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Breast Cancer Screening in Hong Kong: Mammograms & Self-exams Options
On average, 12 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Hong Kong. Here is what to know about screening.
Last update:
6th August 2024
6th August 2024
On average, 12 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Hong Kong. Here is what to know about screening.
Last update: 6th August 2024
October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our Alea team wants to remind you that detection is key. Here is what you need to know about breast cancer in Hong Kong, what symptoms to look for, and all of your screening options including Pink Month mammogram discounts!
Breast cancer statistics in Hong Kong
Breast cancer remains the number one cancer affecting women in Hong Kong since 1994. Statistics show that 1 in every 14 women stands a chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime.
In Hong Kong, the median age of breast cancer patients is 58, to be compared with the age of 62 in the United States and 60 in Australia. However, the youngest reported case in Hong Kong was about 20.
On average 12 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Hong Kong.
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
The most common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A breast lump or irregularity that is different from the surrounding tissues around the breast.
- A change in size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
- A change in skin texture of the breast or around the nipple, for example, red, scaling, peeling, flaking, dimpling, or pigmented discoloration.
- A rash around the nipple or discharge from one or both nipples.
- A newly inverted nipple.
- An “orange-skin” appearance.
- New lump or thickening in the armpit.
If you notice any change in your breasts such as lumps or other unusual signs, talk to your doctor promptly.
Self-examination and breast screening: How often?
Western countries usually recommend visiting your physician on an annual basis. In Hong Kong, due to the lack of research and data currently available, 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.
However, the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF) has several recommendations on screening tests:
- Self-examination for women age 20-40+ must be done every month.
- Clinical examination should be done every 3 years for ages 20-39 and every 2 years for 40 and over.
- Women aged 40 and over should go for mammography screening once every 2 years (the American Cancer Society recommends this to be every year).
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Where to get breast screening in Hong Kong?
If you reside in Hong Kong, you can access body checks in private clinics and hospitals. Keep in mind that the private sector is not standardized and that packages, costs and user experience vary greatly depending on the provider.
You can also visit the Hospital Authority, HKBCF, and Family Health Service.
The methods of breast screening include self-examination, gynecological annual check-ups, mammograms, MRI and ultrasound scanning, as well as, genetic testing:
- Self-examination can promote breast awareness which can help bring an understanding to the normal changes the breasts undergo and may help to identify any unusual signs or symptoms that can happen gradually.
- Mammography has been the standard screening modality for women at increased risk of breast cancer, and women aged 40 and over.
- MRIs are common for younger women and those with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer.
- Ultrasound is used as an adjunct to mammography in women with radiologically dense breasts and has the potential of depicting breast cancers not seen on mammography. Ultrasound is relatively inexpensive, well-tolerated, more widely available than MRI.
What is the cost of breast screening in Hong Kong?
This guide does not aim to be exhaustive. It is informative only and based on our independent research. No practitioner or clinic paid any fees or rendered any services in exchange of inclusion in this article.
Public and non-profit organization fees
| Public & Non-profit organizations | Type of examination | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Family Health Service (2112 9900) | Eligible women Non-eligible women | HK$ 310 annual fee + HK$ 225 for each mammography HK$ 850 annual fee + HK$ 510 for each mammography |
| Well Women Clinic (2915 7555) | 2D Mammogram 3D Mammogram Breast Ultrasound | HK$ 980 HK$ 2,000 HK$ 1,000 |
Private hospital fees
| Private hospitals | Type of examination | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Adventist Hospital (3651 8808) | Plan 1 (Consultation, Breast Examination, Mammogram, Detailed Medical Report Explanation by Physician) Plan 2 (Consultation, Breast Examination, Bilateral Ultrasound, Detailed Medical Report Explanation by Physician) Plan 3 (Consultation, Breast Examination, Mammogram, Bilateral Ultrasound, Detailed Medical Report Explanation by Physician) Plan 4 (Core Biopsy of breast) | HK$ 1,900 HK$ 1,900 HK$ 2,700 HK$ 6,000 (Plan 1 , 2 or 3 participants are eligible to enjoy a discounted price of HK$ 4,800 for Plan 4 once within 6 months). |
| Baptist Hospital (2339 8888) | Woman Health Plan 1 (Education for Self-Breast Examination, Physical Examination, 2 Consultations, Investigation Report, Pap Smear, USG Pelvis, USG Breasts) Woman Health Plan 2 (Education for Self-Breast Examination, Physical Examination, 2 Consultations, Investigation Report, Pap Smear, USG Pelvis, USG Breasts, Mammogram, Bone Densitometry) | HK$ 2,970 HK$ 5,140 |
| Canossa Hospital (Caritas) (2522 2181) | 3D Mammogram (outpatient) | HK$ 2,730 |
| Gleneagles Hospital (3153 9000) | 3D Mammogram Screening Package (doctor’s consultation, 3D mammography screening or breast ultrasound, doctor follow-up consultation and report analysis) | HK$ 3,880 (Package Offer) |
Private clinic fees
| Clinics | Type of Examination | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Central Health (2987 7575) | Consultation 2D Mammogram + Ultrasound 3D Mammogram + Ultrasound | From HK$ 790 From HK$ 2,300 From HK$ 3,900 |
| London Medical Clinic (2537 6898) | Consultation 2D Mammogram Ultrasound | HK$ 900 HK$ 1,900 HK$ 1,400 |
| OT&P (2155 9055) | Well Woman Silver: Consultation & Examination, Pap Smear, 3D Mammogram & Breast Ultrasound Well Woman Gold: Consultation & Examination, Ferritin, Ovarian Cancer Marker, Pap Smear, 3D Mammogram & Breast Ultrasound | HK$ 5,900 HK$ 9,900 |
| Trinity Medical Centre (2197 0122) | Plan 1 (Breast Ultrasound, Cancer Antigen 15.3, Report Interpretation) Plan 2 (3D Digital Mammography, Cancer Antigen 15.3, Report Interpretation) Plan 3 ( Breast Ultrasound, 3D Mammography, Cancer Antigen 15.3, Report Interpretation) | HK$ 2,320) HK$ 4,620) HK$ 5,120) |
All amounts are in HKD. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
Is breast cancer screening covered by insurance?
Many insurers in Hong Kong cover cancer diagnoses. 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 opting for the private sector in Hong Kong.
If you are looking to be screened for preventive reasons only (i.e. there is no medical indication from your doctor), most plans cover breast screening under the "check-up" or "wellness" benefits. In fact, some international comprehensive plans allocate a benefit limit just for mammograms and breast ultrasounds. It is very important to note however that such "check-up" or "wellness benefits" are capped. You should systematically look into your plan’s sub-limits to make sure you understand how much you can claim from each specific benefit.
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.
Read our article about cancer insurance to learn more!
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This article was independently written by Alea and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and should never be relied upon for specific advice.
