Founder's Message

Self Photos / Files - DrCheung

Dr. Polly Cheung
Founder 
M.B.,B.S. (HK),F.R.C.S. (Glasg), 

F.R.A.C.S., F.C.S.H.K., F.H.K.A.M. (Surg)

 

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF) was established by me and Founding chairman Doris Kwan on 8 March 2005, uniting the expert knowledge of medical professionals and the passion of breast cancer survivors, with the vision of mitigating the threat of breast cancer through education, patient support, research and advocacy.

 

We are a patient centric, professional-led non-profit charitable organisation, focused on work that address holistic cancer support to patient and their carers, arouse public awareness of breast health and cancer prevention, and conduct research to drive evidence-based advocacy in improving breast cancer control and treatment.

 

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of HKBCF in serving the community. With the efforts of past and present board of directors, with chairman Doris Kwan, Joanna Choi, and currently Eliza Fok, we have established 3 service centres:

  1. Breast Cancer Support Centre, providing professional psychosocial counselling, peer sharing program, treatment support and lymphedema care led by qualified lymphedema therapist
  2. Breast Health Centre, providing breast health education, mammogram screening and diagnostic services to the public at large especially the underprivileged
  3. Breast Cancer Research Centre with the  major task of maintaining the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Registry, which is the largest and most comprehensive breast cancer database in the territory.


“Early Detection Saves Lives”
is first adopted by our founding board of directors as HKBCF motto. It is the strong belief shared by breast cancer survivors and medical professionals, that detecting breast cancer early, can save lives, save cost, and reduce sufferings from breast cancer treatment. Over the years, we have embarked on lobbying for regular breast screening for all women at risk. We are happy to witness the HKSAR government policy from against breast screening in 2004, to neutral stand in 2010 and to  recommending risk-based mammogram screening in 2020.


Breast cancer has been the number one cancer affecting women in Hong Kong for three decades, and the third in cancer mortality. The overall lifetime risk of breast cancer for local women has increased from 1 in 23 (2000) to 1 in 13 (2023), alerting us to this major health hazard. Women should take control of their own health and be proactive in seeking breast health information and screening services. HKBCF will walk alongside with women in Hong Kong towards mitigating breast cancer threat, to build a better and healthier community.

 

The work of HKBCF has not been possible without the dedication of volunteers serving the council and committees, resources and fund raised from cancer survivors, medical professionals, their friends and supporters, philanthropists, and charitable Foundations.  It is cherished by people who share the vision and mission and who have contributed their time and effort. I thank those who have contributed to the growth and maturity of HKBCF. I look forward to your continuing support to the Foundation.