Education Corner

Weight-loss injections are a type of prescription weight-loss medication administered subcutaneously. They mimic gut hormones to help control weight. In recent years, they have gained widespread discussion in Hong Kong due to their popularity in South Korea, but their use requires caution and medical supervision.   The Origin and Background of Weight-Loss Injections Weight-loss injections did not initially appear for weight loss. They evolved from injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. During research on gut hormones, the medical community discovered that certain substances, in addition to helping control blood sugar, also affect the appetite center in the brain, making the body feel full more easily. Subsequently, pharmaceutical companies improved upon these gut hormones to create more stable injectable formulations. These were first applied to diabetic patients, and many patients showed significant weight loss while controlling their blood sugar. This led to clinical studies specifically targeting weight management. Once research confirmed that these injections could help overweight or obese individuals lose weight under safety monitoring, some products were officially approved by international regulatory agencies for long-term weight management. In recent years, they have become widely known due to promotion in South Korea and on social media platforms.   Proper Usage Instructions Before use, a doctor must assess your health condition and BMI to prescribe the medication. Start with a low dose, once daily via subcutaneous injection, gradually increasing the dose weekly until a maintenance dose is reached. This allows the body to gradually adapt and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. Injection time is flexible, not limited to morning or evening, and can be performed at any time. Recommended injection sites are areas with thicker subcutaneous fat, such as the abdomen around the navel, the outer front thigh, or the outer upper arm. Avoid areas with thin skin, such as the cheeks, chin, or wrists. Each pen can be used over several days; always use a new needle and rotate injection sites each time to prevent infection.   Regular monitoring of blood sugar, weight, and side effects is necessary throughout the treatment. A low-calorie, balanced diet and moderate exercise are essential for optimal results. After discontinuing the medication, maintain healthy habits to prevent weight rebound. In Hong Kong, all weight-loss injections are classified as Category 1 dangerous drugs. Purchasing or possessing them without a doctor's prescription is a violation of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, punishable by a fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for up to 2 years. Always use these medications through legitimate medical channels.   If you have any questions about weight loss injections or would like to make an appointment, feel free to WhatsApp 9669 5760 or call 2371 6400.​

What is Vitiligo?Vitiligo (also known as white spot disease) is a common skin condition where the immune system attacks melanocytes, causing white patches on the skin. Though non-contagious, it often affects patients' confidence due to visible changes. Can vitiligo be treated with creams? This article details its causes, treatments (like steroids, phototherapy, and JAK inhibitors), repigmentation timelines, and funding options.   What Causes Vitiligo? Vitiligo mainly stems from autoimmune dysfunction, where immune cells mistakenly attack pigment-producing melanocytes. Trigger factors include genetics (20-30% family history), chronic stress, skin trauma like sunburn (Koebner phenomenon), comorbidities such as thyroid issues or type 1 diabetes, and onset before age 30.   What Are Treatments for Facial Vitiligo Patches? For facial or neck patches, dermatologists tailor strategies by severity. Topical Steroid Treatment These common first-line options regulate overactive immunity, aiding melanocyte regeneration and pigment return. Doctors start low-dose, applying cream 1-2 times daily to patches. Effective for some after months, but long-term use risks skin thinning, stretch marks, folliculitis, or telangiectasia—especially on the face, requiring close monitoring. Phototherapy UVB sessions (2x weekly, minutes each) for 3-6+ months can halt spread and repigment stable patches. Ideal for stable vitiligo, but risks include burns, aging, and minor skin cancer long-term—needs doctor oversight and sunscreen. JAK Inhibitor Creams These newer non-steroid topicals suit thin skin (face, neck, eyes). They target immune pathways safely with fewer side effects like atrophy. Repigmentation often appears in months; consult a dermatologist early for personalized plans.   Are JAK Inhibitors Safe? How Do They Differ from Steroids? JAK inhibitor creams—the first FDA/EMA/HK-approved non-steroid vitiligo topicals—are increasingly prescribed in Hong Kong. They precisely protect melanocytes without steroid side effects (thinning, marks). Trials show >75% repigmentation in over half of facial cases after months, safe for ages 12+ even on sensitive areas.   How Long Does Vitiligo Recovery Take? Can It Be Fully Cured? Full cure is rare, but most control spread and repigment with treatment. Early intervention in active phases yields best results. Courses last months to 2 years; faces repigment faster due to high follicle density.   Are Vitiligo Treatments Expensive? Are There Funding Options? Expenses range HK$ hundreds to thousands monthly, varying by drugs/phototherapy. Patient groups offer JAK cream subsidies for eligible cases—ask dermatologists during follow-ups for qualifications and golden treatment windows.

At present, there are many types of cancer screening methods—from traditional imaging and tumor marker blood tests to the more recent “liquid biopsy” technologies. Each method has its own uses and limitations. To choose the most suitable screening option, it’s important to first understand their principles, accuracy, and target users. What are the common cancer screening methods?   Tumor Markers (Cancer Marker / Tumor Marker)Doctors often use blood tests to evaluate tumor markers, which help assess cancer risk, monitor treatment responses, or detect recurrence. These markers are specific substances found in blood or body fluids that can be produced by cancer cells or the body’s response to tumors—for example, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).However, tumor markers can be affected by other factors such as inflammation, disease, or lifestyle, leading to false-positive or false-negative results. Therefore, marker levels alone are not sufficient for diagnosis and are mainly used as preliminary screening and monitoring tools.   Imaging Tests (X-ray, Ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET-CT)These are traditional yet essential diagnostic methods that visualize tumor size and location inside the body. Different types of imaging are suited for different organs and conditions: X-ray, Ultrasound: Common for preliminary checks of the chest, abdomen, and breasts. CT, MRI: Provide detailed cross-sectional images for further tumor evaluation. PET-CT: Uses radioactive tracers to show tumor activity, often used for staging and assessing metastasis.Do note that imaging tests typically require a tumor to reach about 0.5–1 cm for reliable detection. Smaller tumors may be missed, and some tests involve radiation exposure or higher costs.   Blood Tests (cfDNA/ctDNA, microRNA, CancerSEEK)“Liquid biopsy” analyzes substances released by tumors into the blood. ctDNA focuses on fragments of tumor DNA; mRNA tracks gene expression signals; CancerSEEK combines genetic mutations and protein markers.In research, CancerSEEK has shown about 70% sensitivity and 99% specificity for eight types of cancer. These advanced tests are mainly for high-risk screening and research, with real-world clinical use still evolving. Is ctDNA screening more suitable for me? ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) testing uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) and AI analysis to detect DNA fragments with as little as 0.25% mutation signals. Accuracy ranges from 92–99%, excelling in monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) and predicting recurrence.   Who may benefit from ctDNA screening? Individuals with family or genetic cancer risk Those seeking highly specific early detection Post-surgery patients monitoring for recurrence (under medical consultation) People wishing to reduce frequent radiation exposure   What are the advantages of ctDNA testing?  Requires only a small blood sample; non-invasive and simple Detects ultra-early signals (up to 3–5 years earlier), covering 38+ types of male cancers and 42+ types of female cancers (including lung, colon, breast, liver, and prostate) High accuracy and specificity, with AI-assisted analysis supporting precision treatment Suitable for multi-cancer risk assessment and can complement other screening methods   What cancers are detectable by ctDNA:Breast, stomach, nasopharyngeal, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, head and neck, liver, and cervical cancers, among others (for example, SPOT-MAS can detect up to 10 cancer types).mRNA testing can act as a complementary tool, targeting tumors as small as 0.2 cm, providing enhanced accuracy when used together with ctDNA screening. Human Health offers several cancer risk assessment programs available on its online store, including: SPOT-MAS Women 10 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA01): HK$3,860 (original HK$9,650)  SPOT-MAS Men 8 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA02): HK$3,160 (original HK$7,900) All programs can be purchased through the Human Health eShop.For inquiries, please call the service hotline at 2397 2111.   Although ctDNA testing is more expensive than traditional tumor marker tests, it remains moderately priced compared with multiple high-end imaging procedures. It stands out as a high-precision screening option offering an additional “blood test for cancer detection” method, capable of identifying early cancer risk and guiding timely medical follow-up and treatment—particularly valuable for high-risk individuals. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult your doctor before making a decision.

A tumor marker is not a “cancer diagnosis certificate.” It refers to specific proteins or substances found in the blood or body fluids that often appear elevated in cancer patients. These markers help doctors suspect, monitor, or track the progression of cancer.   What does a high value mean? These markers are actually molecules that normal cells also produce, but cancer cells may release them in greater quantities or in abnormal forms. When the value rises above the normal range, it acts like a red flag—signaling that further investigation may be needed. If your tumor marker level is high, don’t panic—several non-cancerous conditions can cause mild to moderate increases, such as: Inflammation (hepatitis, gastritis, pneumonia) Benign growths (liver cirrhosis, uterine fibroids, prostate enlargement) Pregnancy Smoking On the other hand, some early-stage cancers or certain tumor types may not cause tumor marker elevation. For example, many patients with early breast or ovarian cancer still have normal CA125 or CA15-3 readings.   What can tumor markers reflect? Tumor markers can serve multiple purposes beyond aiding diagnosis: Diagnostic aid: Elevated values suggest possible malignancy; combined with imaging, they improve accuracy (e.g., high AFP may indicate liver cancer). Cancer staging and metastasis risk: Higher concentrations often correlate with tumor burden, which may indicate advanced disease or metastasis risk. Treatment monitoring: A decreasing marker value indicates treatment effectiveness—for instance, a 50% drop in CEA suggests successful chemotherapy. Predicting drug response: Genetic markers (like EGFR mutations) can anticipate targeted therapy effectiveness; high PD-L1 levels suggest suitability for immunotherapy. Early screening: Certain markers (like PSA for prostate cancer) help screen high-risk groups, though sensitivity is limited and should not be used alone.   Which tumor markers should I check? Marker Common related cancers AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) Liver cancer, testicular cancer, ovarian germ cell tumors CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) Colorectal, rectal, gastric, lung, and breast cancers CA125 Ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancers CA15-3 / CA27.29 Breast cancer (especially metastatic) CA19-9 Pancreatic, biliary tract, colorectal, gastric cancers PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) Prostate cancer CYFRA 21-1 / NSE Lung cancer (especially squamous cell and small cell types) SCC-Ag (Squamous cell carcinoma antigen) Cervical, head and neck, esophageal, and squamous lung cancers     Each cancer type has its corresponding markers, but it’s important to remember that tumor markers are only supplementary tools.They cannot confirm or rule out cancer by themselves. Doctors typically rely on imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) and tissue biopsy (pathology) for definitive diagnosis.Even if your marker levels are normal, it’s still essential to undergo regular screenings, such as colonoscopy, mammogram, and Pap smear, to help with early cancer prevention.   Human Health offers several cancer risk assessment programs available on its online store, including: SPOT-MAS Women 10 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA01): HK$3,860 (original HK$9,650)  SPOT-MAS Men 8 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA02): HK$3,160 (original HK$7,900) All programs can be purchased through the Human Health eShop.For inquiries, please call the service hotline at 2397 2111.

Don’t panic if your tumor marker result is abnormal! An abnormal tumor marker reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Tumor markers only indicate the risk of cancer—it cannot confirm a diagnosis on its own.   What are tumor markers? Tumor markers are proteins or antigens produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer.Common examples include alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for liver cancer, cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) for pancreatic cancer, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for colorectal cancer. Doctors check these marker levels through a simple blood test. If the levels exceed the normal reference range, it may suggest a higher cancer risk—but it cannot independently confirm cancer.   Common tumor markers and related cancers AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein): Liver cancer, testicular cancer CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen): Colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer PSA (Prostate-specific antigen): Prostate cancer CA125: Ovarian cancer, breast cancer CA19-9: Pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer CA15-3: Breast cancer CYFRA 21-1 / NSE: Different types of lung cancer SCC (Squamous cell carcinoma antigen): Head and neck cancer, cervical cancer   Do I need a tumor marker test? It is generally recommended for: Individuals over 40 Those with a family history of cancer High-risk groups, such as smokers The test helps assess cancer risk, monitor treatment effectiveness, and track recurrence.However, keep in mind: False positives may occur due to inflammation or benign conditions. False negatives may occur if the cancer is still in its early stage.Because of this, tumor marker results should be interpreted together with imaging scans or genetic tests for a more accurate assessment. There are many health screening programs that include selected tumor marker panels as additional risk assessments for healthy individuals.If you’re unsure which markers are most relevant to your personal health risks, consult your doctor for recommendations.   Cancer risk assessment programs available at Human Health eShop   Human Health offers several cancer risk assessment programs available on its online store, including: SPOT-MAS Women 10 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA01): HK$3,860 (original HK$9,650)  SPOT-MAS Men 8 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA02): HK$3,160 (original HK$7,900) All plans are available for online purchase through the Human Health eShop.If you have any questions about these packages, please contact our hotline at 2397 2111 for assistance.

Many people talk about doing ctDNA, which actually uses ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) detection technology to analyze tumor DNA fragments in the blood, serving as a method for early or ultra-early cancer screening. Thus, ctDNA is no longer just a laboratory tool but has become a powerful weapon in cancer diagnosis and monitoring. This test only requires drawing a few milliliters of blood to detect traces of tumor DNA released into the bloodstream, regarded as a "liquid biopsy." In recent years, it has become increasingly recommended in private medical centers, especially suitable for regular health tracking under Hong Kong's high-pressure lifestyle.   Where does ctDNA screening excel? Here are 3 major advantages! High SensitivityStudies show that ctDNA can detect extremely low concentrations of tumor DNA, with sensitivity up to 99.8%, enabling earlier detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) than traditional imaging, with low risks of false positives and missed diagnoses. Low Invasiveness, No RadiationIt only requires a single venous blood draw, without surgery or radiation exposure, making it ideal for high-risk groups to regularly monitor treatment effects or recurrence risks, with a comfortable and quick process. Broad Application, Suitable for Multiple CancersApplicable to solid tumors like breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer for screening and personalized treatment guidance, it comprehensively reflects tumor heterogeneity, more precise than single tumor markers. Why has ctDNA suddenly become mainstream? Mature Liquid Biopsy TechnologyRecent advances in ctDNA NGS (next-generation sequencing) have allowed blood tests to replace some tissue biopsies. Post-pandemic, acceptance of biotech has risen, with widespread medical adoption in precision medicine. Complement to Traditional MethodsPreviously reliant on tumor markers like CEA and AFP, which are easily affected by inflammation, and CT/MRI struggling with early small tumors; ctDNA provides complementary high precision, more reliably predicts recurrence, and reduces unnecessary treatments. Especially Suitable for High-Risk GroupsFor those with cancer family history, advanced age, smoking, obesity, or long-term pollutant exposure, Hong Kong doctors often recommend including it in checkups, particularly practical in liver cancer high-incidence areas. ctDNA vs mRNA: Which is Better for Cancer Screening?While mRNA tests focus on analyzing messenger RNA expression patterns from blood cells to identify potential cancer signals through gene activity profiles, ctDNA directly detects actual tumor-derived DNA fragments circulating in the bloodstream, offering superior specificity for solid tumor monitoring and earlier recurrence prediction. ctDNA excels in real-time tracking of treatment response and minimal residual disease with higher sensitivity (up to 99.8%), whereas mRNA may be more prone to non-specific signals from inflammation or other conditions. For comprehensive cancer risk assessment, especially in high-risk individuals, ctDNA is strongly recommended as the more precise, actionable "liquid biopsy" tool—making it the preferred choice over mRNA for proactive health management.   Human Health offers several cancer risk assessment programs available on its online store, including: SPOT-MAS Women 10 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA01): HK$3,860 (original HK$9,650)  SPOT-MAS Men 8 Types Multi-Cancer Early Detection (HCDNA02): HK$3,160 (original HK$7,900) All programs can be purchased through the Human Health eShop.For inquiries, please call the service hotline at 2397 2111.