1.1 What is breast cancer screening?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Hong Kong. Since 1994, it has become the most prevalent cancer among women in Hong Kong, with over four thousand new cases diagnosed each year. According to statistics, approximately one in every fourteen women in Hong Kong will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Medical research has found a direct correlation between the prognosis of breast cancer patients and the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed (representing the extent of cancer spread). Therefore, early detection of breast cancer and appropriate treatment for early-stage breast cancer are crucial in improving the chances of a successful recovery.
The goal of breast cancer screening is to detect early-stage breast cancer or precancerous lesions (in situ carcinoma) in women before any clinical symptoms appear. By identifying these conditions at an early stage, patients can receive timely and appropriate treatment, thus improving their prognosis.
Mammography is a commonly used breast cancer screening method and is recommended as an effective screening tool by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Mammography is a non-invasive scanning examination that helps doctors assess the structure of the breast and diagnose pathological changes within the breast. During a mammography scan, healthcare personnel will instruct the individual being examined to stand bare-chested in front of the scanner. The plastic portion of the scanner will be firmly pressed against one side of the breast, both from top to bottom and from side to side. X-ray images of the breast tissue will be taken during the examination, capturing two images of each breast. Some discomfort may be experienced by the individual during the examination.
1.3 Do I need breast cancer screening?
According to existing international medical research, the “Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening” under the Hong Kong government has put forward recommendations for breast cancer screening based on different risk profiles for women. The specific recommendations are as follows:
High-risk women
- Those with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Women confirmed to carry genetic mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes associated with hereditary breast cancer.
- Women who received radiation therapy to the chest before the age of 30.
Doctors recommend undergoing annual mammography screening for these individuals, and the age to start screening will be advised based on each individual’s circumstances.
Moderate-risk women
- Women with only one first-degree female relative diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50.
- Women with two first-degree female relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at any age.
Doctors recommend undergoing mammography screening every two years for these individuals.
Other women
If there are no above-mentioned risk factors, doctors recommend women aged 44 to 69 to undergo mammography screening every two years.
It is important to note that all screening methods may have the possibility of errors and may produce false positive or false negative results. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a doctor to understand the benefits and potential risks of screening before undergoing breast cancer screening.