5 min read
Every October, we proudly support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over the years, breast cancer in Hong Kong remains the number one cancer affecting women and the third most common cancer overall, alongside lung cancer (one), colon cancer (two), prostate cancer (four), and liver cancer (five). Furthermore, in comparison to a decade ago, breast cancer has shown a substantial rise due to the aging and growing population in Hong Kong.
Breast cancer prevention is very important and involves monitoring or changing your lifestyle choices on a daily basis including diet, alcohol consumption, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Other measures including genetic testing and regular self-examination of your breasts can also help prevent and detect breast cancer. In addition, seek information on breast cancer screening and start discussing when to begin breast exams and mammograms with your doctor early on.
Breast cancer has become the most common cancer affecting women since 1993, it has tripled in incidence rate, and is considered the third leading cause of death for women in Hong Kong after lung cancer and colon cancer.
Alarmingly, it is estimated that 12 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, accounting for 27.4% of all new cancers in females diagnosed in Hong Kong in 2019.
The age-standardized incidence rate of female breast cancer had an upward trend between 1983 and 2019. The older in age a woman is, the higher the risk of breast cancer she has. The median age of breast cancer patients is 58 in Hong Kong (compared with age 62 in the US and age 60 in Australia), parallel to this, 55% of the women diagnosed were 40-59 in age.
The most common signs and symptoms of breast cancer according to obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Selina Pang 彭敏華醫生 may include:
If you notice a change in your breasts such as lumps or other unusual signs, talk to your doctor promptly.
Many countries recommend visiting your physician on an annual basis, however, in Hong Kong, the public health system does not have a set of recommendations for when various populations should undergo screening tests specifically among local women who are asymptomatic or at average risk. This is due to a lack of research and available data.
Below are the recommendations from the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation on screening tests:
If you reside in Hong Kong you must access body checks in private clinic settings. Note that the private sector is not standardized in Hong Kong and that packages, costs, and user experience vary greatly depending on the provider. You can also visit non-private options such as the Hospital Authority, HKBCF, and Family Health Service.
As explained by obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Selina Pang 彭敏華醫生, the methods of breast screening include self-examination, gynecologic annual check-ups, mammograms, MRI and ultrasound scanning, as well as genetic testing:
Public fees and non-profit organization fees
The Breast Health Center is a non-profit organization run by HKBCF. The center offers screening services including mammograms and ultrasounds, you can find the price details here.
The Department of Health offers Women's Health Services via Family Health Service including screenings, examinations, education, and counseling. For an eligible person (holder of valid HKID), there is an annual fee of HK$310 and each mammography screening costs HK$225; for a non-eligible person(, there is an annual fee of HK$850 and each screening fee costs HK$510. Find more information here.
The Hospital Authority offers services at the Well Women Clinic at Tung Wah Eastern Hospital; 2D mammography is listed at HK$800, 3D mammography at HK$1,800, and breast ultrasound at HK$800, find more information here.
Private fees
According to WeCareBill Foundation, a Hong Kong-based charity that promotes patient price transparency, baseline major surgery costs (main part of breast removed with lymph node) are between HK$80,000 and HK$120,000 with most expensive private hospitals and medical doctors charging as high as HK$250,000-300,000 for semi-private room.
WeCareBill strongly advises preparing for implant surgery (even though the surgery may not look like needing implants) as the stand-by preparation fees are less expensive than having to pay for a second operation. Baseline implant costs are between HK$30,000 and HK$50,000. The necessity of breast implants can be decided by the doctor during the operation.
As for chemotherapy treatment, it can reach HK$700,000 in Hong Kong's most expensive private hospitals. Some day cancer treatment centers charge HK$30,000-35,000 per cycle.
It is very important to keep in mind that in Hong Kong, private medical fees are not subject to regulation or standardization.
According to our health insurance partner and healthcare expert Alea, many insurers in Hong Kong cover cancer diagnosis and treatment. Oncological benefits vary greatly between insurers and finding a plan that covers you 100% with no financial limits or time limits is of the utmost importance when being treated in the private sector in Hong Kong.
Also note that if you have if you were diagnosed with cancer in the past, some insurers may consider this a pre-existing condition and refuse to pay for its care.
Sources cited:
https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/25/53.html
https://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/recommendations_on_breast_cancer_screening_2010.pdf
http://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/
http://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/pdf/factsheet/2015/breast_2015.pdf
http://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/pdf/overview/Summary%20of%20CanStat%202015.pdf
https://www.fhs.gov.hk/english/centre_det/cent_pwhs/14734.html
When breast cancer starts to develop, there may be lumps, irregular tissues around the breasts; or changes in size, shape or appearance in the breasts. Talk to a doctor if you notice any unusual signs in your breasts.
The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation recommends all women above 20 to undergo clinical examination every 2–3 years, in addtion to performing monthly self-examinations. Women above the age of 40, moreover, should receive mammography screening every 2 years.
The Breast Health Center, Family Health Service and Well Women Clinic are some public and non-profit screening options for you. If you wish to get a mammogram in a private setting, you may consider visiting a private hospital or breast cancer specialist.
A mammography can cost HK$1,000 to HK$3,000 in Hong Kong according to your choice of hospital, clinics or health centers. Check out this comparative guide on AD MediLink to find out more.
The most common treatment for breast cancer is surgery, among other treatment forms such as of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy.
Clinical information reviewed by Dr. Selina Pang 彭敏華醫生, a Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology practicing at Hong Kong Health Practice in Central. Dr. Pang completed her obstetrics and gynecology training at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong. She received her specialization qualification from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the U.K. She is currently Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital.
This article was independently written by Healthy Matters. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!