Authors: (including presenting author): :
Wang YL (1), Cheung PL (1), Wong WY (1), Lai LY (1), Lau WH (1), Chiu WH (2), Lam PH (1), Kwok ML (2), Wong K (1), Leung SY (1), Leung KW (1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Family Medicine, NTEC, (2)Central Nursing Division, Prince of Wale Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Preventive care
Keyword 2: :
Women Health service
Keyword 3: :
Family medicine
Introduction: :
Preventive care service is a core focus in Primary Healthcare Commission. The Hong Kong Cancer Registry reports rising incidences of cervical and breast cancers between 2022 and 2023. Cervical cancer cases increased from 522 to 576, ranking 9th in mortality while breast cancer cases rose from 5,182 to 5,585, remaining the most common cancer in female and 3rd in mortality. The growing burden among women in Hong Kong highlights the needs for proactive measures. Thus,
a dedicated women's health preventive care service was launched in the Family Medicine Clinics on 28 March, 2025 to provide screening for cervical and breast cancer.
Objectives: :
-To develop a nurse-led model to enhance preventive care services -To implement cervical and breast cancer screening for better women’s health empowerment.
Methodology: :
At the first nurse assessment, cervical cancer screening via Pap smear was offered to eligible women aged from 25 to 64 years old who were sexually active, excluding virgins and those with hysterectomy. Breast cancer screening followed a risk-stratified protocol as recommended by the Cancer Expert Working Group. Mammography (MMG) was arranged for individuals with a risk level≥75%. Supplemental breast ultrasound was ordered for clients with radiologically dense breast tissue. Clients identified with new palpable lesions during clinical examination were directly referred to surgical specialists, establishing a clear care pathway from detection to specialist evaluation. Nurses served as the crucial link, ensuring a timely and organized transition from screening to diagnostic evaluation.
Result & Outcome: :
539 clients underwent breast cancer screening; 17 (3.1%) had abnormal results, including breast lump (9, 1.6%) and MMG with results Bi-RADS 3(3, 0.55%), and 4a (1, 0.18%). 4 (0.7%) were identified with dense breasts and were proceeded with ultrasound as an adjunct screening tool.
For cervical cancer, among 468 clients, 26 (5.5%) had abnormal findings: ASCUS (11, 2.3%), LSIL (7, 1.5%), HSIL (4, 0.8%) and AGC (4, 0.8%). All abnormal results were managed in accordance with the HKCOG Guidelines (2024).
This nurse-led preventive care initiative successfully identified individuals with abnormal breast and cervical findings within a family medicine clinic setting, facilitating early intervention. The model demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated and accessible screening services in strengthening women's health and optimizing the oncology care pathway. Sustaining and expanding such services can further mitigate the rising cancer burden in Hong Kong.
