42.6% of Cervical Cancer Cases in Hong Kong Are Diagnosed at Advanced Stages—Why Screening Could Save Your Life
Cervical cancer is on the rise in Hong Kong, with 42.6% of new cases diagnosed at an advanced stage. Despite the fact that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in women, the screening rate in Hong Kong remains shockingly low—only 39% of women have undergone regular screening. This means many are missing out on life-saving early detection.
Regular screening can reduce the risk of cervical cancer and death by up to 90%, but too many women remain unaware of the importance of timely checks. As the disease continues to impact more women, it’s crucial that we break down the barriers preventing regular screenings and empower women to take control of their health.
In this WOI Insights post, we sit down with the Karen Leung Foundation (KLF) to explore the current state of cervical cancer in Hong Kong. We look at the barriers women face in accessing screenings, and how innovative solutions like Roche Diagnostics HPV self-sampling are changing the game. The statistics are alarming, but there is hope—through education, awareness, and action, we can make a significant impact. Let’s accelerate cervical cancer prevention in Hong Kong.
Cervical Cancer in Hong Kong: A Preventable Crisis
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, with over half a million new cases reported each year. In Hong Kong, however, the statistics are particularly troubling. Over the past decade, the number of new cervical cancer cases has risen by 30%, with 522 new cases reported in 2022 alone. Even more alarming is the fact that 42.6% of these cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage, meaning that for too many women, it was too late for successful treatment.
This is not a unique problem for Hong Kong. Globally, cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is common and usually asymptomatic, persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer if left undetected. In fact, by the age of 50, it’s estimated that 80% of women will have been infected with HPV. Yet, the majority of these infections do not lead to cancer, thanks to early detection through regular screening.
The Life-Saving Power of Regular Screening
Cervical screening is the single most effective way to prevent cervical cancer. In fact, regular screenings can reduce the risk of cervical cancer and death by as much as 90%. Screening options like the Pap smear or HPV testing allow for early detection of abnormalities that could lead to cancer, even before symptoms appear.
The impact of timely screenings cannot be overstated. For women aged 35 to 64, regular screening can reduce the risk of death from cervical cancer by 92%. Even for younger women aged 25 to 34, screening can lower the risk of death by 73%. These are remarkable statistics that show how much early detection can change the outcome for women diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Unfortunately, fewer women in Hong Kong are taking advantage of this life-saving opportunity. Despite the benefits, only 39% of women in Hong Kong have undergone cervical screening. This is a stark reminder that more must be done to raise awareness about the importance of screening and to make these screenings more accessible to women across the city.
Why Aren’t More Women Getting Screened?
According to a 2024 survey, the reasons for this low screening rate are varied. One of the biggest barriers is the fear of pain, with 34% of women saying they are too afraid to undergo screening because of discomfort. Others feel they are healthy and don’t see the need for screening, while 17% are simply too busy with work or life responsibilities to take time off for a check-up.
Additionally, a lack of awareness is contributing to the problem. Only 38% of women in Hong Kong are knowledgeable about cervical cancer screening. This lack of understanding can prevent women from seeking out screenings or even recognizing the risks associated with not being tested regularly.
These statistics reflect a significant gap in education and outreach efforts. To close this gap, we need to focus on increasing awareness about the benefits of cervical screening and providing women with the support they need to overcome the barriers preventing them from seeking care.
The Future of Screening: HPV Self-Sampling
One solution that could help address some of the barriers to cervical cancer screening is HPV self-sampling. This innovative method allows women to collect their own samples for HPV testing in the comfort and privacy of their own home. HPV self-sampling has been shown to provide similar accuracy to samples collected by clinicians, while also offering women the convenience and privacy that traditional screening methods may not.
Self-sampling is a breakthrough in accessibility and could significantly increase the number of women getting screened. By offering a less invasive and more private option for testing, self-sampling could help alleviate the fear and discomfort that many women associate with cervical screenings.
In addition to self-sampling, innovative programs like the KLF’s “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign” are making screening more accessible to underprivileged women. This program, which offers free cervical cancer screenings to 300 eligible women, provides both self-collection and clinician-led testing options. If test results are abnormal, the program ensures follow-up services, providing the necessary support for women to seek treatment.
Mental Health and Cervical Cancer: The Hidden Burden
While much of the focus on cervical cancer revolves around early detection and prevention, it’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll that the disease can have on women. Research has shown that nearly half of gynecological cancer patients suffer from depression, with women in Asian populations facing a particularly high rate of mental health challenges. In southwest China, 44% of patients with gynecological cancer experience depression, compared to only 22-26% in Western countries.
The psychological impact of cervical cancer is often underestimated, but it is just as crucial as the physical treatment of the disease. Providing mental health support alongside medical treatment can significantly improve the overall well-being of patients and survivors, helping them navigate the emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis.
#AcceleratingAction: What Can Be Done?
The statistics are clear: cervical cancer in Hong Kong is on the rise, and too many women are missing out on the opportunity for early detection. However, there is hope. By breaking down the barriers to screening—through education, better access to services, and innovative solutions like HPV self-sampling—we can make a real difference in the fight against cervical cancer.
It’s time for action. The government, healthcare providers, and community organizations must work together to raise awareness and ensure that every woman in Hong Kong has access to the screenings and support she needs.
If you’re a woman reading this, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Regular screenings can save your life. Take control of your health today. Whether it’s participating in the “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign” or scheduling a regular screening, make cervical health a priority.
Let’s take action to ensure that cervical cancer is no longer a preventable tragedy. Together, we can make a difference. For more information and to register for the “HK Women’s Checkup Campaign,” visit the Karen Leung Foundation’s website and join the movement for better health.
This is a call to arms for women in Hong Kong—don’t wait. Break the silence, take control, and spread the word about the importance of cervical cancer screening. The time to act is now.
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