Breast cancer is rated number one among the top ten cancers for women in Hong Kong. Lifetime breast cancer risk for females is 1 in every 14*. In 2019, 49% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer were aged 40-59. The older the age, the greater the risk.

In general, family history of breast cancer, lack of exercise, women who have never given birth or gave birth after age 35, high stress level, etc., are all considered as high risk factors for breast cancer.

Regular breast examination is widely recognized nowadays as one of the effective means for early detection of breast cancer, thereby reducing the related mortality rate. Women aged 40 or above are therefore highly recommended to perform breast self-examination monthly and undergo mammogram screening (and breast ultrasound examination) on a regular basis.

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the chance of cure. After a risk assessment and discussion with doctor, women may consider 3D mammogram screening. A 3D mammogram allows for a thorough examination of the breasts for any anomalies by using X-ray technology to capture multiple images of the breasts from different angles. It is less painful than a 2D mammography as the breasts are gently flattened during the examination.

Health Database

In 2020, there were 4,956 new cases of breast cancer, the median age at diagnosis was 58 years.

* Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation