Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Hong Kong. On average, about 13 people are diagnosed daily.
The government launched a two-year breast cancer pilot screening program last month (September) to examine women in high-risk groups. It is estimated that an average of 2,000 people will participate each month, and 900 people have participated in the program more than one month after its launch.
Liu Yanqing, director-general of the Breast Cancer Foundation, accepted an exclusive interview with "Hong Kong 01" and believed that the public's response was good. After the completion of the pilot project, I hope that the authorities will consider setting up screenings for low-income women.
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Breast cancer has become the most common cancer among women in Hong Kong since 1994. In 2019, 4,761 cases were recorded, and an average of 13 people were diagnosed every day. That year, 852 breast cancer patients died, making it the third leading cancer killer for women.
The government launched the Breast Cancer Pilot Program on September 6 this year. Women between the ages of 44 and 69 who have immediate family members who have had breast cancer, have been diagnosed with benign breast disease, have never given birth or are late for the first childbirth, and are early in menstruation. High body mass index and lack of physical activity, etc., are judged as having an increased risk of cancer, and will be regarded as qualified persons to participate in the women's health services of the three women's health centers under the Department of Health's Family Health Service, and pay an annual fee of 310 yuan. The cost of each mammography examination is 225 yuan.
The Department of Health responded that from the first day of the launch of the program on September 6 to the 15th of this month, about 900 women received women’s health services at 3 women’s health centers, and about 3 adults were required to undergo mammography screening. 3 Adults need to undergo breast ultrasound examination; 24 people receive CSSA or hold a certificate of medical fee reduction issued by the Welfare Department, and are exempted from paying annual fees. 8 of them need to undergo mammography again, and the fees are also exempted.
According to the department, women generally receive health services within 6 to 10 weeks after making an appointment. If they need to receive mammography screening, they will usually be arranged within one week.
It is recommended to broaden the screening targets to women aged 44 to 69 in low-income areas
Liu Yanqing, director-general of the Breast Cancer Foundation, believes that the initial response after the launch of the screening program is good. He described the government's launch of the plan as a breakthrough. It is also expected that the rate of cancer patients will be higher than that of the public because the plan is for people with no symptoms and high risk.
The pilot project lasts for two years. It is hoped that the authorities will broaden the screening targets to cover all women aged 44 to 69 in low-income areas without requiring her to have family history and other factors. "When women in low-income areas are diagnosed with breast cancer, most of them are at an advanced stage. I have all symptoms of sun exposure... You can spend more time with your children, housing enterprises, and husbands, and you may not be reasonable to yourself." The girl pays the tuition, but the result is not good. It was originally the zero or one period, but suddenly jumped up to the third or fourth period."
The foundation also provides mammography and ultrasound examination services. The new crown pneumonia epidemic has struck for nearly two years. Liu Yanqing said that when the epidemic was severe, the demand of some citizens had declined. She urged patients not to suspend their examinations due to the epidemic. Do breast examination, but it’s hard to touch the old one, you don’t have to wait to say "Maybe it’s going to be out of the street next month", the (organization) will be so big...Tumor( Tumor) Don’t wait for the epidemic.”
2.5% of people diagnosed with breast cancer by mammography
Liu Yanqing said that about 1,500 to 1,800 people in the Foundation receive mammography examinations every month. Among them, 2.5% are diagnosed with breast cancer. Among those diagnosed with regular tests, 6 adults are at stage zero or stage I; among patients with lumps, 6 Adults have reached the second stage or above, that is, the late stage.
This month (October) is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Breast Cancer Foundation will hold the second online fundraising event "One Step Forward". The proceeds will provide comprehensive breast health examinations and patient support services. Participants can walk during the event. , Running or hiking.
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