The Government will roll out the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme on September 6 to provide screening services for eligible women over a period of two years.

The programme aims to detect early breast cancer in women before any symptoms appear so that treatment can be carried out early to prevent the cancer from getting worse.

At the initial stage, women enrolled in the woman health service can undergo assessment to evaluate the risk of developing breast cancer at the three women health centres under the Department of Health.

Personalised breast cancer risk assessment tools will be used and breast cancer screening will be provided as appropriate.

Upon enrolling in the woman health service with $310 annual fee, eligible women will pay $225 for mammography per episode. Breast ultrasound scanning as a supplementary examination may be arranged for them if necessary.

Fees will be waived for people who are receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, holders of public medical charge waivers, or level 0 voucher holders of the Pilot Scheme on Residential Care Service Voucher for the Elderly.

An expert working group recommended women aged between 44 and 69, with certain combinations of personalised risk factors putting them at increased risk of breast cancer, to consider mammography screening every two years.

Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan pointed out that the Government launched the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy in 2019, the first holistic plan for cancer prevention and control for the city.

The pilot programme’s implementation is to put into practice the directions laid down in the cancer strategy, which include providing evidence-based screening, she added.

Contact the clinics concerned for enquiries.