 mmol/L) Both groups are at greater risk of developing heart disease. Therefore, cholesterol should neither be too high nor too low — it’s all about maintaining a healthy balance.   Dietary Tips To reduce cholesterol absorption:Eat plenty of fresh fruits and high-fibre foods. To raise good cholesterol (HDL):Consume omega-3 fatty acids, found in deep-sea fish such as salmon or in fish oil supplements. To prevent the buildup of bad cholesterol (LDL):Avoid fatty and high-cholesterol foods such as fatty meat, animal organs, chicken skin, pork knuckles, duck feet, egg yolks, crab roe, hairy crabs, shrimp, oysters, and squid.   Do Slim People Need to Worry About Cholesterol? Yes—everyone should pay attention! Even slim individuals can have high cholesterol levels.About 70% of cholesterol is produced naturally by the body, while only 30% comes from food.Slim people may have genetic factors that cause the liver to produce excess cholesterol or prevent it from breaking down efficiently. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you must remain cautious—even if you appear slender.   Apart from Medication, How Can You Improve Cholesterol Levels? Start with everyday habits!Doctors frequently emphasize lifestyle adjustments: Maintain a healthy body weight. Eat a low-fat, low-salt, and low-sugar diet. Exercise regularly and stay active. There is no medication more effective than healthy living.Many patients who have committed to these habits have seen improvements in their cholesterol readings within three to six months.

Skincare Products May Contain Harmful Ingredients — Learn How to Read Labels! News about skincare products containing harmful ingredients has become increasingly common.Since most people apply skincare products at least twice a day, that adds up to around 730 applications a year.If your products contain unsafe ingredients, imagine the burden that places on your skin.It’s time to learn how to read ingredient lists and choose the right products for yourself.   With So Many Ingredients, Which Ones Should I Pay Attention To? When selecting skincare products, look out for common irritants and allergens, especially: MIT (Methylisothiazolinone) CMIT (Methylchloroisothiazolinone) These are widely used preservatives but are known to be highly allergenic and may trigger skin reactions.Even people without particularly sensitive skin may develop skin sensitivity or irritation after prolonged use of such ingredients.   What’s the Worst That Can Happen If I Use Products Containing Allergenic Preservatives Long-Term? People with chronic skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea—and those prone to contact allergies (for example, allergies worsened by weather changes or exposure to irritants)—should avoid using products containing MIT or CMIT. Severe allergic reactions may cause blistering, skin breaks, redness, or swelling, which can easily lead to bacterial infection if not treated properly.Recovery can take a long time and be difficult to manage.   Do These Harmful Ingredients Affect the Body? Yes.There is now medical evidence that preservatives like MIT and CMIT can negatively impact human health.To avoid potential risks, it is essential to read product ingredient labels carefully and avoid using items that contain allergenic substances or unclear formulations.   Doctor’s Professional Tips Learn how to read ingredient order:Ingredients are listed in descending order by concentration. If a preservative appears near the top of the list, be cautious—it means the product contains more of that ingredient. Understand your skin type:Choose skincare products suitable for your skin type—whether oily, dry, or combination.If you’re trying a new product, test it first on your neck, behind the ears, or on your arm to ensure no allergic reaction occurs before full use. Be cautious with multifunctional products:Skincare products today often claim to moisturize, whiten, and provide anti-aging benefits at the same time.The more functions a product claims to have, the more complex its composition is likely to be.Many women use multiple skincare products daily, which can cause ingredient overlap—so it’s especially important to check and understand what’s inside each one.

Protect Your Skin While Enjoying the Sun As spring and summer approach, don’t forget to protect your skin while having fun under the sun.According to figures from Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, the incidence of skin cancer in Hong Kong has been steadily increasing.Because early skin cancer causes no pain or itching, it can easily go unnoticed.   If a Mole Suddenly Appears, Is It a Sign of Skin Cancer? Changes in moles or the skin’s surface may indicate early signs of skin cancer.Whether a mole is new or long‑standing, if it grows larger, changes color, or becomes damaged, it may have become malignant. You should monitor it closely and consult a doctor promptly. Also, pay attention to reddish patches that persist and don’t fade, or pearly‑looking bumps or tumors on sun‑exposed areas like the face, ears, or back of the hands. These may also suggest skin abnormalities that require medical evaluation.   What Is the ABCDE Rule? Doctor’s Tip: Follow the ABCDE guideline for self‑examination.   A (Asymmetry)： Does the mole look asymmetrical when viewed from all angles? B (Border)： Are the edges irregular or blurred? Most benign moles have smooth, round borders. C (Color) : Is the color uneven or inconsistent? Watch for multiple shades of brown or black. D (Diameter) : Is it larger than 6 mm or growing in size? E (Evolution) : Are there changes in size, color, surface, or symptoms such as pain, itching, or bleeding?   Are People with Fair Skin More Prone to Skin Cancer? One of the major causes of skin cancer is DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.Since fair‑skinned individuals have less melanin, their skin absorbs UV rays more easily, increasing cancer risk.People with a family history of skin cancer should also be particularly careful.   Is Sun Protection Unnecessary on Cloudy Days? Ultraviolet radiation includes two main types: UVA and UVB.Both can penetrate clouds and damage skin tissue, leading to DNA damage and skin cancer.UVA rays, in particular, have strong penetrating power—so even when it seems cloudy or overcast, your skin is still being exposed to UV rays. Doctor’s Tip: Always Apply Sun Protection Regular use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer. When outdoors, wear long‑sleeved clothing to protect uncovered skin. Those who work outdoors for long periods should routinely check their skin for new changes, and consult a doctor immediately if they notice discomfort or suspicious lesions.