The Free Mammogram Screening Service Programme was launched in September 2008 to provide free mammography service to low-income women in Hong Kong. The Programme aims to provide low-income women timely and high-quality screening and diagnostic services as well as knowledge of breast healthcare with the belief that financial limitation should not be a barrier for screening and treatment of breast cancer. It will also increase public’s awareness of “Early Detection Saves Lives” on breast cancer, hoping to accelerate recovery and survival rate of breast cancer patients. The Programme has now supported nearly 1,900 low-income women in receiving free mammogram screening. Three of them were diagnosed breast cancer (stage 0, stage 2 and stage 3) and have received treatment.

Background

• Mammogram screening advances diagnosis and early detection of breast cancer; hence increases chances in survival.⁽¹⁾
• For women aged 40-59, only 9% undertakes mammography once every 2 years while over 70% has never taken any⁽²⁾
• Breast screening method has been proven to reduce breast cancer mortality rate by 20% to 30%.⁽³⁾

Objective

1. Help low income females aged 40 or above to develop habit of biennial mammogram screening and assist them to obtain the service free of charge with the belief that financial limitation should not be a barrier for screening and treatment as well as increase their awareness of “Early Detection Saves Lives” on breast cancer.
2. Assist low income women to diagnose and detect breast cancer at an early stage so as to accelerate recovery and survival rate.

• Eligibility Criteria
• Application Notes
• Participating service providers