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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Screening, Prevention And Understanding Mammograms

a graphic image showing a woman getting a mammogram
Health & WellnessPost Category - Health & WellnessHealth & Wellness

If you’ve been meaning to book a mammogram in Hong Kong, consider this your nudge to get it sorted.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re all for getting behind the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation’s Pink Walk, wearing our pink and making donations to support a worthy cause. But above all, it’s a reminder to check in on our own breast health. That means knowing what’s normal for our bodies, being aware of any changes and making time for your next mammogram.

We get how quickly a health screening can slip down the priority list, so consider this your annual reminder to book in. We’ve rounded up where to go, including private hospitals and subsidised screening options, plus what you need to know before your appointment, so there are no more excuses!

Jump to:

Where To Get A Mammogram In Hong Kong
Free And Subsidised Breast Cancer Screening In Hong Kong
What To Know About Mammograms

Read More: Early Breast Cancer Symptoms — Signs To Look For And How To Check Your Breasts


an asian woman has a mammogram of her breasts

Where To Get A Mammogram In Hong Kong

Whether you’re booking your first mammogram or arranging a follow-up screening, there are several options across Hong Kong. Some centres offer standalone mammograms, while others include breast imaging as part of a wider women’s health check.

Read More: Where To Get Women’s And Family Health Checks In Hong Kong


Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation — Dedicated Breast Screening Centres

The Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF) operates two dedicated breast health centres, in North Point and Ngau Chi Wan. Both offer breast cancer risk assessments, clinical examinations, mammograms and breast ultrasounds.

The Foundation also runs subsidised screening programmes for eligible women, so it’s worth checking your eligibility before booking at the standard rate.

Services offered: 2D and 3D mammography, with additional diagnostic services available if further investigation is needed.
Price (for HKID card holders): From $1,400 (see full fee table here)

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (Hong Kong Island), 21/F, Jupiter Tower, 9 Jupiter Street, North Point, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (Kowloon), G/F, 28 Lung Cheung Road, Ngau Chi Wan, Kowloon, www.hkbcf.org

Read More: Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation’s Annual Pink Walk


Private Hospitals And Clinics With Breast Screening Services

  • Hong Kong Sanatorium Breast Care Centre – State-of-the-art hospital facility with advanced imagery services, diagnostics and treatment plans. www.hksh.com
  • CUHK Breast Health Clinic – Breast screenings, surgical consults and procedures. www.cuhkmc.hk
  • Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong Breast Clinic – Screening, breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and education. www.gleneagles.hk
  • Adventist Hospital Breast Clinic (Stubbs Road) – Ultrasounds, mammogram, diagnostic procedures and treatment. www.hkah.org.hk
  • Adventist Hospital Breast Health Center (Tseun Wan) – A multi-disciplinary team of breast surgeons, oncologists and radiologists. www.twah.org.hk
  • Canossa Hospital Well Woman Centre – Ultrasounds and 3D mammograms available. www.canossahospital.org.hk
  • Matilda International Hospital – Mammograms offered as a part of health screenings. www.matilda.org
  • OT&P – Breast exams included in Health Screening Packages. www.otandp.com
  • QHMS – 3D Mammogram available. www.qhms.com

Read More: Public And Private Hospitals In Hong Kong — Where To Go In An Emergency


two friends in black tops hold pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness

Free And Subsidised Breast Cancer Screening In Hong Kong

Before paying for a private mammogram, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for one of Hong Kong’s subsidised breast cancer screening programmes.


Government-Subsidised Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme

Hong Kong’s Department of Health takes a risk-based approach to breast cancer screening, with services available through different programmes depending on age and individual risk factors. The Government’s Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme Phase II provides subsidised screening for eligible women at high risk of developing breast cancer.

Broadly, applicants must be aged 35 to 74, hold a Hong Kong Identity Card or Certificate of Exemption, be registered with eHealth and meet the programme’s high-risk criteria. Certain women with a family history may qualify for screening from age 30.

Where to start: Check the official Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme website for eligibility.
Screening Centres: A full list of Breast Cancer Screening Centres that participate in the services can be found here.
Co-payment: Participating providers may charge a co-payment of up to $225 per mammogram or ultrasound examination under the programme.


a radiologist explains how the x-ray works for a mammogram

What To Know About Mammograms

What Is A Mammogram?

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breasts, used to detect changes in breast tissue that might not be noticeable through touch alone. It’s one of the main tools used in breast cancer screening and can pick up abnormalities before symptoms appear.

During the examination, each breast is briefly compressed between two plates while the images are taken. It might sound uncomfortable (and we’ll get to that!), but the actual screening only takes a few minutes.


an African woman checks herself for breast lumps

When Should You Get A Mammogram In Hong Kong?

According to the Department of Health:

  • Women aged 44 to 69 with certain combinations of risk factors may be advised to have a mammogram every two years.
  • Women at moderate risk, including those with a close family history of breast cancer that meets certain criteria, are recommended to have a mammogram every two years.
  • Women at high risk, including those with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations or a strong family history, may need annual mammograms, sometimes beginning as early as age 30.

Not sure where you fall? The Government has a free Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool for women aged 44 to 69. It’s a useful starting point before discussing screening with your doctor.


a doctors gloved hands use an ultrasound machine to screen from breast cancer

Mammogram Vs Breast Ultrasound: What’s The Difference?

You might notice that many Hong Kong clinics offer both mammograms and breast ultrasounds, sometimes together in a screening package. So, do you actually need both?

A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to detect abnormalities, including tiny calcium deposits that can sometimes be an early indication of breast cancer.

A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It’s particularly useful for investigating lumps and determining whether they’re fluid-filled cysts or solid masses. It can also provide additional information when breast tissue is dense.

One isn’t necessarily better than the other. They serve different purposes, and your doctor may recommend one or both depending on your circumstances.


2D Vs 3D Mammograms: What’s The Difference?

With several Hong Kong clinics offering 3D mammograms, it’s worth understanding what you’re paying extra for.

A traditional 2D mammogram takes X-ray images of the breast from different positions. A 3D mammogram, also known as breast tomosynthesis, captures multiple images from different angles to create a more detailed view of the breast tissue.

This can make it easier to spot abnormalities that might otherwise be hidden by overlapping tissue, particularly in women with dense breasts. It can also reduce the likelihood of being called back for additional images.

That doesn’t mean everyone needs to upgrade to 3D. Both are established screening methods, and your doctor can help you decide which is most appropriate.


What To Expect At Your Mammogram Appointment In Hong Kong

If you’ve never had a mammogram, the thought of having your breasts squashed between two plates probably isn’t filling you with enthusiasm! The good news is that the procedure itself is quick, even if it’s not the most comfortable experience.

A few things to know before you go:

  • Dress comfortably. You’ll need to undress from the waist up, so a two-piece outfit makes things easier.
  • Skip the deodorant and body lotion. Powders, creams and deodorants around your breasts and underarms can interfere with the X-ray images.
  • Mention any breast changes. Let the radiographer know about lumps, pain, previous surgery or anything unusual. Also tell the clinic if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Bring previous mammogram results, if you have them. Comparing images can help radiologists identify changes over time.

During the appointment, a radiographer will position each breast on the mammography machine and apply compression for a few seconds while the images are taken. You may feel some pressure or discomfort, but it shouldn’t be unbearable. Speak up if you’re in pain.

Once the images are complete, you can get dressed and carry on with your day. The radiologist will review your scans, and the clinic will let you know when to expect the results.

And, if you’re called back for more imaging? Try not to jump to conclusions. Sometimes doctors simply need a clearer picture, and further investigations don’t automatically mean cancer has been found.

Read More: The Top Breastfeeding And Lactation Consultants In Hong Kong

Editor’s Note: This article was most recently updated in October 2026 by Jessica Mizzi. Thanks to Nikita Mishra for her contribution.

  Main image courtesy of ST.art via Getty, image 1 courtesy of National Cancer Institute via Unsplash, image 2 courtesy of Anna Tarazevich via Pexels, image 3 courtesy of Povozniuk via Getty, image 4 courtesy of National Cancer Institute via Unsplash, image 5 courtesy of Unsplash

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